Unit 64: Motion Graphics & Compositing Video

Task 1: Blog Article

This blog article will analyse and comment on the current uses of motion graphics and compositing video in film and television production, including relevant examples and images.

Motion Graphics are types of footage or animation which editors use to create the illusion of motion. It is unlikely to see adverts or introductions to film/TV shows which are not using motion graphics. Motion Graphics are also used to create subtitles and credits, and also for 'lower thirds' which are prominent in news broadcasts.

The use of Motion Graphics is a good way to appeal to the audience. Creating aesthetically pleasing and eye catching graphics creates a major impact.

Compositing is the use of combining visual elements from different sources, and combining them into single images. This creates the illusion that all of the elements combined are the same part of a scene. This may include overlaying of text and titles on video clips. Green Screens are a form of compositing, by using raw footage of a person behind a green screen background.

A cluster of BBC News opening titles.

DVD Interfaces 

Frequently use graphics and typography.

(Typography - the art and technique of arranging type to make written language most appealing to learning and recognition.)

My chosen example of a DVD Interface is the film The Avengers. The interface uses short clips from the film, portraying each of the main characters without giving major plot points away. This makes the viewer curious about the movie itself, and keeps them guessing, and entertained.

Idents

TV Idents are used as a means of branding their logo so that audience become aware of the channel. In terms of TV Idents, Channel 4 has a recurring Ident of the number 4, shown in different ways.



Idents within the media industry promote brand identity. Their purpose is to grab the audiences attention, and to let them know what channel/show they are watching/about to watch.

String

Usually occuring in advertisement breaks, a string a similar to an indent, though Idents are usually longer and seemingly more welcoming. Strings are used to advertise, they are short, and usually colourful and unique.

Interactive Menu

These occur just before watching a DVD. Interactive Menus give a list of things on what extras you can do before watching the movie (for instance, skip ahead to a certain part in the movie). These often play a Motion Graphic, reminding you of the Film being watched. The video used for the DVD Interface is also Interactive. The purpose of this is to make the audience excited for the film, and gives the clips they use with the interactive menu give them a sneak peak of what they are about to watch.

Technology Issues

Frame Rates:

There are three main systems for analogue television: PAL, NTSC, and SECAM.

• PAL - Phase Alternating Line, 25 fps

• NTSC - National Television System Committee, 29.97 fps

• SECAM - Sequential Color with Memory, 25 fps

The difference in frame rates is how smoothly they run. The higher the frame rate, the smoother it will run.

The Hobbit trailer, shown in both 24 fps and 48 fps.

Video Format



There are a wide range of video formats, which use different codecs to encode and compress video data. Video is almost always stored in a compressed form, to reduce file size. This generation has brought in a wide range of video formats; video streaming from a smartphone, or even game consoles.

Common video file extensions include .MPG, .MOV, .WMV, and .RM.


QuickTime (.mov or .qt) – Apple developed QuickTime it supports a wide variety of codecs.
Advanced Video Coding, High Definition (AVCHD) – AVCHD is a very common for data compressed with the H.264 it comes to us between Sony and Panasonic as a format for digital camcorders. It’s a file based format, meaning that it’s meant to be stored and played back on disks or other storage devices (such as compact flash drives or SD cards).

Codecs

Windows Media Video (.wmv) – Over the years the WMV format has defiantly grown and progressed to support high-definition 720 and 1080 video. To make things less complicated, files that end in .wmv are usually stored in an .asf container.


H.264 – The H.264 will send highly compressed low resolution video across the web and then happily encode your high definition movie at super high bitrates for delivery to a High Definition television. This is a very common codec for camcorders and digital video cameras.

Screen Ratio

The screen ratio (Aspect Ratio) of an image will describe the equal relationship between its width and height. For example, a 16:9 aspect ratio means that for a width of 16 units, the height must be 9 units. A common aspect ratio is 4:3, which is used for an average TV screen. 16:9 is a ratio used for flat screens. Movies are often filmed with a ratio of 21:9, resulting in black bars at the top and bottom of the picture. To combat this, manufacturers are producing televisions with a 21:9 format.

Aspect Ratio		Uses	TVs
4:3	1.33:1	Standard Channels	Old TVs
16:9	1.77:1	HD Channels	The majority of HDTVs
21:9	2.35:1	Most movies	Very few TVs

Resolution

The number of pixels needed to create an image. The more pixels - the better the resolution of the image. Usually termed as width x height, with the units in pixels. For example, "1024 x 768" means that the width is 1024 pixels and the height is 768. Although there are many different resolutions, there are 6 that are used commonly:

144p

The lowest resolution commonly used. This lack of pixels makes the image very blurry, so much so that text is barely visible.

240p

Still not enough pixels for the image to be clear enough to read, though the image's major details are easier to make out.

360p

A common resolution used for many default Youtube videos. 

480p

Clearer, though imperfections still remain. 

720p

The second highest common resolution. This resolution can come in HD. All details are shown and the image is very clear and brighter.

1080p

The highest common resolution. HD. The image is incredibly clear, and fine details can be seen. 

Compression

Compression helps lower the memory of a file, giving more space to access. Better quality videos can be made by changing the compression setting on any video editing software. Some compressors are built into the software, so compressing the footage, render, and upload it without loosing quality.



References 

http://mattrogerounit64.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.rtings.com/info/what-is-the-aspect-ratio-4-3-16-9-21-9-cinemawide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1egvwVWFaTU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfjaObWrgHg

https://www.google.com/search?q=channel+4+idents+compilation&espv=2&biw=953&bih=927&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=gLhqVNL1CM_WaqqpgMgK&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg#tbm=isch&q=channel+4+idents+collection&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=4uybhs5ym30tZM%253A%3B5L1Kka1CZGxmAM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ftheident.gallery%252Fc4%252F2004%252FC4-2007-ID-HAY-3.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ftheident.gallery%252Fc4-2004.php%3B439%3B247

http://toph06.wordpress.com/wkc/unit-64-motion-graphics-compositing-video/

Behind the Scenes

The video I have chosen to show and analyse is a DVD feature of The Hunger Games, and how actors were physically trained for their role. I will describe some of the conventions of Behind the Scene videos, and more importantly why they are used.

The video starts off introducing one of the main characters of the film (Josh Hutcherson), he explains about how he had to put on muscle for his character. This interview shows both Josh talking to the interviewer about his role, and also cutaways of the training that he had to do, the cutaways are shown so that the viewer has a better understanding of what Josh is talking about. These are short (around three) cutaways which involve Josh working out. I think it would be important to show cutaways of what the interviewee is talking about, as it adds more diversity to the shots used.

The music used throughout the video is suits the style of The Hunger Games. It's smooth and not majorly loud which is important since the viewer may be too distracted by it.

Every time a new actor is shown on in the interview room, They have their real and character name appear next to them, so that the viewers are definitely sure of who they are currently looking at.

The texts font and color seems basic, but effective. The text fades in, and back out again. It could be more effective by making it animated more, just to create more of a pleasing look.

Year Two - Unit 27 - Factual Programme:Criteria One

Factual Programme Production Techniques for Television 

This blog entry will cover the issues facing producers in factual programming, and the impact it has on their work.

I will describe the main issues, and explain how I aim to recognize these issues while working on my documentary, and how I will overcome them.

Privacy

The 'Phone hacking scandal' involving News of the World

Privacy is expected to be treated fairly and accordingly for those involved with Factual Programming. Interviewees should be treated fairly, and should also be made aware of the style of format, and the purpose of your film. Interviewees' privacy should be respected.

When filming in public areas, you are only likely to need to obtain the consent from the main contributors to the film, such as interviewees, who's words are caught on camera. Generally you will not need to obtain the consent of people walking by, or in the background.

However, when filming in private areas, people expect their privacy. This goes for interviewees homes, or even hospital wards. You must obtain the consent of the legal owner of the property before continuing.  

When it comes to my own Factual, I will fully respect all interviewees equally. I will not use their thoughts and opinions against them, and when in editing, I will avoid cutting up separate interviews too much, as mixing and cutting out words may misrepresent the views of the interviewee. I must remain impartial throughout my filming experience, making sure I treat interviewees equal and fairly.

Bias

News which has been given a biased viewpoint is no longer news. It is a news story which is being told from only one point of view. The term Bias in factual programming means to take one side of a story and to represent it; ignoring all other sides. This can lead to complaints and even loss of audience. When working on a factual programme, you should try to give the each side of the argument that you are covering (If there is one). 

This convention can be a very dangerous tool in the media. It can influence parties and individuals by what they see.  

This obstacle will be tackled in my film by making sure I have all the sides of the story. Even though it is a piece which describes how my chosen subject isn't as bad as it is portrayed, I will include the views and opinions of those on the opposite side of the party.

Accuracy and Balance

As a filmmaker, your documentary should always accurately reflect reality. The film must be truthful, accurate and fair. Check all the facts that are being told in the film; evidence of their truth must be shown.

For example, if your film has a reconstruction of a factual event, you should label it as such so that viewers are not misled. Also, if anything in your film is set up or faked, it is important that viewers are told this, so as not to mislead them.

This would be important for News programs, as they must use the information they are given in the right way, so that the viewers receive the correct information they need. An example would be a report on the war, they would need to make sure the information they receive is 100% accurate.

When it comes to factual film making, balance is a good way to represent the opposing subjects to yours. Both sides of the argument must be balanced, one of the sides cant be shown as 'better' than the other.

My documentary will have a lot of facts inside, meaning I must check all of them to be sure of the truth. References will be made for all. For example, statistics I show will have to be shown with the dates that they were made on. My factual piece covers stories of those who have internet friendships, showing the positive side of the subject, so I must cover balance by having the opinions of those who feel concerned about the internet, detailing the risks and warnings, and how to avoid them best.

A one-sided, opinion heavy
documentary example.

Opinion

An opinion is a view or judgement about something. In factual programming, opinions are very useful if you want to get the views of a wide group of people. Opinions should be used as fact in your documentary.


Opinions will be used greatly for my factual piece. Both sides of my subject will contain the opinion of those who have internet friendships and those who are concerned and distrustful of them.

Impartiality

Being impartial means to treat all contributors equally. A film should be fair, and not only to the people who appear in the film (interviewees) but also anyone that is referred to. It would also mean not to take favoritism to one subject, meaning not taking any sides, and to try have a mutual standoff. To show impartiality, the filmmaker would need to try and not show his views on the subject. And to show the interviewees with their own perspective on the topic.

I will show all contributors of my film in the same light. Even if I cover one side of the story more, I will not darken the other side by making them seem wrong on the subject. I should make sure they have a good amount of time on screen, and many opinions shown about their side.

This small video example shows the BBC, and how their partiality over Gaza.

Objectivity and Subjectivity

Subjective information based on personal opinions and points of view. It is often considered as badly suited for scenarios like Factual Programming. Objective information is fact based, measurable and observable.

If unbalanced opinions are presented as facts, they act as propaganda or persuasion. For example, a documentary idea might be about how teens are the prime cause of trouble in the --- area. This is presented as an objective fact though clearly a subjective opinion. The news avoid being subjective in order to avoid controversy. Being subjective would be to put across a one sided view.

Being objective means being able to put an argument across via documentary and present it without being biased or partial, though it should give the audience a chance to make up their own minds on the subject being discussed.

For my factual to be Objective based, I must include facts about my subject, such as statistics, and make sure I don't fully display my personal opinion onto the film.

Representation

In general, representation is the way a subject is being portrayed. In factual programming, this can be the interviewee, and how they are shown in the filming (and also editing) process. 

It would be quite easy to sway the audience into having a view on an interviewee simply by how they are represented in the documentary. For example, if a documentary was about a man in prison, and the producer mainly showed the man in a sympathetic attitude, possibly including his thoughts and how he is a 'victim' the audience would be swayed feel sorry for him. Negative representation is also shown in documentaries: victimizing individuals or groups, possibly by stereotyping.