The document discusses various technologies the author learned about through creating a title sequence project. They learned to use Google to research topics, YouTube to find demonstration videos, and the website Art of the Title to find title sequences. They also learned how to use a Panasonic Lumix HD camera, SD cards to store footage, USB drives to transfer files, and editing software like Final Cut Pro and GarageBand. Additionally, they discussed adjusting to using Apple Mac computers which have a different operating system than Windows computers.
1. Question 5
What have you learned about technologies
from the process of this Task?
2. Research with Google
The Google search engine is a useful
way of finding specific information
quickly as Google is able to filter
information and pick out relevant key
words. This became the pathway to
finding content on the internet,
whether it be videos, articles, blogs
or photos.
3. Videos on Youtube
I used Youtube to find and watch
video clips online such as film clips,
title sequence, soundtracks. This
helped develop my understanding on
films, styles and genres. I was able to
download these videos to use as
demonstration in my own work and
upload on my blog/web. The Youtube
converter: video2mp3 was used to
extract the audio files of the video
and use in my work
4. Title Sequences on Art of the Title
This website was useful
in helping me find title
sequences to help me
with my work. There was
information about the film
and sometimes interviews
with the directors. I was
able to create my own 9-
screenshot of the title
sequences by print
screening the paused
video at the shot I
required
5. Panasonic Lumix HD Camera & SD
CARD
I learned to use a Panasonic Lumix HD professional camera in
order to shoot the title sequence. We learned how to record
video clips and take photograph, and the quality of the clips
were high. A HD camera heightens the professional
appearance of the video as the High Definition 12MP camera,
captures clearer sharper images. It was easy to handle and
store the footage as a SD card was inserted into the camera,
and after every clip was recorded, it automatically wrote it to the
SD Card. The SD is portable, and this means that the footage
could be accessed on different computers in a matter of
seconds. The playback of the footage was simple; I was able to
fast-forward, rewind, delete any clip, straight from the camera
immediately after footage capture.
I found that using a HD camera literally does what it says on the
tin: captures videos in higher, clearer definition. The sound
quality was also clear and the video less pixelated and could
capture movement effectively.
The advantages of using this digital video instead of traditional
celluloid is the time capacity digital technology takes up is much
less, as writing, capturing and uploading footage on a digital
camera is very quick and easy... Also:
● hundreds of shots can be taken and expandable memory
increases capacity instantly
● ability to preview clips and select the one you want
rather than process photos,film you didn't like or want
● no time wasted waiting for film to be developed
6. USB Flash Drives
A USB was necessary to transfer
files such as footage, photos,
documents and sound clips from
one computer to another. Each
member of our group was able to
get all the files they needed to
carry out research and evaluation
questions. A USB with a larger
storage capacity was needed as
files such as Videos and Music
files were larger than the usual
document file. 4GB and 8GB
storage capacities was more
efficient than a 1GB.
7. Post-Production : Final Cut Pro
During the editing process, I used a software called Final Cut Pro
which enabled me to edit my final video on a more professional
level. Final Cut Pro runs on the MAC OS which I accessed during
school hours.
This was my second time using Final Cut, as I had used it to edit
my preliminary video, but the software was still new to me as I
had only learned the basics (how to upload, trim, re-order clips
as well as adding text and sound), so I still had a lot to learn.
I learned how to add video filters and effects on to video clips
such as the 'glow' video filter, and the 'blur' effect on some clips. I
also learned how to fast/slow motion clips by adjusting the speed
of the clip. I learned how to reverse clips which I used near to the
end of my title sequence where the sequence begins to rewind.
I didn't use many transition effects in my title sequence except for
the cross fade transitions as i didn't believe it was necessary.
Nevertheless, this did heightened my knowledge of video
transitions and how to apply them.
Lastly, I learned not only how to apply text but how to place it
anywhere on screen, how to change the font size, and how to
transition text effectively.
8. Garage Band
I used Garage Band; a virtual music application in order to
create an original soundtrack for my piece. On Garage
Band you can work with loops and sounds already stored
on the system so I used this to create my soundtrack.
I learned how to filter through the sound database by
selecting what instrument or mood you required and then
choosing accordingly.
When I chose the sounds I wanted to work with I was able
to drag it onto the track area to work with it. I learned how
to trim sounds to the length required, and also how to copy
loops to create a continuous sound. I was able to overlap
sounds and sound effects to create growing suspense in
the music. I also learned how to adjust dynamics and how
to fade in or out sounds by adjusting each loop
individually.
I even played with the virtual keyboard, and learnt how to
use this virtual instruments to create your own melody.
I was then able to export my file into an mp3 file ready to
use as my soundtrack.
9. Apple Mac Computers
Adjusting to the Mac OS was difficult as I rarely get the opportunity to
use a Mac and I do not have one at home.
Even switching it on was difficult as I couldn't find the power button, but
once it was located I knew I was heading in the right direction!
I learned how to import and export files on a Mac using a USB flash drive
and SD card. I also learned how to use some applications on the Mac
such a Final Cut Pro and Garage Band.
Getting to grips with design of the Mac's was something that took a while.
I often had difficulty using the computer mouse as it had no clear buttons
or scroll ball, however, once I grasped the concept of the mouse I was
unstoppable.
I found that the Apple Mac is a change from the Windows computers as
the operating system is different and works differently from the Windows
OS. It seems more difficult to use at first as the layout is different
however I do think that the advantages of using a Mac overcomes the
advantages of Windows.
For example I found that the quality and colour correspondence of the
Mac computers is higher than Windows computers, as what ever colour
you require is exactly the output colour when printing or viewing
images/videos. The Video Subsystem that Mac uses seems to capture
images more clearly and created a better video quality which is useful
when editing and viewing videos on a Mac.
I do also think that the handling of the Mac is easier overall even though
it takes a while to get used to, after using both the Mac and WIndows
computers regularly I have found the Mac enables easier handling.
Lastly the aesthetic design of the Mac is sleek and modern and the