MOTION MEDIA AND INFORMATION

• Motion media can be produced formally and informally.
• Informally produced motion media are created by individuals often for personal use.
• Formally produced motion media are created by professionals who follow industry standards in creating, editing and producing motion media.
• Formal production of animations involve the following steps:

  • writing the story - writers and directors create the story board
  • script is written and dialogue is recorded
  • animators sketch major scenes; inbetweeners fill in the gaps
  • background music and background details are added
  • drawings are rendered
  • Videos are produced in the same manner except that instead of drawing the scenes they are acted out and shot. Once the scenes have been shot, all clips are edited and put together in a final product.
• Validity of information – Is it peer reviewed and verifiable
• Source - Primary or secondary source? Does the video capture the actual event or does it simply present information learned about an event
• Relationship of the author to the event – Does he have firsthand knowledge?
• Technical methods of detecting tampering/fake video:

  • Smoothness of video (actions seems to jump from one position)
  • Lighting Coverage Matches ( shadows and the source of light)
  • Scale and size consistency (. If the picture is reduced or enlarged by a certain percent then all of the objects should be resized by that percent.)
• Advantages of motion media and information:

  • It captures motion in a manner that can be viewed repeatedly
  • It can show processes in detail and in sequence
  • Simulations allow for safe observation
  • It can cut across different cultures and groups
  • It allows scenes, history, events and phenomenon to be recreated
  • It enables learning with emotions
• Limitations of motion media and information:

  • Compared to other forms of visual media the viewer cannot always interrupt the presentation.
  • It is often times more costly than other forms of visual media.
  • Other data may be presented best using still images. Examples are graphs, diagrams, maps.
  • It is subject to misinterpretation
• Motion Media Elements:

  • Speed (fast and slow movements)
  • Direction (growing and shrinking, movement from one position to another)
  • Motion Path (route the object will take)
  • Timing
  • Objective Timing (measured time such as minutes, seconds, days)
  • Subjective Timing (psychological or felt)
• Design principles in creating movement:

  • Speed, direction and timing (depict natural laws of physics)
  • Timing (Fast movement sends much information, Slow movement emphasis and lasting recall.)
  • Transitions (sets the tone for the next event and should provide a smooth connection from one event to another)
  • Sound and color (ads depth and meaning to movement)
  • Cartooning (graphic and text provides dynamic movement)
  • Blurring (illusion of fast movement or used to censor information for security or decency)
  • Purpose of the movement.