What did you learn from the authoring and publishing process? 

During my authoring process, I compiled videos from my Camera roll into Premiere Rush to edit. I chose to format the video using the 4:5 canvas, for ease of posting later to Instagram.  After importing my clips I kept the length of each mostly the same as the original videos. While editing I kept in mind the overall rhythm, as though the viewer was witnessing a series of fleeting moments. I then exported the sequence to my Camera roll to edit in the Prequel app. A key piece of learning for me was not being afraid to experiment with the footage that I have to work with as a part of the sketching process. I attempted a few drafts of videos using filters that would accentuate the ‘summer’ atmosphere I wanted to achieve. I finally settled on the ‘Jewelry’ and ‘Super-8’ effects in my final video draft. Before publishing I moved to Premiere Pro on my desktop to add text graphics to the video. While uploading to Instagram I kept auto-play for my video on as the default which allowed the video to loop continuously for the viewer. In my caption I included hashtags as I have in my previous posts, which I am learning should be carefully considered to maximise their effect. For example, I combined hashtags with a smaller reach and those with a large reach to distribute the content in several channels.

What went well? 

I am very satisfied with the overall look and feel of the video; I think that the Prequel effect ‘Jewelry’ adds to the warm, summer atmosphere that I intended to create. I also believe the framing of each clip works to create a ‘snippet’ feel as though the viewer is looking back in time. The ‘Super-8’ effect also gives the clip of the table setting a handheld or homemade feeling. I wanted the audience to feel the same kind of nostalgia through the colour grading and imagery I chose. I am also happy with the font I chose to use for the text- the italicised cursive font has a refined and relaxed appearance that aligns with the footage. I think that the video serves its purpose to transport the viewer to another place in time.

What did not go well? 

Something I could improve on is incorporating more textual elements alongside the video to meet this week’s prompt. I did not register until after publishing that I had only included title text; if I were to attempt this again I would add more text that narrates the imagery of summer. This could be done in a poetic manner, with text relating to certain memories or sounds that I encountered- for example, the splashing of waves or the creak of the chair. This would help add more of a storytelling element to my work, which I believe is important to engaging the viewer in my work.

What could you do better? 

Besides the textual elements, something I believe could be improved is the sound. I used the diegetic audio of each clip, to preserve the feeling of being in each space. Alternatively, to emphasise these different sounds I could have mixed them together a little to create a consistent soundtrack. I would also increase the audio slightly to highlight the different environments. Despite this, I am pleased with the way the visuals turned out alongside the audio.

Respond to the studio prompt question ‘How do the affordances of Instagram affect the way video content is authored?‘ What insights can you add in response to this question?