A Reflective Journal

Blog of a 3rd year Digital Media Student at Edinburgh Napier University

[eedenee]

Wednesday 28th February 2020

Time : 16:00 - 17:00

Weather : Cloudy and dry

Today’s Observation 

Conducted an interview with bypassing tourist.

Interview Transcript with Tourist

*Explain about uni module and project, ask for consent of use of words sign consent form.

Interview with Estonian tourist

*Explain about university module and project, ask for consent of use of words*

So what brings you to this area?

I have a hotel near, I came to see the royal mile street. It is my second day in Edinburgh, it is really nice here.

Has the weather affected your trip?

Yeah I wanted to go to the Arthur seat today but it has been raining all day so that is why we came to walk around the city.

Have you visited any cafes/restaurants in this area?

No I didn't go in this street yet, but I went to a street near here. I visited a restaurant and cafe near here.

Did you buy anything from the shops in this street?

We bought some Scottish biscuits, I don't think I bought anything else. Maybe later we will go shopping more.

Did you visit the tron church?

No I haven't heard of that.

*explains what it is*

Did you sit inside hunters square? Or walk through?

Yeah we walked from there but we didn’t sit there because it is raining.

Who are you visiting with?

I came here with my mum and my aunt.

Have you noticed anything that you particularly like about this area?

It is very pretty and the buildings are so beautiful.

Anything else?

I will go take some pictures and then maybe visit the castle and see the view.

[eedenee]

Sunday 23rd February 2020

Time : 16:30 - 17:30

Weather : Drizzly rain, snowing in morning, wet ground

Today’s Observation

I sat in the window at starbucks and observed the square. Whilst conducting a general observation, I started to notice the way in which people were walking.

I counted the people over the hour and noted that they took two specific paths to get to the royal mile. First path going diagonally across the square and the second path (which seemed to be longer one of the two) going around and up.

This was particularly interesting as it made me question the reason behind the choice of path as they were both going to the same destination and one seemed significantly shorter, almost like a shortcut.

[eedenee]

Tuesday 11th Feb 2020

Time: 17:00 - 18.00

Weather: Snowing on and off, raining and cold

Initial Observation

Around the main square there are many places, shops - cashmere shop, Starbucks coffee, restaurants - pizza place, bars and pubs. 

Hunter’s Square being behind The Tron Kirk, part of Edinburgh Heritage, a 400 year old building which during the summer functions as Fringe Festival Venue. Many people walking through to reach different places, to the royal mile or back and forth. 

The square is also next to South Bridge road which is a very busy main road filled with other shops, cafes and restaurants. 

There are bike racks where people can store their bikes, only one bike was noted there. 

Also a stone bench where people can sit, no one sitting as it is soaked wet. 

[eedenee]

Responsive Environments

The upcoming posts on this blog will contain coursework progress and observation logs on Edinburgh’s Hunter’s Square.

Module Learning Outcomes

LO1: Design multimedia projects that make appropriate use of physical, aural, visual, time-based and interaction components to convey a message and reinforce its content.

LO2: Identify the appropriate technology to design a product or installation.

LO3: Develop working prototypes to appropriately augment an interactive product or installation.

LO4: Appraise their work in relation to current practice and theory.

[pamelapdm-blog1]

Our behind the scenes production which I edited together. 

https://vimeo.com/246287864

[eedenee]

[robyndawncooper-blog]

Here we were playing about with the lighting in the green screen room getting Lauren to spin around to see how the shadows on her face & body would be affected with the lighting we had on. The lights we had on during this was a dimmable soft box lights that were placed slightly in front of Lauren to her left and right. We also had lights on behind Lauren lighting up the background screen.

[eedenee]

Web Series

Our Team

Our Team was made up of @laurengausden, @robyndawncooper, @pamelapdm and myself. 

Our Brief

To create a 3-4 minute introductory sequence to an upcoming web series, targeting the specific millennial audience which must be carried out and told through a modern and innovative method of storytelling. The cinematic storytelling must also be within the style of our group’s randomly selected filmmaker. 

Our Project

Our randomly selected filmmaker was J.J. Abrahams, so we decided to follow some of the traits that are repeatedly found within his films, some of these include camera lens flares, handheld camera shots and slow forward camera pans onto the subject, we attempted to corporate these into our introductory episode. In terms the way in which we would tell our story, the platform that we decided to use would be youtube, as many people follow and watch lots of videos on this platform these days. The story would be told by a series of videos which allows the viewer to click and decide what would happen next, this way the viewer was able to interactive with the story and decide on the outcome they think should happen. 

My Role in the Team

Within the team I was in charge of lighting, I recorded sound and I was also an actress in the opening sequence. 

In terms of acting, I took on the role of the main female protagonist in the opening episode of the web series. I struggled a little with this task, as someone who is used to being behind the camera, I found it particularly difficult to be in front of the camera and have to act. In the end I managed to do it and I feel proud that I managed to do so. 

In terms of lighting, when our group was filming, upon setting up each shot I organised the way in which the lighting was desired to look, I advised our filming team members on camera angles and shots that gave us the effect we wanted. 

I also recorded some sound for the project, I did this by using a microphone and recording background sound in a coffee shop and also in a busy street, as we needed to mimic the effect of cars. 

[eedenee]

Rolling Shutter and Avoiding Flicker

The videos below show the flicker test using a UV light. 

The first video shows a recording of the UV light at 24 fps. 

The next video shows a recording of the same UV light but this time it was recorded at 25 fps and the flicker is completely gone. 

[robyndawncooper-blog]

UNDERCOVER FIRST EP- FINAL (via Vimeo)

The final edited version of our web series opening sequence! 

[eedenee]

Frame Rate and Shutter Angle

Frame rate and shutter angle are two functions that dramatically alter the style and mood of an image or video. Within this directed study we explored different frame rates and shutter angles to see what different kinds of effects and results we would get. 

To test different shutter angles, I used a tenor drum stick to flourish with which allows for a clear view of the definition and difference between each shutter angle test. Each shot was filmed at 24fps. 

1/200: 45°

The video displayed below was filmed using a shutter speed of 1/200.

In this clip there is an obvious lack of clarity in the movement of the tenor drum stick, there is a definitely motion blur and the cartwheel spin is not defined. 

1/50:180°

The video displayed below was filmed using a shutter speed of 1/50.

This clip is more defined and the movement of the tenor drum stick is more distinguishable. There is not so much motion blur as the camera is able to capture more action as the stick spins around.

1/30: 270°

The video displayed below was filmed using a shutter speed of 1/30.

Within this last test, at the smallest shutter angle, the camera is able to capture a lot of the stick movement, more than the human eye can see in real life. This shutter angle allows for extremely defined movement and a very unrealistic super defined effect. 

[laurensreflectivejournal-blog]

this was captured during last weeks class when we were testing out different microphones - this is my group testing out the rode microphone. 

[eedenee]

Rode Microphone

Finally, this is our group testing out the rode microphone which was placed on top of the camera. We discovered that this microphone was good for close up and more defined sound if the subject was any further away from the mic/camera then the sound would be very quiet. 

[eedenee]

The Fundamentals of Recording Sound

Different types of microphones are used for different recording situations, the type and use of the microphone can alter the sound recording dramatically. Within this directed study we explored different types of microphones and the different effects that they create.

Lavalier microphone

The video above shows our group testing a lavalier clip on microphone. We put the mic in different places but after watching this sound recording in editing it was detected that the microphone was placed too close to the subject’s mouth which lead has lead to evident rustling and popping noises. Placement of the lavalier mic is crucial in order to receive the best sound possible. 

Built-in Microphone

The video above shows our group testing the built-in microphone on the canon d100, as the microphone in is the camera and the camera is further away from the subject the sound is not so defined and rather unclear. It can also be heard that there is a hushing sound present which comes from the actual camera operating. 

[eedenee]

The Fundamentals of Lighting

Using different methods of lighting can dramatically alter the style and mood of an image or video. Within this directed study we explore different types of lighting and the different effects it can create. 

Using a Reflector 

The first technique we played with was using 1 light and a reflector in the attempt to dim the shadow caused by the bright light at an angle on the subject. 

Before:

After:

The two images above display the before and after of holding up the reflector. In the first image there is an obvious and rather dark shadow present, whereas in the second image example there is still a shadow but the shadow has faded drastically. In terms of the harsh shadows on the subjects face, they are also alleviated by correct placement of the reflector which allows the light to bounce back onto this other area of the face, this is the same for the shadow in the background of the subject.

We discovered that the correct angle and placement of the reflector was able to, not completely, but definitely alter the depth of the shadow caused by the subject of the photo. The reflector tool can also be used to allow a subject to become separate from the background, avoiding the silhouette effect (when a subject merges with the background). Lastly, the reflector can be used to alleviate dark shadows on subject’s face by bouncing the light back onto the face, to make it appear more evenly lit. 

Using a Spotlight

Using a spotlight allows for a dramatic effect to be made on an image or video. The images above reveal our group playing with a spotlight to attempt to create different effects. We discovered that altering the exposure of the spotlight created different dramatic effects. In the first image the spotlight is bright and overly exposed so it creates a very bright effect, in the second image we dimmed the spotlight and made it less exposed and finally in the third image we dimmed it as much as possible still leaving a gap for some light to shine through. 

3-Point/Soft box Lighting

The above image reveals our group trying studio lighting which consisted of soft box lighting. We discovered that we could light the subject evenly through using the 3 Point Lighting system. 

Using a key light as the main light, a fill light which is placed opposite the key light to fill the shadows created by the main key light and finally a back light to separate the subject from the background and also bring definition to maintain a three dimensional look. 

The use of soft box lighting allows for a calmer, more natural and soft lighting, said to give the look of window light shining through. 

[eedenee]

#TwentySomething - Completed Documentary 

The above video is a link from vimeo of my finalised documentary.

The documentary reveals an interview with my friend, main character, who is French/Algerian but was born in Scotland and has lived in Scotland for the majority of her life. The entire interview is spoken in French with English subtitles added to the bottom of each frame. The documentary follows an interview like structure, with the titled questions before they are answered. The interview flows following a handheld filmed shot which then cuts in and out using other miscellaneous shots around Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh. The miscellaneous shots reveal the main character, my friend, in different areas and doing different things whilst she explains her answers to the questions through the voiceover/main handheld interview.  

Documentary Feedback and Reflection

In terms of feedback that i received for my documentary, a lot of it was positive and many people said they liked the way it turned out but there was a few technical issues also. 

I received positive feedback regarding the topic of the documentary, it was said to be an interesting and very subjective topic to cover. For editing, I received compliments regarding the recorded sound and soundtrack. 

Regarding critical points of my feedback, it was said that some of the camera shots were a little shaky and could have been stabilised by using a device to hold the tripod and/or in post production editing using the stabiliser tool on a adobe premier pro. Another point of critique that I received was that the subtitles were out of sync and a little awkward to read, sometimes either they were too fast or other points they were slow and it was a little odd to keep up with.

On each of these positive and negative points of critique I completely agree with myself, if I were to make this documentary again I would ensure to fix the shaky camera and perhaps have a little more help with subtitles to ensure that they had rhythm and it was comfortable for the viewer to read. 

[eedenee]

Documentary Storyboard

A very sloppy but organised short storyboard that I drew up and followed when filming and editing my documentary. 

The storyboard reveals the shots that I used and a brief description below each box of what I was aiming for when filming each shot. 

In general, the documentary follows an interview with the main character, so that is the main frame, but in order to make a more interesting visual I added in some miscellaneous posing/walking shots. The shots will change between the main interview and the misc shots. 

[eedenee]

Documentary Treatment

- What is the core concept you what to express in your documentary?

 The core concept that will be expressed within my documentary is what it feels like to be in your twenties and not yet knowing the path you wish to follow in life.

 - Why is this worth making this as a short film, will it be compelling and interesting to an audience?

This is a topic worth making a short film on because it is relevant to everybody. Everyone experiences what is it like to be in their twenties, a stage of not knowing and being confused in the transition from a child to teen to an adult.

How will you express this concept through the medium of digital video?

Story structure – 

The first frame in my documentary will be an opening scene to reveal the place in which the documentary is being filmed, for example it is filmed within Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh city centre. Within the opening frame the title of the documentary will also be revealed. The middle frames will switch between different placement of the main character and a handheld interview. The last frames finish off with the handheld interview followed by the documentary credits.

Visual - 

A visual style that I will use is the handheld vision, the camera is not stable when interviewing the main character, it moves backwards and forwards which gives a more down to earth and personal vibe, almost as if one is interacting with the interviewee character. 

Aural -

The first aural style that I will use is recorded voice clips. The interviewee and main character is filmed through a handheld video shot and is wearing a lavaliere microphone to capture the best possible sound.

The second aural style that I will use is background clips of royalty free music to create the desired atmosphere as well as cancelling out any unwanted wind noise due to the disadvantage of filming in the outside area.

Technical considerations - 

The equipment required will include a camera (canon d700) for filming, lavaliere microphone for recording, tripod, adobe premier pro for post production in editing. The intended scene for filming will be in natural lighting as this is where the documentary will take place so the most appropriate camera settings will be adjusted onto the equipment in order to allow for the best quality recording.