RPS DIGITAL AUDIO VISUAL GUIDELINES


Audio Visual (AV) has two categories:

  1. Photo Harmony:  This is the simplest form, images with music.
  2. Sequences:  There should be a storyline and the sound track includes voice as well as music.

PHOTO HARMONY

The Photo Harmony category enables you to demonstrate your skill in the production and visual progression of images linked to sound.  No script or story with a specific beginning, middle and ending is required.  The emphasis is on matching the images with appropriate transitions and harmonising them with the music.

REQUIREMENTS

One or more series of images matched to sound with a total submission of not less than 30 images and a running time of 5 minutes.

ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

The Standard: There should be evidence in the photography of sound artistic and technical skill.  The most important aspect is the selection, quality and sympathetic progression of the images.  Also considered is the appropriateness and recording quality of the soundtrack.  Evidence of a developing personal style is desirable.

Techniques: The purpose of this category is to display a set of images, which harmonise with each other and with the sound used.  The sequence of images should progress harmoniously in terms of colour or tone and graphic design.  It is not about the individual merit of each image used but about how they harmonise with the other images and the sound chosen.  The sound and the images should start and finish together.

Preferably, preserve the original ending of the music rather than an arbitrary fade-out.  You should cross-fade two or more pieces of music rather than make poor use of one piece of music.

Manipulation: Any digital manipulation to be well matched to the overall concept being communicated by the images'. Take care not to overdo it, as this can prove counter-productive.

SEQUENCES

The Sequences category requires a script or story with a specific beginning, middle and ending.  As well as artistic productions, it can include the fields of education, science, medicine and commerce.  In practice, most Sequences fall into one of the following categories:

* Documentary (including travel)

* Origination and/or interpretation of music, poetry or prose

* Humour

* Fiction (stories and drama)

The author will have done the major part of the work and will disclose any work done by others.  Most authors confine themselves to conception, photography, writing the script and making and mixing the sound recording, they usually use existing recorded music.

REQUIREMENTS

One or more sequences, with a total running time of 10 minutes.

ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

The Standard: The most important point to grasp is that it is the complete sequence that is assessed, not simply the individual components.  This means that the concept of the sequence is extremely important; an effective sequence will have unity of its three parts: the concept, the visuals and the sound.  These three elements should reinforce each other so that anyone without the other would be unsatisfactory.  The concept is perhaps the most difficult part of making successful sequences'.  It requires an idea with a suitable introduction, an interesting development of the idea and a well-timed close.

Techniques: To create a satisfactory link between picture and sound requires the skilful mixing and transition of images.  A large variety of transition effects is possible in the digital medium.  For example, fades can produce beautiful 'third images' by superimposing two or more images; cuts can introduce rhythm and pace into an AV sequence.

Variations of speed of dissolve and the length of time each image stays on the screen greatly assist in maintaining interest and achieving mood changes.  However, excessive use of different transition effects can become tedious and distract from the content of the sequence.

Sound recording and mixing is a critical component of successful applications.  Voice recording must be clear and separated in the mix from music and sound effects.  There should be careful selection of music to enhance each element of the application, being appropriate to the visual elements, script and voice recording in both style and content.

Sound effects, particularly if you record them yourself, may enhance appreciation of the work both technically and aesthetically.

Skilful digital manipulation of images and sound is encouraged.  As with all such techniques, manipulation can easily be overdone and result in an effect, which is counter-productive to your intentions.  Such techniques should match the overall concept at the relevant point in the sequence.

COMMON REQUIREMENTS FOR BOTH CATEGORIES

Copyright Music: Details concerning the use of copyright music recordings and of Sound Copyright Licences are available from the Institute of Amateur Cinematographers at www.theiac.org.uk.  The IAC can also be contacted at IAC, Global House, 1 Ashley Avenue, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5AD or on 01372 822812 or e-mail info@theiac.org.uk.

N.B.  The unauthorised use of copyright recordings may make you liable to legal proceedings.

Equipment and Software: Currently The Royal Society uses projectors and computers at 1400 x 1050 pixels native resolution; it is anticipated that this will change to 1920 x 1080 pixels Full High Definition.  Sequences may be produced in either format or 1920 x 1200 pixels if the widescreen aspect ratio is not wanted.  (The Club Committee has yet to determine what the preferred format should be.  It will depend on the specification of the new digital projector. At the present time it is suggested you use the current digital image standard)

Your submission must run as executable files (.exe).