Post Production Diary

This post contains all of the information that is relative to the post production process. I explain how I made my video, and what editing techniques I used. Kinemaster will be my main editing software for this process, but I will use Splice for some transitions. I like using multiple editing software's because I can utilize their respective features.  

29-03-23

Firstly, I opened Kinemaster and started a new project. I then proceeded to import my videos into the software. These were the audio recordings for my intro, so I didn't have to worry about the visuals. I then began cutting my audio in order to cut out any unnecessary parts. I had three separate recordings that I needed to merge. I needed to get rid of the part where I turn my recording on and off. I did this on each recording, so now it sounds like one big recording. This is important because you want your recordings to flow smoothly, if they don't it will make your project sound unprofessional. Once that was all done, I exported my video and saved it to my phone. However, it is saved as a MP4 file and I want it to be a MP3 file. So, I opened up a app called Video MP3 Converter and converted the MP4 file to a MP3 file. In other words the file went from a video to an audio file. Now the recordings are just audio, so I can pair them with my intro sequence.

After that I started another new project and began creating my intro sequence. As you can see, I used the audio file I just created and paired it with some background music. The music I used was Edvard Grieg's - In the hall of the mountain king. I love using this historic track in documentaries because it sets the tone nicely. Not to mention, the track is free to use. In order to apply the audio I clicked the audio button on the right of the feature wheel, then I scrolled down and found my files.

I then proceeded to add a bunch of clips in order to create an intro sequence. Most of the clips I used were documented in my production diary, meanwhile others were from past videos. I decided to show statistics on the screen while I was talking about them, this shows the viewer what I'm talking about. However, whilst they appear on screen I used the MO1 filter. This makes my screen black and white, so the viewers attention is drawn to the statistics. When it comes to putting the image on screen, I clicked the layer button on the left of the feature wheel and added the image. I also gave the image an in and out animation, you can do this by clicking the image. The two animations I chose were slide up and slide down. 

These transitions flow really nicely with the intro sequence, so I decided to chose them. However, because the statistics are constantly rising, the amount of users has rose by another 200,000,000 since I recorded that segment. Next I decided to implement my character stills into my sequence. I didn't want to rely on them too much, because I wanted to shine more light on my cinematography skills. However, I love the idea of mixing them in with my shots. For this short scene, I used two different stills. Confident and intrigued. I always make my stills move by adding an overall animation. The animation I chose was floating because the subtle movements make my stills more intriguing. Not to mention, I used the Gaussian Blur effect in the background.

This effect cleans up the background, so the consumer is more focused on what's going on with my character stills. I gave my first still the slide up animation and in order to switch facial expressions I split the still in half, so I had two separate images. I then replaced the second image with the new facial expression. I also removed the slide up animation from the second image. 

After I added a few more clips, it was time to finish the sequence with a text based intro. I made this intro on Canva, however I decided to tweak it in post production. I changed the text on the template then exported it to my device. I then put it in it's own project window, so I could add the keyboard sound effect in the background. The sound effect doesn't start for a few seconds, so I put another clip in front of it. I then exported it to my phone. After that I finally put it in my sequence. I cut out the other video for obvious reasons, but I also changed a few things. In the original intro it would wipe away the text, so I split the clip and inserted a freezer frame in order to stop that. I then took away the last part and then added a black screen that fades in towards the end, so it looks like the text is fading away. Personally, I think this looks smoother. Once that was all done, I exported the intro sequence to my device and began working on the next segment.

For the start of this next segment I repeated the audio conversion process that I explained before. This time I only had one video, so I didn't need to merge anything together. I used the Video MP3 Converter app to convert the MP4 file to a MP3 file. I made a few of these audio recordings throughout my project because they are a great way to transition between segments. For example, if you were to transition between two different segments without any explanation, the viewers may get confused.

30-03-23

Once that was done I opened a new project window and began editing. The reason I open new project windows is because I want to give each segment the necessary amount of care. Not to mention, if you put everything in one window everything can become hard to maintain. By exporting each segment, I am able to pick out any errors and fix them. For this segment I used the audio file I just made, so I can have some narration in the background. I also pivot between three different angles I filmed of me writing a script. Personally, I want to be able to experiment with different angles, so I am happy with these shots. I also included a shot of outside the college, this will transition us nicely into the first interview segment. I filmed the interview in college, so this makes sense. I used the Gaussian Blur effect at the start of the shot and made it slowly fade away. I wanted to replicate a camera focusing in on a shot and this edit was great for that.

For this next segment I began making overlays. I want to have overlays appear on screen whilst I'm talking because they help keep the audience engaged. I made these overlays in separate project windows, and they helped spice up the segment. I then opened up my interview segment in a new project window and began editing. To add the layers, i would click on the layer button. It's on the left hand side of the feature wheel. I then added the video layers I created, most of which are from content I've made in the past. I made sure to always add a layer over a jump cut, so you don't notice it happening. For the video layers, I used the slide right animation. I did this for both the entrance and exit of the layer, I thought it helped maintain some consistency. If I used an image, I used the Gaussian Blur effect. I've explained this before, but it helps the user focus on the image. I would then use the fade in and out effect, so the video flowed smoothly. Once everything was done, I exported the video to my gallery. 

12-04-23

Once I had exported both of these segments to my gallery, I opened up Splice and edited them together. I used the cross zoom transition effect in between the two clips, so it looks like you are zooming into the building. Personally, I think this effect is really fitting because we are transitioning from one place to another. I then exported the video to my gallery.

Splice is an editing software I use for it's high end transitions. It's important that my project looks as aesthetically pleasing as possible.  

Since I ended the previous segment by talking about my YouTube channel, I thought I'd include a small showcase of some videos right after I leave the screen. I opened a new project window and inserted a few of my videos. I used the cut feature to create a sequence. Once the sequence was coming to an end, I used the layer feature to put four of my videos on screen at once. 

I used the enter slide up animation, so my videos slid up onto the screen. I did this for all four videos in order to maintain consistency. Not to mention, I increased the transition speed to 0.4 so the segment is nice and quick. I then exported this part to my gallery. 

After that, I opened a new project window and added this segment on the end of my previous one. I used the slide left transition that's in Kinemaster, so it looks nice and smooth. The background music I chose was Homers Day. This is a really jolly tune that fits the theme of the segment. It's also not copyrighted, so I am free to use this track. I also used the same black screen fade away effect I used for the intro. This made everything fade away nicely.

For this next part I began by trimming the edges of my voice recording, and converting it from a MP4 file to a MP3 file. I then opened a new project window in Kinemaster, and began editing. I inserted my clips in order to create a sequence, then I added my voice over. I used clips of the Stadium of Light, Barnes Park, and Durham Road. This is because I was talking about regional identity. I also included my character stills at the end of my sequence. I used the Gaussian Blur effect, and three different facial expressions. I synced them with my voice, so it looks like the stills are speaking to you. I used the split and replace tool in order to change expressions. This tool makes the transitions look smooth because the image doesn't change size. I really enjoy integrating my animation skills into my project. Once this was done, I exported it to my gallery. 

15-04-23

I opened some new project windows, and began creating some new overlays. I want overlays that can show case my writing, so I used AZ Screen Recorder to record my phone screen, whilst I captured shots of my articles and Instagram account. Once I had those shots, I would overlay them over videos and cut out any unnecessary parts.  Once the overlays were complete, I exported them to my gallery and began working on the discussion scene. My favourite layer is the one on the right, because it looks like I am scrolling through Instagram.

I then began editing my discussion segment, and some of the main edits consisted of putting my name in the top left corner, rotating the camera angle, and adding my overlays. 

In order to zoom in and out, I'd find the part of the video I want to apply the effect to, and split the beginning and end. Then I will adjust the end position, so it zooms in on me. This is a nice effect that helps keep the viewers stimulated. Personally, I don't want to focus on one scene for too long because it might bore the viewer. When I added my layers, I used the enter slide up and exit slide down animations. I also used the enter slide right animation on some of the layers. These animations are great at giving the segment a nice smooth flow, if I don't use them then it might make everything look choppy. Not to mention, I used the rotate/mirroring effect when I pointed at my glove. This is similar to the pan & zoom. 

I split the video except this time I split into two small segments, I then click the right to left mirroring effect. It then makes a really nice snappy edit that quickly changes angles, and stimulates the audiences brain. Once everything was done, I exported this segment back to my gallery, and opened up Splice, so I could merge these last two segments. 

16-04-23

Firstly, I opened splice and added both videos. I then added a transition in between them, and the transition I chose was the cross zoom because it flows really nicely with the segment. I then exported the video, and opened up Kinemaster. I added some background, so the segment didn't sound raw. The track I chose was called Groove day hip hop beat, and it's a really nice non-copyrighted track that blends in really nicely with the video. 

17-04-23
For this next part I quickly cut up and converted my voice over. I used Kinemaster to cut it up and Video MP3 Converter to convert it. I then opened a new project window, and inserted some slow-motion clips of Sunderland. I made sure they were muted, so they didn't interfere with voice over. I then inserted my voiceover and exported the video. 

I then began editing the discussion segment. Firstly, I put my name and what I do in the top left corner, I used a serif font called Bevan. I've been using this font because I really like the way it looks. It doesn't look boring and it's easy to read. I also added a black text stroke around the white text, so it looks clearer. I used the letter by letter entrance animation, and the fade out animation. These add flair to my project. Once that was all done, I began adding layers to my content. I used some of the videos I spoke about in my copyright footage post, because I believe they show examples of what I'm talking about and I don't have access to any successful content creators from the area. Just like before, I also opened some new project windows and made some layers of my articles. I used the enter slide up and exit slide down animations, as well as the enter slide right and exit slide right animations. These animations make my segment flow smoothly. Not to mention, I added a few images in the top left corner. These worked well because I was talking about different areas, and I was using the replace tool in order to switch the image to the area I was talking about. It was nice and snappy, plus I used the checkmark sound effect at the start. Sound effects also help stimulate the audiences mind. 

After that, I opened Splice and merged the last two segments. I used the colour fade transition, because it fits really well with the light colour scheme of the video. 

I re-opened Kinemaster, and added some background music to the segment. The music I used was called Kevin MacLeod - Hyperfun, it's another non-copyright track. I like it because it creates the feeling of curiosity, and it's very up beat. Not to mention, I added an audio fade out effect at the end of my video. I set the audio to fade out two seconds before the end. This gives the segment a nice send off. 

18-04-23

For the start of this next segment, I repeated the voice over process and cut down my piece of audio. I then used Video MP3 Converter to make it into an audio file. I them opened a new project window on Kinemaster, and made a video sequence. I had two different angles of me in my chair, so I mixed and matched them. I even used the rotate/mirror effect, on the angle filmed on my old phone because the front camera naturally flips the footage.

I then opened a new project window, and began editing the start of the vlog segment. I created overlays with the videos, by using old videos I had of claw machines. On one of my overlays I used split transition, because it looks really professional.  I also added some sound effects, such as swoosh, check mark, and anime wow because they add an engaging comedic effect to the segment. When transitioning to my bag, I used the cover transition because it swiftly connects the two videos. I used the enter slide up and exit slide down animations on the images. This stops them from just cutting off, personally I don't think raw cuts look visually appealing. 

For this next scene, I did the voiceover process again, and created a video sequence. I used the clips I filmed on my way to the arcade, including the slow-motion shot of me walking past the camera.  

I then opened Splice, and merged the previous two segments together. I used the cross-zoom transition, because it's like you are teleporting outside. I then exported the video, and re-opened Kinemaster. The background music I added was a track called Lakey Inspired - Better Days. This is another non-copyrighted tune, that mixes well with the video. 

For the arcade segment, I utilised both angles I had filmed of me using the machines. Because this segment is supposed to replicate a YouTube video, I did include some raw cuts and meme edits. I wanted to make sure it was an accurate representation of a video you would see online. I used some more sound effects, such as bruh, laughing, and oh yes that's class because they add comedic effect to the segment. For oh yes that's class, I even lowered the opacity of the video, so you can see it in the background. It helps keep audience engaged. I learned that when I researched into Gen Z. Not to mention, I added a green screen meme called It's time to stop. In order to use this meme, I added it as a layer and activated chroma key. This removed the green background. I also changed the colour filter on of the later clips, because it was a replay. I used the MO1 filter because it makes the screen black and white. By inserting memes and adding effects, I believe I am making my product more appealing to my young target audience. Not to mention, I used the white colour fade transition, when merging this segment with the previous two on Splice.

19-04-23

So, for this next segment I opened a new project window in Kinemaster, and inserted both of my clips. I then cut them up and added a few zoom in effects. I then added some layers, most of which were from previous segments in the project. The background music I chose was Lakey Inspired - Chill, this is a really nice non-copyrighted track that creates a nice chilled vibe. I used the enter/exit slide up, down, and right animations on the layers. I did this to make my segment more flashy. I made sure to re-do the black screen overlay at the end, so we can transition nicely into end credits. 

For the end credits I used an app called Text Scroll, it's a really good app for creating end credits. I simply filled in the boxes, then chose my font and background. The font I chose was called Roboto and I stuck with the black background. I then clicked play presentation and used AZ Screen Recorder to record it. I then opened Kinemaster, and merged it with the end of my intro I made on Canva. This time I cut off the start, and left in the text wipe at the end. I did this to signify the end of the documentary. I then opened up splice and added my logo sequence at the end. I made this logo sequence for my show reel, but I really like it, so I've made it a regular thing in my projects. This works well for brand identity, because I am maintaining an element of consistency. I used the cross zoom transition to string the end credits to this scene. It now looks really slick. I used Lakey Inspired - Better Days as my outro music, because it's a very smooth track that gives the documentary a nice send off.

I then put every single clip into Kinemaster, and made it into one big video. I then exported it to my gallery, and uploaded the first draft to YouTube. 

What changed and why?

So, with me making scripts and storyboards for this project, there is a few things that I said I would do that I didn't. most of these changes are very minor, so they haven't impacted my product too much. Sometimes it's hard to determine what's best before you've captured any footage.

Shot Changes: One of the shots I changed from my storyboard were the sideways medium waist shots of me playing on the machines. This is because I couldn't find a place to rest my camera in order to film those shots, not to mention I didn't have access to a camera man. I also decided not to film the wide shot of me on my bed, because it didn't feel very fitting. I instead replaced that shot with me sitting at the desk, discussing what I had just filmed at the arcade. 

Conclusion

As a whole, the post production process has furthered my understanding of technical skill, because I have been actively using editing software's. I have really enjoyed rotating between Splice and Kinemaster, because I have been able to take the best parts from both software's and implement them into my project. 

By documenting each step, I am giving my client a better insight on how I made my project. I have explained the wide variety of editing techniques I have used, and why I decided to implement them. I have also experimented with graphics and used my character stills at certain points in the documentary. This post helps me showcase my technical skill, as well as communicate with my client. I made sure to be as clear and professional as possible, when analysing my product.