11.4 | motion tracking, e4

Due Today: Revised narrative draft + storyboard

For Today:

  • discuss secondary sound effects
  • ae demo: Motion Tracking / Download this video for today’s demo
  • assign exercise 4
Park Swing.mp4Download

For Today:

  • AE Demo: Motion Tracking
  • Download this video for today’s demo
  • Studio for P3 development

Motion Tracking

https://helpx.adobe.com/after-effects/using/tracking-stabilizing-motion-cs5.html

Motion Tracking Resources

Secondary Sound Effects

Secondary sound effects, often referred to as Foley sounds or SFX, play an essential role in enhancing the overall impact and immersion of a motion design piece. By supporting the visuals, they can make animations feel more tangible, relatable, and alive. Let’s delve deeper into how you can utilize secondary sound effects effectively in your projects:

  • Purpose Over Presence: Secondary sound effects are not there just for the sake of it. They give depth to a scene, reinforcing the visual elements or even filling in gaps where visuals might not tell the whole story. Think of them as a bridge between the viewer’s senses of sight and hearing.
  • Match the Mood: The sound effects you choose should complement the mood of the scene. A delicate flutter might be appropriate for a butterfly in a serene scene, whereas a more exaggerated flap could work for a comedic or exaggerated animation.
  • Subtlety is Key: While these sounds are vital, they should not overpower primary sounds or dialogues. It’s all about balance. Often, the subtlety makes them more effective.
  • Layer for Depth: Sometimes, a single sound effect might not do the job. By layering multiple sounds, you can create a more complex or unique sound that fits your scene better.
  • Prioritize Quality: Always make sure you’re using high-quality sound effects. Low-quality or poorly recorded sounds can detract from the overall experience. There are numerous libraries online where you can purchase or find free high-quality SFX. Check out Soundly and the list below.
  • Perfect Timing: The precise moment a sound effect plays can make all the difference. If a ball bounces on the screen, the associated sound should sync perfectly with the visual. Even a slight misalignment can feel jarring to the viewer.
  • Environment Matters: Sound changes based on surroundings. Match effects to the setting.
  • Seek Feedback: A fresh set of ears can catch inconsistencies or mismatches.
  • Serve the Story: While secondary sound effects can be a lot of fun to incorporate, always remember the story you are trying to tell. The sound should always serve the narrative, not distract from it.

In the “Form in Nature” with Chromosphere and David example, observe how secondary sound effects are used to emphasize movement, establish atmosphere, and bring elements to life. As you dissect it, think about how each sound effect adds to the overall experience and story being told.

Read + Watch: Form in Nature Process
More Sound Inspiration:
The Art of Sound Effects
Sound Design Example
Sound Design Example 2
Sound Design Example 3

Free Sound Effect Resources

Exercise 4: Animated Data Story (15pts) – end of class 1:45PM on 11.11

This is the last of 4 exercises in this course. Please review the requirements and rubric before beginning.

Objective: Create an 5-10 second animated infographic that visually communicates a statistic or fact. This exercise allows flexibility in animation techniques, supporting you in crafting a clear and engaging visual story that directly connects with Project 3.

1. File Setup and Management:
Create a Composition: Set the duration to 5-10 seconds with dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Background: Create a background (solid, pictorial, texture) that best stages your content. It should enhance your "micro story".

2. Audio Integration:
Select an Audio Track: Choose a creative commons audio track from a site like Free Music Archive. The audio should complement the tone of your statistic or fact.
Fade In/Out: Integrate the audio track into your composition, with a fade in at the start and fade out at the end to ensure a smooth transition.

3. Data and Visual Representation:
Choose a Statistic or Fact: Pick a statistic or interesting fact that you find compelling. This could relate to a topic you're covering in your infographic/explainer video project. This data point will be the central focus of your animation.
Visualize the Data: Create a simple infographic element (e.g., bar chart, pie chart, icon, percentage) that illustrates the statistic. Choose a design that visually represents the data clearly and accurately.Use infographic elements like icons, charts, or text overlays to clearly and creatively represent the statistic.

4. Subject - Character and Image Integration:
Select a Subject - Character or Icon: Use a character, icon, vector, or masked image that complements your statistic or theme. This image can be a transparent PNG, vector graphic, or a masked element from a photo.
Animation Option: Choose between using the Puppet Pin tool for organic character motion (e.g., bending, walking, jumping) or traditional techniques like rotation, scaling, or position changes. The movement should enhance the storytelling without distracting from the data.

5. Motion and Timing:
Choreography and Sync: Ensure that each animated element—whether character, chart, or text—moves in harmony with the audio track’s rhythm. This includes attention to timing, rotation, scaling, or position changes, as well as subtle pauses or accelerations.
Flexibility in Animation: Use the Puppet Pin tool, basic transformations (e.g., rotation, scale, position), or a combination to create smooth and intentional motion.

6. Formal Design Qualities:
Design Principles: Apply formal design qualities, including typographic choices, color harmony, and layout structure. Ensure clarity of information through effective hierarchy, balance, and interaction with frame edges.
Consistent Visual Style: The design should look polished and cohesive, using positive/negative space thoughtfully to guide the viewer’s eye.

7. Rendering and Submission:
Render Your Composition: Render in H.264 format using the Vimeo 1080 preset. Upload to D2L + Vimeo (if possible). If possible, submit the link via D2L.
E4 CriteriaWEAK / MISSINGAVERAGEGOODEXCEPTIONALPoints
Audio Integration: Appropriate choice of audio track with smooth fade in/out transitions, enhancing the mood or message.00.512/ 2
Statistic Presentation: Clear and creative presentation of a relevant statistic or fact using infographic visuals (chart, icon, etc.).011.52/ 2
Source Attribution: Clear attribution of the statistic’s source, placed at the end, bottom, or in video comments.011.52/ 2
Character and Image Animation: Effective use of Puppet Pin or other animation techniques (e.g., rotation, scale, position) to create engaging movement that complements the statistic.0123/ 3
Motion and Timing: Well-timed, smooth animation synchronized with audio, demonstrating thoughtful pacing and smooth transitions.0123/ 3
Formal Design Qualities: Strong visual design with cohesive typography, color, layout, and use of space, ensuring clarity and polish.0123/ 3

Due Next Class: 

  • 10s of P3 development (post to D2l P3: 10s)
  • For audio, decide whether your P3 will have:
    Guide to Creating a Strong Voice Over
    Beehive Podcasting Studio Request Form (normal business hours)
    • (A) Voice-Over – can also include music behind the voice-over.
    • (B) Music Only – entire narrative needs to be written for the viewer to read. Post your decision to the bottom of your P3 Ideation Story on Medium.
      *This week, include the link to your audio choice (or upload) post to the bottom of your P3 Ideation Story on Medium. Use stock audio sites with a Creative Commons license. Careful when linking to any copyrighted on Youtube as it can flag your Medium post. Use Quicktime or another audio tool to record your music, but be mindful not to steal audio without the free use license.
Project 3 Schedule (100 pts)
  1. 11.4 – ae demo: motion tracking
  2. 11.6 – crit (first 15s) lecture: motion unconstrained; ae demo: motion tracking / stop motion
  3. 11.11 – studio for project 3 / introduce p4 to start idea generation
  4. 11.13 – final crit (30s)
  5. 11.18 – due: P3