Capstone Project Case Study

Background and Context

Capstone Background

Proposal: Begin by writing an extensive proposal stating what you intend to accomplish at the end of the term.  This proposal should include the objective of the capstone and explain how the assignment meets 3 out of the 5 departmental objectives (see below).  Outline the software you intend on using, pre-production methods, and production process.

My Proposal: I will create three 5 minute videos focused on the horror movies throughout history. Each episode will be for a different decade starting with the 70’s, then 80’s, then 90’s. I will use Premiere Pro and After Effects as well as narration utilizing audio editing in Adobe Audition. To make certain graphics in my video I would also utilize photoshop for editing them and possibly illustrator to bring graphics into after effects to animate. My project will demonstrate skilled use of multiple Adobe creative applications, show effective use of design through video editing and animation, understand copyright laws when choosing music and graphics for my videos, use critical thinking to plan my videos and demonstrate oral skills by narration and written skills through writing a script for the videos, and demonstration of developing my videos by planning them and executing them by making and animating the videos.

Research Done

  • Found clips of cultural background for each decade
  • Downloaded movie clips from 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s horror movies
  • Got movie posters for each video
  • Had my mom provide narration for all three videos
  • Added music clips to suit each video
  • Made use of a video template for all three videos openings 

Requirements

Capstone Criteria

Each student will be tasked to design their own capstone project utilizing any of the skills they have acquired over the past several terms. Each project is subject to review and possible modification by the supervising professor

Department Objectives Met

  • Demonstrate knowledge of various multimedia software applications and related technology to produce project specific content.
  • Recognize and create effective versus ineffective elements of design.
  • Demonstrate effective development and execution of creative assignments.

Design Process

Brainstorming

I initially didn’t know what direction I was going to go with my capstone project, but with a brainstorming session with my classmates and professor, I decided to go a route involving horror movies. Further ideas from my class led to the idea to make three 5 minute videos about the history of horror in the 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s.

First Iterations

Tools and Techniques Used

Tools Used:
  • Premiere Pro 
  • Adobe Audition
Techniques Used:
  • Video Trimming
  • Audio Levels Correction
  • Selecting Music Tracks 

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Challenges Faced

  • Coming up with capstone idea
  • Finding clips from movies
  • Finding the right music
  • Making sure the audio is leveled

Overcoming Challenges

  • Brainstormed with Class
  • Found Clip.Cafe, archive of movie clips
  • found Epidemic Sound a music track site
  • Used a YouTube tutorial to learn how to make audio perfect

What I Learned

  • Making videos requires a lot of thought and planning
  • Finding movie clips is a challenge
  • Finding the right music is important to set the tone of a video
  • Making sure the audio in a videois the same volume throughout is essential

Capstone Reflection

Key Points

  • I successfully made 3 history of horror videos based on the 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s
  • I successfully met department objectives in my final videos
  • I learned new and useful tips on how to use Premiere Pro and Adobe Audition more efficiently 

What I Enjoyed the Most

  • I reinvigorated my love for using Premiere Pro
  • I got to make videos about my favorite movie genre
  • I gained more experience editing videos and audio
  • I now have a sufficient portfolio piece to show off

Future Applications

  • Could impress future employers
  • Could help get more independent work 

Final Videos