MediaArtTutorials
Digital Mixed Media Animation – Part 1
Objective
Create a 30-second storytelling short using video footage. This video will become the foundation for your final mixed-media animation project. You will record video, convert it into printable frames, and later enhance it using hand-drawn and physical elements.
This first stage focuses on structure, clarity, and visual storytelling using DaVinci Resolve.
Materials Required
- Smartphone or personal camera: Setup your Smartphone Camera for Video
- Computer with DaVinci Resolve (download here)
DaVinci Resolve is also available for Tablets through the corresponding App Store, but editing on tablets is not recommended due to limited screen space and functionality.
- Optional: Headphones (recommended for audio design)
- Optional: tripod or phone stabilizer
Activities
Complete the following in order. Ask your professor or TA for support or feedback.
[20 min] Conceptualize Your Project (Group Work)
Work in groups. Open a Word or Google Doc and answer the following:
Conceptual
- What message or emotion will your story convey?
- How will the story unfold in 30 seconds? (Beginning → Middle → End)
- References
Artistic and Technical
- Where will you film? (Indoors is recommended for consistent artificial lighting)
- What framing or composition styles will you use?
For this project, you may use close-ups, medium close-ups, medium shots, cowboy shots, medium full shots, and full shots.
Consider how each framing choice offers a distinct perspective and supports your storytelling goals.
➡️ Export as PDF
📄 Filename: Group-#-Notes.pdf (Replace # with your group number)
Include both names + student numbers
[40 min] Record (Group Work)
Film your raw material for the 30-second short.
Tips:
- Record more than you need so you have options
- Keep shots stable and well-lit
- Apply cinematic techniques from class:
- Composition Structures: Rule of Thirds, Symmetry, Leading Lines, etc.
- Camera Shots: Close-Up, Medium Shot, Full Shot, etc.
- Angles: Eye-level, High, Low, Tilted
References
[20 min] Edit Your Video in DaVinci Resolve (Group Work)
Edit your 30-second video using DaVinci Resolve.
Review the tutorials: Video Editing in DaVinci Resolve
Editing Guidelines:
- Final video must be in black and white
- Avoid underexposure — increase brightness considering you will print the frames in B&W.
- Ensure smooth pacing and clear storytelling
- Use simple transitions and cuts (no text or sound yet)
➡️ Export as MP4
📄 Filename: Group-#-Video.mp4
Additional Resources
[5 min] Export Frames (Group Work)
Export your video into still frames using the tutorial provided. You should get 480 frames or individual images after exporting your video.
Create A Printable Frame Grid (Individual Work)
Divide the frames evenly among your group. Each student must have 160 frames/images. Individually, design your own printable grid layout using your assigned frames. Requirements:
- Paper Size: Letter (8.5 × 11 in)
- Orientation: Portrait or Landscape (depending on how you filmed your video)
- Arrange in a grid (2x4) layout using:
PowerPoint, Word, Canva, Pages, or Keynote Keep all frames evenly spaced and the same size See examples bellow
- ➡️ Export as PDF
📄 Filename:
Lastname-Name-Frames.pdf - 📌 Print your grid in black and white and bring it to class for Part 2.
⚠️ Failure to bring your printed frames will result in a grade deduction.
For the Next Class, Bring:
- Printed black-and-white grid
- Mixed-media materials:
- Markers, crayons, pastels, paint
- Coloured paper, cut-outs, thread, fabric
- Tape, glue, scissors
- Optional: stamps, found textures, magazine clippings
📤 Submissions
| Type | File Name | Who Submits |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Group-#-Notes.pdf |
One per group |
| Group | Group-#-Video.mp4 |
One per group |
| Individual | Lastname-Name-Frames.pdf |
Each student |
⚠️ Follow the submission protocols carefully. Incorrect submissions may result in lost points.