For this project we were tasked to create a 1min video and soundscape to depict a location that we have never been to before. After brainstorming a list of places, I finally chose for my location to be the suitcase.
1.Storyboarding
My plan initially for this storyboard was for the subject to explore the suitcase as if it were a spy movie using a mix of photography and illustration. In class ,we brainstormed the different types of sounds we could hear in the named location. Some examples are,
- keys
- wheels rolling
- airport PA system
- clothes rustling
- zippers
- liquids
- Ziploc bags
- conveyor belts
In order to create the soundscape, Ms Lei recommended layering sounds and to keep in mind the background,mid-ground and foreground noises to create sense of space.For the storyboard, she recommended including a mix of close up shots and wide shots .After storyboarding I realised I could not produce the video effectively, So I decided to change the idea to me being kidnapped in the suitcase. I imagined the suitcase to be a dark,scary claustrophobic space and wanted to convey that in the final video.I collected a bunch of sounds found online and started by piecing my soundscape together on audacity and then basing my video off of it.
Scene 1:Locking up of suitcase
BG: Airport announcement system , People chattering and walking FG: Keys and lock Close-up shot
Scene 2: Suitcase Being taken into the departure hall
BG: Same as scene 1 FG: wheels of luggage rolling Wide-shot- Provides more information that it is happening at an airport
Scene 3: Struggling within the suitcase
BG: Muffled wheels rolling MG: music to induce fear FG: Clothes rustling,Breathing,whimpering
Scene 4: Escaping the suitcase
BG:Muffled wheels rolling MG:Panting FG:nails scratching against nylon Close up shot
Mid-shot Glimmer of light to show suitcase is being opened
FG:Zippers being opened ,Gasping for air
2.Soundscape
To create the soundscape i pieced together a few sounds i downloaded and adjusted them to how loud or soft i wanted the, at different scenes using the effects found on audacity. Also keeping in mind how the distance of the sound would affect the loudness and how different the sounds would be if i were listening them from inside the suitcase (muffled).For example the background sounds will be much quieter as compared to the foreground sounds.
3.Video
For the video i took burst photos of an action,like rolling a suitcase and chose a few in-between pictures and assembled them to match the scenes in the story board. I was inspired by stop motion animation videos,where multiple photos are taken and objects are moved between frames, creating the illusion of movement.
For the scenes inside the suitcase,i took photos of the suitcase with clothes inside to act as a background.Then i took burst photos of myself in a position where it seems as though I’m in a squeezey place and struggling.Then i proceeded to photoshop myself into the background picture.
Feedback
Ms Lei Pointed out that the struggle scene was a bit too long and to include the subject coming out of the suitcase at the end of my video.My classmates gave more ideas for sounds like the conveyor belt and throwing of the suitcase.