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Instructions
Final Project: Stop Motion
Reflections
Final Project: Stop Motion
In this project, we are
required to produce a stop-motion video. We can either work in a
group of two members or individually. For groups, the duration of
the video is 60 seconds, while for individuals, it is 30 seconds.
The video can have a maximum of two characters, a screen
resolution of 1080p, and a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.
Voiceovers, sound effects, and music can be used.
I decided to work with a group, and my teammate will be Gam Jze Shin. Both of us decided to look into a few stop-motion videos to get more inspiration and ideas. We watched several stop-motion videos, shortlisted a few, and explained the reasons for choosing each video.
Figure 1.1 Shortlisted shorts.
We also discussed our topic focus for our stop-motion video. Our
initial idea was to focus on internet fraud. However, upon deeper
consideration, we realized that this topic might be a little bit
boring.
We then decided to change the topic to address the
issue of littering. We opted to use cartoon versions instead of
human characters in the video. The story will use analogies to
describe how a person throwing rubbish anywhere will face
consequences.
Figure 1.2 Final project proposal.
We then discussed the materials to use in building the background scenes and the appearance of both main characters. We decided to use clay and paper as they are easier to obtain and shape according to our desired form. Additionally, we searched on Pinterest to gather inspiration for the appearance of the main characters and the background view.
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| Figure 1.3 Visual references. |
After deciding on the appearance of both main characters, we started using colored papers, hemp rope, ice cream sticks and clays to create them. Additionally, we discussed the date and location to shoot once we had prepared all the materials needed for each scene.
Figure 1.4, 1.5 Process.
Although paper and clay are the easiest materials to create things, they still pose challenges. The clay takes time to solidify, or it will easily deform. Initially, the character we built had a small head, causing the legs and arms to appear too long and creating an unbalanced look. Due to this, we decided to build another character with a larger head to achieve a more balanced appearance.
Figure 1.6, 1.7 Clay character.
Figure 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12 Process.
Figure 1.13 Process.
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| Figure 1.14 Shooting setup. |
We adjusted the widescreen to a 16:9 aspect ratio in the stop-motion application and started shooting. We utilized a tripod stand to hold the smartphone used for shooting to obtain a consistent and stable shooting outcome.
Figure 1.15, 1.16 Stop motion application.
After completing the shooting, I exported all the footage and uploaded it to Google Drive. This allowed both of us to access the footage and edit together. I was in charge of clip arrangement, audio editing, and removing strings in some scenes. Jze Shin was in charge of color correction, intro and ending scene editing.
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| Figure 1.17 Footage. |
We tried to use the team project feature in Adobe Premiere Pro so that we could edit it together. However, there was a problem with the team project feature, as our clips were not shared. My laptop was able to see the complete video, while Jze Shin's laptop showed that the clips were offline. I found a few solutions online, but it still couldn't be resolved. We then decided to edit it separately. I would complete editing my part first, then upload the entire Adobe Premiere Pro file, raw materials such as footage, and sound effects to Google Drive. Jze Shin would download them to her laptop when it was her turn to edit.
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| Figure 1.18 Adobe Premiere Pro team project. |
I wanted to make the video funnier and more like a cartoon, so I used background music that is more chill instead of serious music. I also applied many sound effects for every action in the video to make viewers notice each action more.
Figure 1.19, 1.20 Progress screenshot.
To remove the string used in the video to make the can float in the air and hit the character's head, I searched online to learn the method.
Figure 1.21 YouTube tutorial.
I tried two methods: the first method is using After Effects to remove it, while the second is purely using Premiere Pro. The first method is more complicated, and the outcome of removal is not really good. The second method is easier compared to the first. Both methods can only apply to certain situations. After trying both, I decided to use the first method for the scene of the character throwing away the aluminum can and the second method for when the can hits back the character's head.
Figure 1.22, 1.23, 1.24 Progress screenshot.
For color correction, our goal is to give the overall scene a warmer tone, fitting for a street view on a sunny day. Therefore, a cold tone is not suitable for our video setting. We will apply a darker tone to the scene with the bin appearing behind the character. This is intended to create a more horror-themed scene that aligns with the background music.
Figure 1.25, 1.26 Progress screenshot.
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| Figure 1.27 Warm tone. |
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| Figure 1.28 Dark tone. |
For the introduction scene, we incorporate a paper roll into the shot, which opens to reveal the title of our video. As for the ending, the bin and aluminum can move toward the camera, zooming into the mouth of the bin, and gradually transitioning to a dark screen with the crew list rolling.
Figure 1.29, 1.30 Progress screenshot.
Final Stop Motion Video
Figure 2.1 Final Stop Motion.
Figure 2.2 Final project submission.
REFLECTIONS
At the initial stages of this project, I faced some challenges as we had the freedom to choose our own topic, and I struggled to come up with an interesting and captivating focus. However, as my teammate and I collaborated effectively, I gradually gained clarity and made progress in the project. Communication played a crucial role in our group work, as we held regular meetings to discuss ideas collectively and avoid individual decision-making. We shared a common direction and goal for the project.
Throughout this project, I discovered a new method for creating videos. It's not limited to recording with a camera, photos can be combined to produce a video. Additionally, I acquired skills in using Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing, starting from scratch and progressing to a finished product. Many of the skills learned in our lectures, such as audio editing, color correction, and frame size adjustments, were applied in our final project.
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