Effects Research

I have recently decided that I want to add some kind of effect to the dance routines. I want to do this because this is my final Masters piece and I want it to be extra special, and although it is mainly an editing piece, I would like to include some visual effects, especially since by degree is visual effects. The video below shows some possible ideas for effects. I would like to do something with particles, maybe smoke whisps coming from the dancer's hands and feet, or light streaks, something of that nature.

'Clown' routine: First edit

Sound Problems

Because of the problems we had on the shoot, I didn't get the chance to record the foley sound I wanted for the routine. I want to be able to include the sounds of their feet on the floor etc, as I think this will add a more realistic side to the video. I do have good quality audio of the dancers moving around, but it also includes the music that was playing as the girls were dancing, which I don't want to use as I wanted to use the original music track, mainly because it is better quality, but also because the final routine if about 25 seconds longer than the original dance routine, because of the slow motion shots stretching the time.

I have emailed my old sound tutor and I am hoping there is a way of extracting the footsteps sounds from the audio I already have, otherwise I might not be able to use it at all, which would be a shame.

Editing: Day 1

Today I began editing the footage. I didn't really know where to start, so I just began watching each clip and picking out nice shots and shots that wouldn't work until I had a collection. I then used my favourite long shot as the base footage and began cutting the best close ups and slow motion shots in.

I did this until gradually I had incorporated all my favourite footage into the sequence and before I knew it I had a completed routine that I think works really well. I will show this version to lots of people and get feedback on anything that can be improved, as I have plenty of time and don't want to settle on the first edit I cut together.

I have also decided that, even though it isn't my best area, I want to include some visual effects into the piece, just to get as much out of the time I have as possible. I won't be doing anything too complicated or fancy, as I think the way I have shot the video is really visually pleasing on its own. I am thinking maybe some kind of light streaks coming from their hands and feet to extended and exaggerate their movements might work, but I will be looking into this over the next few days.

Dance Photos

The Footage

Today I went through the footage that I have shot, named all the clips and cut the beginnings and ends off of each clip so they are now ready to begin the edit, something I am planning on starting next week.

Below are some screen shots of the footage in Premiere Pro.