Diary to document the post-production stage for the smile video

1. Tuesday, 25th January 2022
Beginning the post-production stage for my smile advertisement, Premier Pro was the go-to
software giving me access to all I needed to create the outcome set in mind.
To make sure I was including the right footage, using Teams, the documents were listed into
tiles so I could see the thumbnails allowing me to download the right shots. With multiple
videos being taken per scene, I had them all downloaded onto the desktop giving me a
chance to go through them all and remove any unneeded footage. As for the ones I decided
to keep, they were renamed where they were originally set, allowing me to keep in mind
which videos were in use for the possible chance the edited video goes missing.
Choosing the first half of Travis’ scenes to start off the advertisement, it was a mind boggle
trying to decide which scene altogether I should start with. Yes, there was a script in place,
but the one scene I hadn’t filmed was the one that begun the advertisement. Thinking of
going for the next scene written, that being Jamies, I wasn’t too pleased with the idea of
someone walking out of frame being the very first viewers see. Didn’t really make as much
since as placing it next. Remaining in script, Jamies scene was edited in straight after the
opening scene.
Speaking of Jamies scene...

2. 9949 9953
I went through all the footage taken for the first half which led to me cutting down
between two, 9949 and 9953, unsure of which to move forward with. It did take me a few
to decide, but finally, I went ahead with 9949 as I found myself preferring both the posture
and facial expression the actor makes. Plus, in the unchosen clip, it appears as if he was
smiling when it came to standing up to leave. It is only a quick glimpse you can catch, but it’s
still there.
Although, not so happy with the transitions at the moment. So, my plan for now is, put all
the clips together to how I want them, then once that’s altogether I will be focusing then on
the transitions, filters, text, etc.
Getting up to Jaycie's shots now, I wanted to edit some extra shots of her stressing about
the work creating a timelapse. At first, putting in this attempt I worried in case it wouldn’t
work maybe looking daft. Not entirely sure, I did request permission from the on-screen
actress about showing a few we knew the 24 second clip, but that request was denied. After
a few rewatches though, I cut the clips down lowering the duration down to 14 seconds.
Looks better in my opinion as well compared.
Thursday, 27th January 2022
Getting to the middle of the advertisement now, Keilan’s scenes were added. That being
both his problematic shots followed by his solution shots.

3. For the case of keeping all the shots that were involved in the final cut numbered, when it
came to the second half of everyone’s scenes, I decided to give them letters keeping the
arrangements more organized allowing me to recognize which clips I need as well.
Being placed to play next in the sequence was Jaycie’s scene where we find her sat playing
with a pet rabbit. Rather than messing with the order yet, I decided to place the shots in the
reversed order as to how the first halves were added. As of that, with Jaycie’s clips being
placed right before Keilan’s, moving forward her final scenes were then added after Keilan’s
keeping a familiar order.
Friday, 28th January 2022
By using the razor tool, I found out I could cut during a clip to separate it. Which really helps
for the parts with small timelapses helping the editing look less off.
Testing it out, I cut mid shots of Jamie kicking his football whilst he heads somewhere which
worked in giving the effect I was after using the razor tool.
Coming across another helpful tool which was a tip given, that being on how to remove any
unwanted audio. Selecting each clip, an option to detach the audio file was found allowing
be to delete any sound included without affecting the use of the shots.
Before anything else, I went through all the footage placed and got rid of every piece of
audio that came attached to the videos before any more files were added.

4. Once all the audio files were gone, I had gone through start to finish with the razor tool to
find where I wanted clips separated. That being Jamies shots mostly alongside a few of
Jaycie’s.
Continuing now to add shots to the sequence, working on Jamies better half I hit a little
stump not knowing which scene to go ahead with for the final cut having to choose between
9920 and 9921 which you will find below.
Both videos capturing the same action of the character chasing a football, 9920 focuses on
his legs as he runs whereas 9921 shows the whole figure.
Liking both perspectives, I then went on to comparing how each shot looked with only a
second difference between each placement to then preview how the drafts rolled out. By
doing this, I hoped to find a difference in transition making it easier to find which clips fits
better.

6. After getting both shots to link up keeping the body posture to be as close as possible, I still
had a hard time choosing between the two as I liked both finding both clips synced up quite
well.
In the end, I succeeded in choosing the clip I wanted to carry through.
When it came to the frame of the football being kicked into a cut, I realised shot 9921 was
my best option. Reason being the audience can see the ball and where it has been kicked
making the scene more logical for those watching.

7. Whereas 9920, you can’t see the movement of the ball so well alongside the cut itself. So,
for anyone who's watching the advertisement, it might bring confusion as not much can be
found within the scene. Fair enough it guides the audience to the cut, but still, it doesn’t
show enough.
As it came to Jamies character running through the cut arriving to the opposite side, I did
have an additional shot showing him travelling through the cut kicking the ball still. But in
the end I decided to cut it leading to the finale of his scene being inserted straight after.
Main reason being the clip was too short when recorded. So, when I tried editing it in with
the advertisement, there wasn’t enough seconds in the clip to showcase the action.
Therefore, leading to it becoming a deleted shot.
Now for the very last scene to be a part of the advertisement.

8. When it came to filming Travis, I aimed to capture his face being in front of him as he walks
away then finish with that being his scene. But now that I'm editing it all together, I’m quite

9. glad I had a hard time capturing that shot giving me more footage from behind him as
looking at the clips put together, I have found showing the back of his head gives a better
addition to the video rather than following the front view of the character.
Now that all the footage has been edited, I have started having a play around with the
sequence
My first attempt being was to place Jamies shots of him playing football after Keilan’s
second half, before Jaycie’s. Again, it didn’t play out so well just looking on from my
perspective going from someone gaming moving straight onto someone outside and active.
Moving Jamies second scene once again, this time arranged to be the last clip to play ending
the project.

10. Finding this works better than the last two attempts, I extended the shot of the character
running towards the football thinking maybe as he’s running, text begins to pop up

11. announcing the charity the video is promoting. Kinda like an old movie where credits used
to travel up the screen whilst something is still going on in the background rather than the
plain black screen we usually get now.
Becoming an accidental success, as I mentioned earlier, I wasn’t too happy with how the
transitions from one scene to the next resulted. Well, I have found that through all the
cutting down of shots, one clip wasn’t placed as it should have been leaving a tiny gap you
shall see for yourself below
With this, I noticed that as the footage moved on it somehow appeared more natural when
previewing what was there so far. As of now for every change in setting, the small gap will
be purposely left between the scenes. Just to make it clear though, the shots will remain
placed how they were originally for within the scenes. Only when a scene moves on to the
next will a gap be involved.
Sunday, 30th January 2022
Due to using Premier Pro, I am unable to get any extra editing done outside of college giving
me less time to get everything done. So to work from home, I downloaded DaVinci Resolve,
another editing software that’s similar to Premier Pro. Annoyingly, issues have come with
that as the file I had saved doesn’t cooperate with the new software.
To move forward, I went online searching for a way to use the Premier Pro file. With that, I
came across a YouTube video.

12. By watching this, I hoped to find a way to use the original file on the different software
without the chance of not being able to go back to Premier Pro for when I am in college. I
had watched two videos as well, but both had the same solution really. That being to export
the file from Premier Pro, which I don’t have access to till tomorrow. By that, I cannot
continue to edit the video till college starts up again in the morning.
Tuesday, 1st February 2022
Going through carefully, start to finish, I went through each individual clip making sure there
was no issue with any. Cutting out any rough edits allowing the advertisement to have a
smooth duration.
As a start, any scene transitions that came to place, for the ones I found didn’t work so well,
the clips were separated by only one second. Making sure each gap had only a second
difference, I used the tool to zoom in allowing me to see clearly where the shots had been
placed.
Focusing on Jamies first half, I wasn’t entirely pleased with how the jump cuts resulted as
when watching it through, the cuts were too close together. Changing it up, I originally had
it in mind to make the transition every time the actor made a step, which wasn’t a bright
idea. Making the clips longer, a cut was made every two steps so for every jump cut he lands
on the same foot with distance between the clips.

13. When it came to the character leaving the house, the video in use wasn’t recording long
enough to capture him closing the door. So to catch that, a new video was downloaded and
inserted showing Jamies character storming out. But only that part of the video was kept in,
with the walking from the couch to the door from the last shot still remained. It was slightly
difficult trying to sneak the different clip in as the camera angle is slightly off compared. But
in the end, I believe I got there.

14. Looking into Keilan's shot where he holds his head, I attempted making the scene a few
seconds longer to show his frustration a little more rather than straight away him covering
his face.
Thing was though, when watching the footage that was cut off, he didn’t give a few seconds
before hiding his face. Instead, he looked over at the camera and then did it, which would
have looked odd to include. So, for his scene, will just have to stick with how the video ran
before the edit came into place.
Working on the ending for the advertisement, I went online and found a PNG file of the
charity's logo to insert. Not that I was sure it would work, but I attempted it.

15. And it was a good thing I did. Surprisingly, I was successful in including it as at first didn’t
have a clue how to edit the file in or even if I would have been able to in general.
I liked it being a part of the video rather than having to move straight onto a coloured
screen to have to edit it in, but I wasn’t so happy with how it appeared whilst the video
played. Good thing that transition effects are an option.
Using the cross-dissolve transition, the logo is now able to smoothly fade into the shot
rather than appearing like a block in a second.

16. Going back to the shot where the Xbox gets turned on, another transition had been edited
in.
By using the dip to black transition, I hoped that it would help in introducing the second half
of the advertisement. I guess it works? will need to a second opinion on that though.
Adding more transitions, these were mainly for experimental purposes as really, I didn’t
need any more used, but it doesn’t hurt to see what the different effects added to the
video.

17. First adding a wipe transition onto Jaycie's clip as it moves onto the next shot, it just looked
daft to include onto a charity advertisement.

18. Next in attempt, paint splatter. Although it sounded unusable for the product, I was curious
on it. Now knowing what the transition looks like, yeah It’s a no from me.
Looking through the video effects as well, first to try out was the ‘drop shadow’ effect.

19. Adding it on though, I didn’t see a difference between the before frame and the after. So I
went ahead and removed it as it seemed pointless keeping the effect.
Looking into the opening scene, it seemed to need something more than moving straight to
the act. Wanting to fix this, the drop to white transition was edited into the beginning of the
very first clip.
Adding the drop to white, in my head I believe it works as an opening to the advertisement.
To be exact about it though, I have a doubt that it doesn’t fit in but I'm going to keep it in for
now. What helps as well, the sky on the clip is unclear. So with the white transition opening
on that very moment, it blends in quite well.
Seeing if I could change the colours of all the shots, my main aimwas to make the first half
of clips look darker, allowing the shadows to stand out more. Then when the video moves
onto the second half, the highlights stand out more to the audience giving the video
somewhat a make-over fitting with what went on within the shots.

20. Editing the vignette on one of the chosen clips, it wasn’t exactly what I was after, but it still
made the scene appear darker. Which was close enough I suppose so I went with it.
Going through almost all of the clips on the darker side, I had almost completed filling all the
clips with the same vignette effect making sure they all shared the same numbers also. That,
was until I realised...

21. The effect may have appeared on all the shots, but that was only when paused. When
watching the draft through, it was as if the effect was never added. Yet below, to show an
effect was added, the ‘FX’ button was lit. Strange. After figuring this out, I had gone through
and undone all that was done.
Looking into the dissolve options, I had a little experiment to see if any others worked better
than the first effect I chose. ‘Cross Dissolve’.

22. Trying out ‘Film Dissolve’ and ‘Additive Dissolve’ on the logo’s appearance, trying to
compare the three I saw no difference between any of the transitions. So to keep it simple, I
went back to ‘Cross Dissolve’ and stuck with that.
Focusing again on the logos placement, I decided to try a few different spots for when it
fades in as where it was originally seemed a bit much. The camera movement with the
image turning up, too much was happening for one frame.
Eventually, I settled placing the start of the logo within the camera movement so by the
time it was fully visible, the camera had stopped with the character running ahead catching
up to the ball he kicked seconds before.
Only thing left now, is the audio.
Wednesday, 2nd February 2022

23. Needing to add the audio, I got in touch yesterday with the people working on the
improvised argument aiming for them to get it done when they can at the soonest. They did
respond, claiming they would get it done that same night. It is now the next day; I haven’t
heard from them yet but still I have a few days I can add the audio in.
As for the music. Weeks ago, before production even started, I made a list of tracks I would
be interested in including but couldn’t be due to copyright issues. With the list, it had been
sent to a lecturer who would request of his music students to come up with background
music that sounded familiar. Never getting back from him, the lecturer repeatedly forgot to
bring it up with his class. Yesterday, another music lecturer was in the room and was up for
helping in getting the music students to help. Sending the very same list over, he posted it
on a team's chat allowing the students to come to him.
Today, I worked with one of the music students who responded to that team's chat, and we
got something done. Using his laptop, I got to go through some of the tracks to find what I
was after. Finding six that caught my attention for the video, they were all downloaded,
ready for the music student emailed them over for me allowing me to download the tracks
and use them.
Now that the music is sorted, all that’s left is the argument audio I am in need of before I
can complete the draft.
Thursday, 3rd February 2022
Now that all the music files have successfully downloaded without issue, I will be adding the
tracks onto the video draft one by one to watch through and find which track works best.

24. Starting top to bottom, ‘Before All of This’ by Raymond Grouse is up first.
First look...
The file has a shorter duration period compared to the video draft. Will still see how it plays
out though as it possibly could still work.
My review on this audio: It kind of works. The music is light-hearted, where the music gets
more upbeat it lands perfect timing. But the start is a little too much. It begins happy...
maybe if it was slowed down that could work? Also with the ending, it cuts off too soon. But
if I go ahead and attempt slowing the music down the length shouldn’t be an issue. Before I
attempt that though I’ll look through the other audios first.
‘Brother John’s Farewell’ - Brightarm Orchestra
Longer, that’s helpful.
Not a fan. It could work, but it gets upbeat far too soon. The second half of the audio is
more doable, but having to pick I would rather go ahead with the first track.
‘Don’t Blink’ - Clarence Reed. Sounding like a Doctor Who episode.
The file does cut off early, but not that early so might work length wise.
I don’t know what it is about this track, but the sound sort of messes with your anxiety.
That’s probably just me though. But I like it, fits as well really as the campaign is for a mental
health charity. Will need to make it longer as it does fade off slightly too soon. Will have a
go at slowing the audio down for the start, once I have checked through the next three in
line.
‘Life in Peace’ - David Celeste

25. The music travels past the video file, if I go ahead with this one will definitely need to cut it
down.
Straight away, the sound is too happy and light. As well as the more upbeat section coming
in far too soon. Without a second guess, this file is a no.
‘Nature’s Wonders’ - Bonnie Grace
Replacing with the next file to test out, the audio goes on longer which should be okay. But
seeing how high the waves are, I don’t find that very promising.
I was wrong about it not being so promising, but still, I won't be going forward with this file.
It would work for the advertisement if I was to, but the reason as to why I won't be lies on
what gets played. There isn’t any change throughout the audio. Yes, I suppose it gets louder
halfway through but still it is more or less the same.
Now for the final audio: ‘Up Up Away’ - Clarence Reed
Being the shortest of all the file durations, again that shouldn’t be an issue depending on if
I’ll need to slow the file down.
No. The sound doesn’t fit. It sounds more for a coming-of-age moment, like it fits for the
second half of the video. Just not the first at all. Too upbeat, too happy. These people are
stressed, why would there be a tune that suggests they are in the perfect mood be playing
in the background. As I said, it doesn’t fit.
Now it is between two audio files, will have to re-listen and see which I prefer.
Friday, 4th February 2022
Comparing the two backing tracks, I have decided to move forward with is ‘Before All of
This’. With the other option, the music got higher and more upbeat far too soon into the
video. Plus, as the video played with the music running alongside, altogether it didn’t fit.
Whereas the chosen track, listening to that whilst watching the video it connected nicely,
making more sense with the draft itself. What is also a bonus, the section where the music
changes becoming more upbeat, fits perfectly with the second the video changes up.

26. Rather than moving forward from there,
To help the audio fit, I have inserted a copy of the same song and am on snipping parts,
removing sections and replacing beats s when I tried, it wouldn’t allow me to copy and paste
any of the cropped files.
Adding to the sound, after having to look up on google whether such action was possible or
not, the audio had been slowed down. Changing the percentage from 100% to 50%, that
seems a bit too slow and deep, seventy-five will be my next attempt.
75% was a winner. With two extra audio files that had been cut up to be edited in making
the duration longer, only the start of the file has been set up so far as it may sound odd
moving straight from a slow-paced sound straight to a higher pitched not.
Allowing the music to play through, no more adjustments are needed. An extra section was
inserted due to one of the parts I had kept in turned out to be slightly off key as to the
section that plays seconds before. All is done now, no more messing with the music.
Thinking about it, the advertisement did seem a bit empty.

27. After watching a few advertisements sponsoring the charity Mind, the main addition I could
find was a weblink to the charity's official website. So, I went ahead and added it onto the
end of my video, small and at the bottom below the logo.
Trying again with the appearance of each shot...
If it actually sticks this time, the temperature and saturation will be edited having the scenes
look gloomier. Only for the first half of the video though of course.

28. Watching the edited clip before risking that I waste my time once again, thankfully the
colour has remained.
Leaving the second half, the shots were bright enough on their own with hints of yellowish
as well giving a happier tone.
Leaving the draft how is, I moved on to rendering the file then exporting it thinking I was
now done. Watching it through with the intention of paying attention to the details and that
nothing was missing once the video file was complete, I noticed something that needed to
be fixed.
Not seeing this on a smaller screen, once I had watched through the footage filling the
screen, I had mixed up a few of Jaycie’s shots. In about three shots you can see her looking
down at a booklet with a sheet of paper aside. Other shots, the paper is missing. Now that
would be confusing for the audience, so now I have had to head back and re edit that scene.
Having to remove the two shots without the paper, I have found two extra shots that can be
added in luckily, so the scene doesn’t remain too short. Only one of the videos I had
mentioned can be used in the final cut, but that is better than having nothing. This was due
to the fact one of the videos had been recorded mid-instruction being a quick behind the
scenes shot which I must have left out when arranging the video files.

29. The clip has now been fitted in with the scene followed by a few adjustments prior the other
shots. Whether that was adding seconds or removing them, both had been permitted to fix
the scene. All that needs done now is the temperature and saturation to be the same as the
following clip.
Once the filters had been sorted, I began messing around with the transitions again finding I
wasn’t happy with one of them.
Using the film dissolve, a transition was placed between the shots shown in the screen
capture. Without, the playthrough came across rushed and rough even, I didn’t like it. But
with the clips overlapping in a fade, the shots are more contempt and settled. Personally, I
believe it fits better.
Watching the rest of the video through, I am happy with the result so shall finally leave as is
ready to upload.