WEEK 1:

Some things that we did in this week’s workshop was just getting to touch base and reach ground zero with meeting everyone else in the class. We were introduced to the basic elements and studies that will be conducted in this chosen studio. I was also re-introduced to basics such as the three act structure, the rule of thirds and different camera angles when it comes to making our Assignment 1 in the next few weeks.

I have learnt that in this particular studio, there is a lot of involvement in terms of the physical and intellectual aspect of making and developing films. I learnt, especially in the first week, that there comes the development of the three-act structure, as well as the pre planning of a storyboard and script. We were introduced to websites such as Celtx which are great for specialising in script writing, this will hopefully come in handy for the next couple of years.

The main media making elements that I experienced and completed would include the script that I had planned for my Assignment 1. I was able to conjure up and make up a script that I visualised what my short 2-minute film could possibly look like. Not only this, but a quick scribble of a storyboard of the concepts I have in mind also comes in handy. Therefore, by making a simple script and drawing up a storyboard makes it a lot more easier when the time comes to filming. Another main media making element would be the use of the rule of thirds, and the use of different and cool camera angles that bring meaning and a sense of emotion for the audience.

 

WEEK 2:

Some key learning that I did in this week’s workshop was notably the use of colour grading as a way to enhance a specific shot or scene and therefore create a meaning that is completely different to that of the original shot without colour grading. The use of colour grading can help define the genre of a film as well as help the audience feel more engaged with a specific scene or shot. Another piece of learning was the use of sound and making sound such as Foley to fit in our assignment 1 films.

I learnt that not only can we find copyright free music for our short films, we can also head to the more creative aspect and try making our own score. Cat introduced us to websites that allowed us to play around with different sounds and combine these elements to make a unique score that would be used to apply to our short films. Applications such as Adobe audition is also another way to create music. We went into more pre-production work, in this case we touched on getting our scripts, shot lists and storyboards completed.

Some of the few main media elements that us as a group experienced in this week’s workshop was presenting our individual elevator pitches. Our elevator pitches consisted of a 1 to 2-minute pitch of what our ideas may be for our assignment 1’s. It was a brief proposal of what we may want to do for our assignments, this included stating our genres, and the three-act structure that we envision in each of our short films. Another main media making element that I was re-introduced to, was the use of foley. Foley is a way to enhance the sound quality of actions that do not sound good in it’s original form or is used to make sound effects sound much crispy. The use of different websites also helped us create different sounds in order to make our own original music as a score for our films.

 

WEEK 3:

Some key learning that we did in this week’s workshop was firstly get notified on the digital signature’s that are needed as our permission for ACMI to show our films that will be shown later on to the public in terms of one of our future and upcoming assignments. Other than that, we were able to get in touch with everyone else’s rough cuts. We watched everybody’s 1 to 2- minute rough cuts and gave feedback on each film as a way to make everybody’s film slightly better through evaluative and comprehensive feedback.

One of the main conceptual elements of this studio is giving feedback to your peers’ work. I think that it is very important for each individual to give positive feedback about each of their peers’ work as a way to let them know that they have done a great job, yet by giving feedback as a way to improve their work is more important as it shows that there are suggestions to as to how they can make their work ‘better’ through little improvements.

The main media making elements that we completed and experienced in the week 3 screen lab class was predominantly based on watching the rough cuts of those that wanted to present their work. Most students were able to present roughly a minute or two of their assignment 1 as a sneak peek of what they have filmed and edited already. By doing this, each student received feedback as a way to improve their film and also received some positive feedback.

 

WEEK 4:

Some key learning that we did in this week’s workshop was learning how to use VFX. Personally, I do not have any experience whatsoever with green screen and after-effects so everything seemed very foreign and different when I was introduced to the idea. Another thing we did in this week’s workshop was touch base with the assignment 4 that is in conjunction with ACMI, we were told the basics of the assignment and were also given the topics that are able for selection for the assignment 4. In our Tuesday class we watched everybody’s film and it allowed us see the different creative mindsets of different students in the class, also giving positive feedback for the hard work.

The main conceptual elements of this week 4 studio were learning after-effects and VFX. I am personally a foreign person to VFX and I have no skill in terms of the editing aspect of after-effects in adobe premiere pro. Though Cat was able to maintain my knowledge by explaining what to do through a step by step process using a green screen image and an image of something else we wanted to combine. This was done though Adobe Premiere Pro and after doing it, I feel somewhat comfortable making images combine together through a green screen image.

The main media making elements that I experienced in the Thursday tutorial was learning VFX and after-effects. This in particular was learning the basics of using green screen. I found this very fun as I was completely blinded in terms of knowledge when it comes to using after-effects via Adobe Premiere Pro, but I found it relatively easy as I progressed.

 

WEEK 5:

Some key learning that we did in this week’s workshop was learning about the gallery experience and how the experience of a gallery can bring memories that will last forever. It is the work of artists and the overall setting and atmosphere of the gallery that will help bring immersive experiences to those who enter the gallery. Another thing we did was set up the different topics we wanted for the assignment 4 ACMI collaboration, in this case I was able to choose the topic of ‘Different shot types in cinema’. I thought this was a cool way for me to film something that I am not familiar of as a way for me to understand the topic even more.

The main conceptual elements of this specific studio that I learnt was that in terms of the whole gallery experience, being able to show your work is one of the highest priorities when it comes to creating a cool and great experience for those that are attending or viewing the work. Therefore, this can connect to the assignment 4 in ACMI as we will be creating a film for our audience to enjoy and hopefully talk about positively after viewing it.

In the two tutorials for the week, we did not do too much physical media making. Though, we were asked to start on pre-production for the assignment 2 which is due next Friday. Therefore I have started writing up a synopsis of my short film, just a quick rough idea on what I may want it to look like, this also includes me creating a shot list that I have imagined in the top of my head. This will help me when the time comes to film, as it will be quicker and easier.

 

WEEK 6:

Some notable key learning that I did in this week’s Tuesday workshop was basically and simply watch everyone’s rough cuts for their assignment 2. We also heard the remaining elevator pitches from some other people.

Some of the main conceptual elements of this studio was to provide positive feedback on the rough cuts of everyone that presented. It is important to give feedback as a way for that person presenting to somewhat consider what everyone else commented on their work and look at it as a way to make their work a tad ‘better’. Allowing commenting and feedback is not a way to troll, but as a way to influence the presenter and point out the things that click in their film, giving positive feedback

In this week’s Tuesday class, we didn’t specifically make or learn any media making skills or what not. Instead we were told to continue our work within the post-production aspect of our assignment 2 which is due later this week. Therefore, I carried on working on adding finishing touches to my work. I also listened to the feedback that was given to me by my teacher on improving the lighting of my rough-cut film.

 

WEEK 7:

Some key learning that I did in this week’s workshop was get notified about starting pre-production on our assignment 3 and assignment 4. Assignment 3 is basically an outline and is a three-minute presentation discussing and showing what we will each showcase for assignment 4.

The main conceptual elements of completing and working on assignment three will help the class understand our main ideas of how we will tackle the assignment. The slideshows that we will complete simply starts with us introducing ourselves and discussing our ACMI topic. Our research is vital as the assignment will be very formative and will contain information that has to be researched to create a more knowledgeable and factual assignment. It is also important that we add any pre-production work such as rough cuts and concepts as we will be able to hear feedback from our peers so as to learn and improve from it.

The main media making elements that I completed was starting to research about my specific ACMI topic which was ‘Different shot types in Cinema’. Therefore, I have started learning and understanding the different shots that are seen in a typical film, why, how and the meaning of each shot. Different shot types convey meaning and I will explore each shot, showcasing an example of the specific shot from a movie and also by doing it myself. I will then have a voiceover on the top while the screen plays allowing me to talk more about the shot in depth.

 

WEEK 8:

Some key learning that I did prior to the week 8 Tuesday class was to begin my preparation of my assignment 3 presentation rough cuts. Cat told us the basic elements and what were the main things needed to create the assignment. We were all given an outline of what our presentation slides could possibly look like and were shown different examples from past students work. This had allowed me to spark an idea of starting and creating my very own rough cut.

The main conceptual elements of this studio that I learnt was the fact that by creating a rough cut or having a rough cut in the back of your head is a great way to express your ideas that aren’t yet official, and by doing this it allows us to look further behind the pros and cons of each idea. It helps us choose wisely what ideas best suit our likings and capabilities. Once again by doing this, we can focus on something that seems more interesting and that we think we will be able to strive in capturing the attention of our audience.

The main media making elements for this week was to basically start creating my rough-cut assignment 3 presentation slides. I found this fun and intriguing as it allowed me further to be interested in the topic I chose according to ACMI and our assignment 4. It also helped build a simple guideline and structure for my assignment 4, making it easier for when it comes to the time of me having to film and create.

 

WEEK 9:

Key learning that I did in this week’s workshop was being able to look at the work from our peers and give feedback regarding what improvements they need, what we liked about it and what they can add to their work. This is a very good way to help our peers look at their feedback, learn from it and add it according to what has been said about their work, whether it is positive feedback or suggestions on how to make their work more appealing for the audience and viewer.

The main conceptual elements in this studio was to allow people from the class to know that it is good to receive feedback and to not take it as a personal matter, yet it is a great way to show that we are diving into their work and looking beyond to find ways to create and build a structure so that when it comes to them creating their assignment four, they can find it easier and learn from what suggestions have been made about their work prior.

In assigned groups of four, we were able to look at two or three different assignment three slides from different people. We looked at what aspects from the assignment that we liked, jotting down positive thoughts and ideas about the work. We were able to also write down a couple things that needed improvements in the assignment which were unclear and needed more clarification. This connected to us giving suggestions as a way to improve and work on heading into the preparation of the assignment 4 work.

 

WEEK 10:

For this Tuesday tutorial, Cat was able to keep the class as simple and chill as possible. We were notified about having to start our pre-production for our final assignment 4. Some key learning that we learnt were being able to know about the ACMI footage collection on YouTube, and also that we can use archival free footage and music for our assignment. Cat notified us about the different restrictions that we must know before submitting our assignment such as having personal release forms for recording anybody as a form of consent to show their face. Watermarks should be blurred in a professional matter as well. In terms of the main media making elements that I have experienced is that I have begun pre-production on my assignment 4, such as starting a script. Considering that I can’t use the scriptwriting website ‘celtx’ due to subscriptions, I shifted to using Microsoft word and trying my best to make the script look as professional as possible. I have started writing what my voiceover will say, putting information about my topic and adding different actions that I will put onto my video essay, this will make it much easier for me to follow as ‘guidelines’ when I start filming and creating my rough-cut.

 

Week 11: 

For the Tuesday tutorial this week, as a class we had to present each of our individual assignment 4 rough cuts. Our rough cuts were just minor and little presentations of our assignment and are the basis of where we hear suggestions and feedback that we can build on. ACMI guest speaker and videographer Field Carr joined us in watching and providing helpful feedback for everyone’s rough cuts. Looking at my rough cut, Field provided me with some positives and pointed out a couple of minor changes that could lift my assignment in terms of its visual aesthetic and engagement to the audience. Field suggested I, credit each of the films that I excerpted, remove the live action that I initially planned and intended on adding, strip the edit to the simple voiceover, title and film excerpt as well as include three different shot types that all have the title of these shots. Field also noticed that I need to have 1920 x 1080 and that I had scope in my videos that had to be changed. All of these pieces of feedback was very helpful and allowed me to look beyond my work and add changes.

 

Week 12:

In this week’s Tuesday tutorial, Cat decided to watch and review the work of those that uploaded a rough-cut for week 12. In week 11, ACMI guest speaker and videographer Field Carr joined us and provided helpful feedback. Furthermore, using the feedback from both Cat and Field, as a class each individual group worked on their assignment 4 and worked according to the feedback given from both Cat and Field. On the Tuesday tute, Cat watched my week 12 rough-cut and said that I needed to change my video to 1920 x 1080. She also advised that my frames per second (fps) was too high for what was the required number. The fps needed from Field was 25 fps and I had roughly 60 fps. Both Cat and Field noted that since I used widescreen that I had to change the view size of each of my clips as they seemed very small.

 

Taking into account all of the advice and feedback from Field and Cat, I went on to continue completing my assignment 4 according to what was said about my work and what was needed. I ended up changing the fps of each of my clips and also stretching each of my clips as they were pretty small. I also changed my video to 1920 x 1080 which were all pretty quick fixes to enhance my work.

 

Week 13:

In the final class of the semester, as a class we watched the exhibition screening for all of our final assignments. Our assignments were combined into one whole video and as a class we were able to watch everyone’s completed final assignments. Joining us alongside were a couple of the course coordinators who watched our videos and gave us positive feedback about them. Overall, this was probably one of my more favourite classes so far in my first year of university, having this class was pretty fun and really fitted well to my likings. Overall, this whole experience was something I will never forget, completing assignments at home, filming all of our assignments in the confines of our household, not being able to film anyone outside of the house. It was definitely challenging, yet the course was able to provide a fun and enjoyable learning platform for me during these tough times and I really thought that it was exciting!