Audio tests

9.5.09

Audio tests.
Reducing audio levels for the narrator as suggested in the tutorial (6.5.09) has been problematic for several reasons. Primarily, the conversation often overlaps between the two speakers and when the voice is considerably reduced a strange 'on /off' fake effect comes across.It highlights the narrator even more, similar to small type in an open space, you tend to lean in closer to listen. This was not the result I was aiming for.

I have concluded that I will reduce the narrator's speech in two places only, right at the beginning (before Ken speaks) and during periods of the narrator's laughter. I have learned (again) the importance of audio and would use two microphones on the two speakers if I produce further animations of this kind.

The countdown sequence has been altered to straight cuts of doors reading from 5 down to one, fades have been deleted leaving a cleaner less confusing result.

Inclusion of birdsong and tea stirring will follow in the next animation.


6.5.09 Reflective writing May 2009
Summary of activity: (3.00pm)
Reflecting on the tutorial with Rob Newton and Jon Hamilton

Overall summary:
‘Developing well (nearly there), cut out narrator’s audio where possible, bring in ‘rough edges’ and ‘rawness’ to enliven the visual language.’

Areas of strength
Visual clues linking to Ken’s personality are reflected within the photographs, particularly the image used to denote ‘friends’ using Welsh lady.

Method (within the animation) evaluation forms were approved in principal, visual references will be needed, to aid comprehension. Can this be simplified for the poster concepts?

Areas to develop
A major decision to alter the audio came about within the tutorial. By reducing the audio levels on the narrator’s voice greater emphasis will be placed on the speaker, this will also link in more with the visual language of the narrator’s voice appearing to be minimalistic and neutral.
It was suggested that informal ‘filling’ moments were removed or reduced, however the narrative still needs to make sense.

Opening sequence, instead of fades use direct cuts for the door sequence. If possible align the door numbers in terms of position and scale.

Recorder sequence, bring back ‘I distortion’ animation. Try photocopying recorder image onto brown wrapping paper and bringing back raw/rough edges to the work. Show larger shot of recorder.

Be more dramatic with Ken’s text, larger and give the work more punch. For example ‘wisdom’ could be in the shape of a question mark, or be open then fade (as he doesn’t have a clue).
The type can afford to be more disjointed (Lennon animation).

Be good and behave yourself needs to appear in a more formal grid, the fireplace sequence is out of place and dominates the work. GOOD and BEHAVE can interchange on the animation, use of quotation marks and type symbols such as {[(can be used to demonstrate boundaries in this sequence. Try the shield image to enforce law and order (heraldic references).

Sequence after large letterpress T is too complex, strip it back and simplify.

Allow Ken’s type to stay on for longer (wisdom)

Simplify workflow, use pre-comp folders to move sections out, this will help rendering and organisation generally.

Next session date: Weds 20th May 2pm, NTU