VIDEO AND SOUND PRODUCTION (FINAL PROJECT / VISUAL EFFECTS VIDEO)
April 21,2025
ZHOU BOYING / 0369087
Video and Sound Production / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
LIST
1. Lectures
2. Instructions
3. Final Project
4. Reflections
Lectures
1. Objective
This lesson introduced basic VFX editing using Adobe After Effects, focusing on compositing actions like flicking, jumping, and hitting a wall into a seamless short sequence.
2. Trial Shoot Reflection
We encountered some issues, especially with similar color tones that made the Rotobrush tool difficult to use. This reminded us that careful planning and location scouting are essential for VFX shots.
3. Post-Production Steps
Import and arrange shots in AE.
Pre-compose the “Flick” and “Jumping” shots.
Use only the few frames where the character is mid-air.
Apply Time Stretching and Puppet Tool to adjust timing and movement.
Use Adjustment Layer for consistent color correction.
4. Key Tools Used
Rotobrush – for isolating subjects in Jumping shot
Keylight – for removing backgrounds in Flick shot
Puppet Tool – to reshape and animate the jumping motion
Instructions
Final Project
Process
Our team randomly drew Card 3 – The Devil from the tarot deck at the start of the project. Curious about its layered symbolism, we delved into research to explore its deeper meanings. We discovered that this card not only represents temptation and desire, but also the internal struggles of fear, loss of control, and identity crisis.
Inspired by these findings, we developed the core concept and narrative structure of our short film.
Tarot Theme: The Devil → Hidden fears beneath temptation → Shattering illusion → Reclaiming the self
Obstacle: Escaping reality due to fear of facing the true self
Synopsis:
A girl is alone in a restroom, about to take off her makeup. Suddenly, the lights begin to flicker. In the mirror, she sees another version of herself—seductive and persuasive. This reflection tries to lure her into giving up, detaching from reality, and seeking short-lived pleasures. As these mirrored versions appear more often, she starts losing control and collapses emotionally. In a moment of resolve, she smashes the mirror, symbolically breaking the illusion. At last, she is able to return to her authentic self.
Once the concept was confirmed, we moved into the storyboard phase. We mapped out the story into essential scenes, which allowed us to better visualize the flow, pacing, and emotional tone. This became a critical guide for our later filming stage.
After finalizing our story and thematic direction, we moved on to developing the storyboard.
We broke the entire narrative into key scenes and illustrated them with a combination of visuals and shot descriptions. This process helped us plan the sequence, pacing, and visual tone more effectively, providing a clear foundation for our upcoming shoot.
We then began filming based on the storyboard.
After the shoot, we moved into the post-production phase using Adobe Premiere Pro. We first imported all video footage into the timeline and arranged the clips according to the storyboard order.
We used multiple video layers to separately manage the main character and her mirror counterpart, creating a visual contrast between reality and illusion. We also added background music and sound effects, adjusting audio levels to enhance tension and atmosphere.
For visual grading, we used the Lumetri Color panel to apply color correction and stylized adjustments. By increasing contrast and saturation, we highlighted the seductive and surreal nature of the mirror version. In selected shots, we applied blur and glowing effects to emphasize the psychological distance between illusion and reality.
In addition, we layered in visual effects such as flickering lights, mirror shatter flashes, and jump cuts during the hallucination sequences.
These techniques helped us visualize the protagonist’s emotional shift from being trapped in illusion to experiencing a moment of awakening.
Before filming, we carefully prepared all the necessary equipment and settings. We used a Canon EOS camera with a 50mm lens, paired with a stable tripod for consistent framing. To ensure proper lighting, we mounted a portable LED panel onto the tripod, allowing us to control brightness and create the desired mood—especially for the mirror scenes.
We also brought backup batteries, SD cards, and a charger to prevent technical issues during the shoot. One of our team members set up and tested the camera angles, lighting intensity, and reflection composition in advance.
Additionally, we arranged props and shooting space in the living room and bathroom area, ensuring that the mirror was positioned at the correct height and angle. The setup process played a key role in maintaining visual continuity and achieving the surreal atmosphere we aimed for.
Final Project Google Drive Folder Link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KgAKZxoJ9HPEH9_6xc-X2wwhHFes9V19?usp=drive_link
Final Project Proposal:
Reflections
Experiences
In this final VFX project, I was fully immersed in the entire production process—from ideation and scripting to filming, editing, and applying visual effects. The concept, inspired by the tarot card The Devil, allowed me to explore psychological themes like self-illusion, emotional temptation, and identity loss. I enjoyed visualizing these abstract emotions through symbolic imagery such as mirrors, light flickers, and reflection doubles. Working with my teammates and overcoming challenges in post-production helped me grow not just technically, but also conceptually as a visual storyteller.
Observations
Visual effects are more than just aesthetics—they can express unspoken emotions.
The mirror became not only a prop but a narrative device symbolizing internal duality.
Even small lighting shifts or sound distortions can drastically shift the emotional tone of a scene.
Editing rhythm must match emotional pacing—slow cuts can create suspense, while fast cuts intensify inner chaos.
Findings
This project taught me that visual storytelling is not about showing everything, but about controlling what is seen and what is felt.
The idea of "the other self" visually represents the silent struggle many people face in the age of social media—between authenticity and performance.
Subtle effects—like momentary pauses, screen flickers, or expression changes—often carry more emotional weight than exaggerated visuals.
Overall, this project made me more sensitive to how visual rhythm, color tone, and shot design work together to tell deeper, more human stories.
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