Design Process

This video is the first video project I worked on for a course. The video is designed to showcase different shots used in videography, illustrating how various angles and movements can dramatically change the viewer's perception and engagement with the natural environment. In this video I attempt to capture the serene essence of hiking through forest trails, highlighting various videography techniques that enhance the storytelling experience.

Audience

This project is aimed at individuals beginning their filming journey and interested in understanding the different filming techniques in natural settings.

Responsibilities

Action Mapping
Storyboarding
Videography
Video Editing
Production Management

tools

Adobe Premiere Pro
Google Pixel 9
Audacity
Google Workspace

Goals

1. Demonstrate Shot Samples

Showcase how the Shot Samples effectively simulates and visualizes different camera shots, providing a clear understanding of each shot's impact on a scene.

2. Educate on Shot Types

Educate viewers on various types of camera shots (e.g., Wide, Medium, Close-up) and their applications in film and animation, illustrating how each type contributes uniquely to storytelling.

3. Highlight Practical Applications

Highlight the practical applications of using the Shot Sample Tool in pre-production and planning stages, helping filmmakers and animators make informed decisions about shot selection to enhance narrative impact.

Design

Low angle

I had the idea of using this shot as a transition shot from the point of view of the ground. By recording from this vantage point, the audience experiences the subject's movement more immersive from a stationary perspective. It adds depth to the foreground and fills the entire frame with a dark image, ideal as I transitioned into the next shot.

Dolly Zoom

This was a shot that I've noticed in videos before, particularly in drone reveal shots. I've always wanted to try it. The shot starts with a wide view, showcasing the expansive scenery, and smoothly transitions into an over-the-shoulder shot, offering a more intimate perspective. Finally, it shifts into a mid-shot, all within a continuous and dynamic camera movement.

Dolly MOvement

This was interesting trying to learn this technique. There were many failed attempts, trying to replicate that dolly movement without a dolly. I had a few okay shots that I was happy with, but as we were driving home from the hike, the idea came to me to use the car as a dolly and to grab a scenic forest dolly zoom. It was much easier, and a lot smoother.

Editing

Video Editing Breakdown
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Video Layers: Utilized three video tracks to layer various shots effectively. Applied LUT filters for color correction and enhancement across the scenes. Incorporated text overlays to provide context and enhance viewer engagement. Employed creative transitions, notably a black-and-white to color shift synchronized with the onset of music, achieved using cross-dissolve between two LUT filters.
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‍Audio Layers: Replaced original audio with ambient forest sounds to set the scene, removing distractions from the original tracks. Added realistic sound effects, including the sound of a car passing by and the click of a headphone case opening, to enrich the auditory experience. Introduced a music track that starts as the headphones are used, with volume adjustments to ensure a smooth transition between the ambient sounds and the music.
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‍Special Audio Effects: Implemented volume control techniques to reduce the forest sounds as the headphones are placed, emphasizing the music from the headphones for a more immersive experience.

Cutting Techniques

Utilized L-cut and J-cut transitions to maintain the flow of natural sounds while changing visuals.

color grading

Enhanced the greens and earth tones to bring out the lushness and richness of the forest.

Dynamic transition

Incorporated dynamic transitions to shift between different shot types, which helps to maintain viewer engagement and emphasize the diversity of the landscape.

narrative pacing

Carefully paced the shots to align with the narrative arc of the hike, slowly building up to scenic viewpoints and using quicker cuts to enhance the excitement of discovering new trails.

Reflection

Creating my short cinematic film was such a fun adventure! I can't even express how much I learned and enjoyed the entire experience. Out of all the shots I captured, there were a few that stood out as my favorites to shoot: the low-angle shot, the dolly movement, and the dolly shot. There were definitely moments of struggle during the shooting process, but they taught me so much about the purpose behind each shot. Having a storyboard and planned script before venturing on the project was very important. A lot of thought and planning goes into shot planning in a project, as each shot has a different effect and creates a different vibe. Overall, this project sparked a lot of inspiration, and I would consider continue creating videos.

Shot Sampling