THE SHORT FILM PRODUCTION PROCESS USING VERTICAL VIDEO TECHNIQUES: A CASE STUDY OF "LUCKY NUMBER THE GHOST GAVE US"

Abstract

Introduction: Since the invention of the motion picture camera in the 19th century through the television and computer eras, humans have consistently experienced moving images in horizontal format.This orientation aligns with the natural characteristics of human vision and visual perception. Objectives: 1)  To examine the production process of films utilizing vertical video cinematography techniques in the short film series "Lek Dee Phi Bok" (Lucky Number Ghost), distributed via the TikTok platform. 2) To analyze content factors influencing viewership through content analysis methodology. Method: Participant observation and in-depth interviews with the production team were employed. Result: The study revealed that this short film series follows a three-stage production process: Pre-production Stage: Scripts were developed as brief episodes with straightforward narratives. Generative artificial intelligence was utilized to elaborate scene details for production planning purposes.Production Stage: A minimal crew was employed. Camera setup utilized L-plate accessories to mount cameras in a tilted orientation, enabling vertical format capture comparable to portrait photography. Visual composition was arranged to optimize the vertical frame, with minimal use of horizontal panning movements.Post-production Stage: The process included rotating footage to convert tilted recordings to vertical orientation, positioning computer graphics in the center of the frame, and employing generative artificial intelligence to create background scenes, thereby reducing location shooting costs.Viewership analysis revealed that episodes with higher view counts featured concise, uncomplicated narratives presenting familiar everyday situations, incorporating physical comedy wherein the protagonist experiences comedic mishaps. Conclusion: This research demonstrates that despite vertical video being a contemporary media format, it retains certain structural elements found in traditional television media. This presents opportunities for media producers to adapt by applying existing skills to create content in emerging formats for future production endeavors.