Embedded Files
Program: Adobe Premiere, CapCut (optional alternative)
Discipline: Audio/Visual, Marketing, Brand Engagement
Course: TGJ3M, TGJ4O
Background
Background
A very powerful tool in Audio and Video editing is syncing up what is happening on screen with what is happening in the audio track. This is called Beat Matching or Sync Cutting. The result of pairing visual transitions with prominent beats in a music track is incredibly engaging and helpful for viewer retention.
Your assignment is to create a short, fun, snappy and thrilling video edit of your choice with a deliberate choice of audio track that has pronounced sound effects or kick drum elements that match the tempo.
Stock Video
Stock Video
The easiest and best thing you can do for this assignment is utilize something called B-Roll, which is a type of “stock video” that is filmed for the sole purpose of being used as visual filler in movies, TV shows and commercials. There are many different videography studios that pay professional camera and drone operators to get this footage. Unfortunately, these people need to eat and pay their own bills, so their work usually costs some money. Fortunately, there are lots of free and royalty-free (meaning they “belong” to no one) video files available all throughout the web. Here are some available resources. Note that you may need to create an account or some files may have limited access/usage. Please look around the web for other resources.
You may also want to use pictures and text/typography in place or in additional to video clips. Keep in mind that the static nature of pictures means you'll want to find a higher tempo song to match, to ensure it doesn't feel like you're playing a slideshow!
Royalty-Free Audio
Royalty-Free Audio
You’ll want to find an instrumental track with minimal vocals. Try to find one with noticeable and impactful “beats” so that you can match sync your video cuts to the music for extra effect. Here are a few websites you can find royalty free music. You may also be able to find some royalty free tracks on YouTube and then use a third party tool to download them (please do not do this step if you are not familiar with such tools, as you may download malware to your device). Also, be warned that obtaining copyrighted music through illegitimate methods is against the law!
Getting Started
Getting Started
You will want to gather a considerable number of video/image sources to be used for your clip. Your file submission may only be 15-30 seconds long, but depending on the tempo of the music, it could have up to 60-90 different clips and transitions depending on the number of beats per minute. The table shown to you here can be used to estimate the number of clips you need to collect and place in your timeline for your chosen music. Use this as an estimate however, as certain types of music will call for different kinds of editing techniques. The author of your music track will generally list the tempo (bpm) somewhere on their music page, but you can also try using a Song Analyzer to check/verify it yourself.
Your spot will rely on quick cuts and snappy transitions to keep your audience engaged. Match your cuts, text and effects to the beat of your audio for the best impact. Some additional things to consider would be:
Use thematic fonts - install stylized fonts that match your video's aesthetic
Keep one or two words on screen at maximum - the viewer won't be able to read more if it's beat matched
Match movement in transitions - is someone in your video clip moving to the left? Match that movement with a pan or shift to the left in your transition
Keep transitions as short as possible to maximize the beat effect - you won't want your transitions to be so slow that they obscure which beat you're trying to match the cut to
Explore additional special effects and filters to maximize the visual impact
Success Criteria
Success Criteria
Storytelling
Storytelling
The completed video is within 15 to 30 seconds and has a clearly and cleverly communicated message using the video and audio tools made available to you. Use the classic "beginning, middle, end" organization you would use in a written work to help you achieve this.
Beat Matching
Beat Matching
The completed video has cuts that are effectively synced to audio, employ strong visual transitions, are appropriately spaced and communicate branding effectively.
Visual Choices
Visual Choices
Visuals communicate message effectively and provocatively using video clips, images with effects, transitions, and/or typography. Video clips are sourced from royalty-free or a commercial license is attributed.
Audio Choices
Audio Choices
Audio is suitable for the project needs, evokes an energetic and engaging response from an audience, has clear and easy to recognize beats or rhythms that any viewer can tap their feet to!
File Submission
File Submission
There is only 1 file submission for this assignment. You will want to export your video at a reasonable resolution (1080p is perfectly acceptable for all use cases, 4K is overkill and not needed for something like this). Ensure your aspect ratio (16:9, 1:1, 4:3, or 9:16) matches the style of the content you're making.
- Name - Beat Match.mp4
Student Exemplars
Student Exemplars
Exemplar (2).mp4Exemplar (3).mp4Exemplar (1).mp4Beat Match - Gordon Hill.mp4Beat Match - Kent.mp4Page updated
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