Video & Sound Production — Final Project

16.06.2025 — 27.07.2025 / Week 9 — Week 14

Chan Zhi-Ren Zenndan / 0369069

Video & Sound Production / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Final Project

Table of Contents

  1. Instructions

  2. Process

  3. Final Submission

  4. Reflection

1. Instructions


Document 1.1 Module Information Booklet (16/06/2025).

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2. Process

When introduced about the assignment on Week 9, each student were to randomly select a tarot card that dictates their theme for their project. Fig 2.1 shows my theme chosen to approach this project.

Fig 2.1 Theme 'Your fears' for my project (18/06/2025).

For a detailed view of all the cards (or themes) available to students, refer to Slide 2.1, which contains the presentation slides explaining each tarot card shown in Week 10.


Slide 2.1 Tarot cards explanation (25/06/2025).

This is a project meant to be done in groups of two, but due to limited number of students in my class, I opt to work on this project on my own.

Once I had my theme, I started brainstorming what VFX I could feasibly work on. I thought of things like:

  • Telekinesis
  • Invisibility
  • Disintegration
  • Element-like powers
  • Flight
  • Levitation


Then I referred back to my theme and asked myself, "Which of these effects best represent the theme?" I went back and forth deciding between telekinesis and disintegration, but eventually decided on the latter as it ultimately aligns best with the theme.

With that, I created a storyboard. Slide 2.2 shows the plans I wrote for the project proposal.

Note: Slide 2.2 also shows the finalized and complete version of the proposal for submission.


Slide 2.2 Proposal Slides (27/07/2025).

I then did the photoshoot on Week 10, with assistance from my brother to be the actor.


Fig 2.2 Photoshoot Footage (24/06/2025).

With my footage collected, I proceeded to work on the VFX on After Effects. I followed the chosen tutorial (as shown in the proposal) and worked from there. Please click here to watch the tutorial I followed.


Fig 2.3 Opening shot (15/07/2025).



Fig 2.4 Masking in AE (15/07/2025).



Fig 2.5 Dust composition process (15/07/2025).


Fig 2.6 More masking and applying the disintegration effect (15/07/2025).


Once my VFX clips were ready, I went to Premiere Pro to arrange the clips together.


Fig 2.7 Putting the clips together (15/07/2025).

As you can see in Fig 2.7, I had also added an adjustment layer for color grading. This is a subtle but necessary addition to convey the tone of the short film.



Fig 2.9 Before (left) and after (right) doing a 'cold' color grading (15/07/2025).


Fig 2.10 Lumetri Color settings (15/07/2025).

I also did a smooth transition to B&W at the part where the time stops.



Fig 2.11 Keyframes added for saturation transition (15/07/2025).

Careful attention was also considered for the audio. I slowed down some of the disintegration sound effects and played with the pitch. Fade transitions were also implemented into the audios to achieve a natural flow.


Fig 2.12 Audio/SFX adjustments (22/07/2025).

Since we learned how to use Adobe Audition from last assignment, I figured I might as well try to implement it in my final project.

I decided to modify my voice for the final line to give it more depth to the character's story and since it carries a lasting effect on the viewers.


Fig 2.13 Adobe Audition voice modulating (22/07/2025).


Once that was done, I just had to bring it all together, double-check the flow of the story and export the video.


3. Final Submission

Final YouTube Video:

Premiere Pro Project File:

Raw Materials:



4. Reflection

Experience

I initially thought this would be a fun project with full creative freedom but then I found out there was a specific theme to follow. That changed things because my original idea involved more VFX which didn’t fit the brief. Storyboarding and just the entire process was a bit tough since I had to handle everything myself. Still I enjoyed working on the VFX which was probably the most manageable part for me.

At first I thought it was going to turn out pretty average but the final result looks decently solid especially considering it was a solo project. Time management was a big issue but not just for this since it’s been a recurring problem this whole semester across all my assignments.

The things that helped me most were the tutorial video and also learning a bit more about voice modulation. Overall my idea didn’t really change from start to finish. The narrative stayed the same throughout the whole process.


Observation

What stood out was how multiple shots in a single setting still created a clear sense of pacing and meaning. I expected the VFX part to be harder but the tutorial I followed made it feel more doable than I thought.

Doing everything solo made the whole process more time-consuming especially since I was handling pre-production, production and post all on my own. My brother helped with the acting but aside from that it was all on me. Because of that I probably spent more time than I should have on just this one project.

The mood, pacing and overall storytelling match the theme. Even if it feels slow to some, I still believe this was the most fitting direction. Small things like how the SFX fades out or the final voice line really stood out to me since they helped carry the tone in a subtle way.


Findings

Through this project I learned how much work goes into crafting even a one-minute film when you're doing everything yourself. From sound design to voice modulation and color grading, every step needed a bit of trial and error to get it right. I also learned how to problem-solve around limitations like mic static or imperfect lighting and how to make those work with the overall tone instead of against it.

I realized how much impact subtle choices can make especially with audio. Things like leaving in a faint static or using minimal sound effects added to the atmosphere more than I expected. I also got a better understanding of how visual tone supports a story. Simple grading choices helped shift the emotional weight of the scene without needing extra dialogue or action.

Most of all I found that sticking to one focused idea and staying consistent in mood and pacing can be more effective than trying to do too much. It made me realize that simplicity can still leave a strong impact when every detail is intentional. Even with minimal action the piece still held meaning because the small details were carefully considered.

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