Video and Sound Production | Final Project: Visual Effects Video
23/04/25 - 23/07/25 [ Week 1 - Week 14 ]
Nicco Chew Jin Xun (0366563)
Video and Sound Production | Bachelor of Design (Hons) In Creative Media | Taylor's University
Tutor: Mr. Martin
Table of contents
Final Project : Visual Effects Video
3. Feedback
4. Reflection
4. Reflection
Instructions
Progress
Google Drive Folder (Compilation):
VFX Class Exercise
We having VFX tutorial during Week 9's class. Previous
students' clips were provided for us to create a flick
shot VFX effect in Adobe After Effects. We've learned how
to use green screen, roto brush and colour editing during
this class session.
Final Outcome
Proposal Slides of Final Project
"DEATH"
Tarot: Death
Synopsis: Contrary to popular belief, it rarely represents physical death. Instead, it beckons us to accept spiritual transformation, the dawning of new beginnings, and the end of a cycle. When the mysterious Death card appears in a tarot spread, it signifies the need to bid farewell to long-held issues or beliefs and embrace new opportunities. Alas, there are moments when the Death card reveals its darker side.
In its reversed form, it signifies:
- Resistance to progress
- Trepidation of the unknown
- Entrapment in a cycle of misfortun
- Refusal to embrace alteration
Task Distribution
Videographer: Nicco Chew Jin Xun
Visual Effects Editor: Mah Sze Min
Colour Grading Editor: Nicco Chew Jin Xun
Sound Effects: Mah Sze Min & Nicco Chew Jin Xun
Thinking Process
I’ve always really liked the short film "A Bad Idea", which I watched on YouTube a while ago. One of the scenes that stuck with me was how it zoomed in and highlighted the Google search history & search button, it felt super real and relatable. I thought that was such a creative way to show what someone is thinking without using dialogue. So, for this project, I decided to include a similar concept in our own video. I wanted to use that same idea of visually showing a search engine scene to reflect the character's thoughts or emotional state. It’s a small detail, but I feel like it adds a personal and modern touch to the storytelling.
Progress of Editing
I first used CapCut to trim off unnecessary parts and arrange the clips into the desired sequence. I personally found CapCut more convenient for organizing the sequence quickly and efficiently. Once I was satisfied with the rough cut and overall flow, I exported the edited version and brought it into Adobe Premiere Pro for Min to make further refinement. The original raw footage was over 3 minutes long, but I tried my best to shorten it while maintaining the message and flow then eventually cutting it down to around 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Progress of Colour Grading
Min and I searched online for various examples and inspirations to guide our grading direction. After some discussion, I decided to use Wong Kar-Wai’s "Fallen Angels" as our main colour grading reference. I downloaded and studied clips from the trailer to better understand the visual tone and atmosphere.
The color grading in Fallen Angelsis iconic for its moody, stylized aesthetic. It often features strong greenish-yellow tones, high contrast, and a gritty, cinematic texture that evokes a sense of emotional intensity and urban loneliness. The use of neon lighting, deep shadows, and unconventional angles further enhances the dreamlike, surreal feel of the scenes. We were drawn to how this grading style creates a visually immersive and emotionally charged atmosphere which is something we aim to recreate in our own project.
During class, Min and I worked together on colour
correction + grading. We shared ideas and collaborated
closely throughout the process, using her laptop to
experiment with different tones, contrasts, and colour
adjustments. It was a hands-on learning experience
where we supported each other and explored how colour
could enhance the overall mood and visual storytelling
of our footage.
Progress of Voiceover
Shooting & Behind The Scenes
Final Outcome of the Video
Feedback
- Week 9 [ 18/06/25 ]
After selecting our topic for
the final project, he explained
to us how we could go about
interpreting this topic. He
advised us to first plan out the
storyboard and look for video
references before finding VFX
tutorials for this
project.
- Week 9 [ 18/06/25 ]
After selecting our topic for
the final project, he explained
to us how we could go about
interpreting this topic. He
advised us to first plan out the
storyboard and look for video
references before finding VFX
tutorials for this
project.
- Week 10 [ 25/06/25 ]
After reviewing our proposal, he
said that overall look and idea is
ok and approved, but to be mindful
of the length of the video since
currently it seems like the
content may be too much to fit in
a one minute and half
video.
- Week 10 [ 25/06/25 ]
After reviewing our proposal, he
said that overall look and idea is
ok and approved, but to be mindful
of the length of the video since
currently it seems like the
content may be too much to fit in
a one minute and half
video.
- Week 11 [ 02/07/25 ]
Filming-in-progress.
- Week 11 [ 02/07/25 ]
Filming-in-progress.
- Week 12 [ 9/07/25 ]
N/A
- Week 12 [ 9/07/25 ]
N/A
- Week 13 [ 16/07/25 ]
After looking through the
initial sequence for our final
project, he commented that
overall storyline is good and
pacing is consistent, however,
he advised that the length of
the video may be too long and
to cut it shorter
instead.
- Week 14 [ 24/07/25 ]
After reviewing our colour
grading and visual effects for
the final project, he said
that the composition so far is
well-done and to proceed with
adding sound effects before
submitting it by the end of
the week.
- Week 13 [ 16/07/25 ]
After looking through the
initial sequence for our final
project, he commented that
overall storyline is good and
pacing is consistent, however,
he advised that the length of
the video may be too long and
to cut it shorter
instead.
- Week 14 [ 24/07/25 ]
After reviewing our colour
grading and visual effects for
the final project, he said
that the composition so far is
well-done and to proceed with
adding sound effects before
submitting it by the end of
the week.
Reflection
Observations
This project started off in a pretty fun and unusual way as we drew tarot cards to decide the theme! From there, we slowly started planning out the storyline and thinking about how we wanted to shoot it. After some discussion, we decided to film everything at Min’s house, which worked out great. The whole shooting and editing process was honestly really enjoyable. I got to try out different parts of the workflow from cutting clips to playing around with colour grading and it didn’t feel boring at all. Even the challenges were kind of fun in their own way.
This project started off in a pretty fun and unusual way as we drew tarot cards to decide the theme! From there, we slowly started planning out the storyline and thinking about how we wanted to shoot it. After some discussion, we decided to film everything at Min’s house, which worked out great. The whole shooting and editing process was honestly really enjoyable. I got to try out different parts of the workflow from cutting clips to playing around with colour grading and it didn’t feel boring at all. Even the challenges were kind of fun in their own way.
Experience
While working on the project, I realized how many small details can affect the overall feel of the video. For example, I spent quite a bit of time watching colour grading tutorials to try and get that specific mood we wanted. It’s not just about slapping on a filter as the colours really help tell the story. The same goes for sound effects because finding the right ones wasn’t always easy, and sometimes I struggled a bit, but once things started falling into place, it really brought the video to life.
While working on the project, I realized how many small details can affect the overall feel of the video. For example, I spent quite a bit of time watching colour grading tutorials to try and get that specific mood we wanted. It’s not just about slapping on a filter as the colours really help tell the story. The same goes for sound effects because finding the right ones wasn’t always easy, and sometimes I struggled a bit, but once things started falling into place, it really brought the video to life.
Findings
One thing I found super interesting (and kinda difficult)
was learning about VFX. We watched a bunch of tutorials and
tried to follow along, but sometimes even after doing
exactly what they showed, the result didn’t turn out the
same… which was frustrating. Still, we kept trying different
ways until got closer to what we wanted. Through all of
that, I learned that editing is not just about tools. It’s
about patience, problem-solving, and being okay with trying
again (and again). Even though it wasn’t always smooth, I
had a lot of fun and learned more than I expected.
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