ABSENT - Post-Production Guide

Competition Day 2: From Raw Footage to Award-Winning Film

HOUR-BY-HOUR BREAKDOWN

HOUR 1 (9:00-10:00 AM): FOUNDATION SETUP

Import & Organization

CapCut Project Setup:

1.​ Create new project: "ABSENT_Final"

2.​ Set timeline: 1080p, 24fps
3.​ Import ALL footage from Day 1
4.​ Import your externally produced music library

File Organization in CapCut:

Video Assets:

- Classroom_WithStudents.mp4

- Classroom_Empty.mp4

- Hallway_Crowds.mp4

- Phone_Screen_Recording.mp4

- MC_Closeups.mp4

- Final_Connection.mp4

External Music Library:

- Scene1_Music.wav (melancholic, ambient)

- Scene2_Music_Layer1.wav (building tension - piano)

- Scene2_Music_Layer2.wav (anxiety - strings/drone)

- Scene3_Music_Electronic.wav (digital chaos)

- Scene3_Music_Chaos.wav (overwhelming layers)

- Scene4_Music_Piano.wav (hope and resolution)

- Scene4_Music_Strings.wav (warmth and connection)

- Heartbeat_60bpm.wav, Heartbeat_90bpm.wav, Heartbeat_120bpm.wav

- Environmental_Empty_Room.wav

- Environmental_Hallway_Busy.wav

- Foley_Notifications.wav

- Foley_Breathing_Calm.wav

Audio Library Import & Test

Quick Audio Sync Test:

1.​ Drop Scene1_Music.wav onto timeline

2.​ Add Classroom_WithStudents.mp4
3.​ Test volume levels (-25dB for music, -3dB for dialogue)
4.​ Verify: Can you hear dialogue clearly? Good - your levels are perfect.

Audio Track Assignment Strategy:

●​ Track 1: All dialogue and sync sound

●​ Track 2: Primary music layers (piano, strings, electronic)
●​ Track 3: Heartbeat variations and secondary music layers
●​ Track 4: Environmental tones (empty room, hallway)
●​ Track 5: Foley effects (notifications, breathing, footsteps)

Basic Assembly

Rough Cut Creation:

1.​ Scene 1 (0:00-0:30): Drag classroom footage, add empty room reveal
2.​ Scene 2 (0:30-1:30): Hallway sequence with anxiety build
3.​ Scene 3 (1:30-2:30): Phone research sequence
4.​ Scene 4 (2:30-3:45): Breaking point and resolution

Timeline Check:

●​ Total runtime should be ~3 minutes

●​ Each scene flows into the next
●​ No major gaps or overlaps in footage
HOUR 2 (10:00-11:00 AM): AUDIO INTEGRATION MASTERY

9:00-10:15 AM: Scene 1 Audio Layering

The Lonely Classroom Sequence:

Audio Track 2: Scene1_Music.wav at -25dB

●​ Why This Volume: Subtle but emotionally present

●​ Timing: Fades in when MC appears, continues through empty reveal
●​ Music Note: External composer has created melancholic ambient piece

Audio Track 4: Environmental_Empty_Room.wav at -35dB

●​ Purpose: Adds psychological "emptiness" texture

●​ Critical Moment: Gets slightly louder when classroom empties

Audio Track 1: Natural dialogue and pen drop sound

●​ Volume: -3dB (always loudest)

●​ Special Effect: Add slight reverb to MC's voice-over during empty room

10:15-10:30 AM: Scene 2 Audio Complexity

Building Anxiety Sequence:

Audio Track 2: Scene2_Music_Layer1.wav at -22dB Audio Track 3: Scene2_Music_Layer2.wav

at -25dB

●​ Music Note: Composer has provided layered tension-building pieces

●​ Layer 1: Piano-based anxiety theme
●​ Layer 2: Strings/drone for psychological unease

Audio Track 3 (Additional): Heartbeat_90bpm.wav at -20dB

●​ Speed Adjustment: 110% (anxiety increases heart rate)

●​ Pan: Slightly left (psychological discomfort)

Audio Track 4: Environmental_Hallway_Busy.wav at -30dB

●​ Purpose: Overwhelming background chaos

●​ Filter: Add slight low-pass filter (muffled, like being underwater)

10:30-10:45 AM: Scene 3 Audio Chaos

Digital Overload Sequence:

Audio Track 2: Scene3_Music_Electronic.wav at -18dB (LOUDER than previous scenes) Audio

Track 3: Scene3_Music_Chaos.wav at -15dB (intentionally overwhelming)

●​ Music Note: Composer has created electronic/digital chaos soundscape

●​ Purpose: Represents information overload and digital anxiety

Audio Track 3 (Additional): Heartbeat_120bpm.wav at -18dB

●​ Speed: 130% (panic level)

●​ Pan: Rapidly left-right for disorientation

Audio Track 5: Foley_Notifications.wav

●​ Multiple Copies: 5-6 rapid-fire notification sounds

●​ Volume: -15dB (annoying and overwhelming)
●​ Speed Variations: Some at 120% for variety

10:45-11:00 AM: Scene 4 Audio Resolution

Hope and Connection:

Audio Track 2: Scene4_Music_Piano.wav at -15dB (more prominent) Audio Track 3:

Scene4_Music_Strings.wav at -20dB

●​ Music Note: Composer has provided hopeful, warm resolution themes

●​ Piano: Main melody for emotional connection
●​ Strings: Adds warmth and human touch

Audio Track 3 (Additional): Heartbeat_60bpm.wav at -25dB

●​ Speed: 85% (slower than normal = calm)

●​ Pan: Center (balance restored)

Audio Track 4: Foley_Breathing_Calm.wav at -28dB

●​ Purpose: Adds warmth and human connection

●​ Timing: Fades in when helping hand appears

HOUR 3 (11:00 AM-12:00 PM): VISUAL STORYTELLING MASTERY

11:00-11:20 AM: The Empty Classroom Reveal

This Effect Will Win You Points:

Setup:

1.​ Both shots filmed from EXACT same camera position

2.​ Cut happens at moment MC's voice-over says "...if I just..."
3.​ Critical Timing: 2-second pause of silence, then reveal

Technical Execution:

●​ Transition: Sharp cut (no fade)

●​ Audio Bridge: Continue heartbeat through transition
●​ Color Shift: Slightly desaturate empty room (-15%)
●​ Speed: Hold empty room shot for 3 full seconds

Why This Works:

●​ Visually represents internal psychological state

●​ Judges will immediately understand the metaphor
●​ Technical precision shows professional planning

11:20-11:40 AM: The Google Search Integration

Screen Recording + Character Integration:

Dual-Layer Approach:

●​ Video Track 1: Phone screen recording (actual Google searches)

●​ Video Track 2: MC's hands typing (50% opacity overlay)

Search Progression:

1.​ "teenage suicide rates" - Hold on results for 3 seconds

2.​ "teen social media pressure" - Quick browse through images
3.​ "how to know if you're depressed" - Delete and retype
4.​ "am I invisible" - Final search, hold on results

Technical Details:

●​ Screen Brightness: +20% for visibility

●​ Hand Overlay: Use "Screen" blend mode
●​ Timing: Natural typing speed with 1-second pauses

11:40-12:00 PM: The Floating Text Effect

Information Overload Visualization:

Text Elements to Animate:

●​ "Teen suicide rates up 60%"

●​ "Second leading cause of death"
●​ "Social media pressure"
●​ "Depression in teenagers"

Animation Technique:

1.​ Position: Scattered around MC's head and shoulders

2.​ Opacity: Start at 0%, fade to 70%, fade to 0%
3.​ Movement: Gentle float (2-pixel vertical oscillation)
4.​ Duration: Each text visible for 2-3 seconds
5.​ Overlap: Multiple texts visible simultaneously

Technical Settings:

●​ Font: Clean sans-serif (Arial or Helvetica)

●​ Color: White with 50% black drop shadow
●​ Size: Large enough to read but not overwhelming screen

HOUR 4 (12:00-1:00 PM): LUNCH BREAK

Strategic Rest: Your competitors are panicking about audio. You're on schedule.

HOUR 5 (1:00-2:00 PM): ADVANCED VISUAL EFFECTS

1:00-1:20 PM: The Clone Effect

Multiple Versions of MC on Screen:

Three-Layer Composition:

●​ Video Track 1: MC sitting at desk, head down (100% opacity)

●​ Video Track 2: MC scrolling phone (30% opacity, positioned left)
●​ Video Track 3: MC covering face (25% opacity, positioned right)

Technical Execution:

1.​ Film all three actions in same location

2.​ Blend Mode: "Screen" for overlay tracks
 3.​ Positioning: Offset each layer by 100-150 pixels
4.​ Duration: 4 seconds total, then layers fade out individually

Audio During Clone Effect:

●​ Continue Scene 4 base music

●​ Add low-frequency hum at -25dB for psychological unease
●​ Silence Moment: 2 seconds of complete audio silence as clones disappear

1:20-1:40 PM: The Direct Camera Address

Fourth Wall Break - Your Competition Advantage:

Technical Setup:

●​ Shot: Close-up, MC looking directly at camera lens

●​ Timing: "I'm... overwhelmed" - 6 seconds total
●​ Camera Movement: Slow zoom in (100% to 105%)

Audio Treatment:

●​ Dialogue: Clean, prominent at -3dB

●​ Background: All music fades to silence
●​ Echo Effect: Add subtle reverb to voice (intimacy)

Color Grading:

●​ Contrast: +25% for dramatic impact

●​ Saturation: Slight boost (+10%) for emotional presence

1:40-2:00 PM: The Final Connection

Hope Through Human Touch:

Two-Shot Composition:

●​ Framing: MC and helper both visible

●​ Lighting: Return to warm, natural colors
●​ Movement: Gentle push-in on both characters

Audio Transition:

●​ Piano: Scene4_Music_Piano.wav builds to full presence (-12dB)

●​ Strings: Scene4_Music_Strings.wav adds warmth (-18dB)
●​ Heartbeat: Returns to normal rhythm (60 BPM at -25dB)
HOUR 6 (2:00-3:00 PM): COLOR GRADING & VISUAL POLISH

2:00-2:20 PM: Scene-by-Scene Color Strategy

Scene 1: Lonely/Empty

●​ Temperature: Neutral (0)

●​ Saturation: -20% (subtle desaturation)
●​ Vignette: -15% (draws focus inward)
●​ Shadows: +10% (softer, dreamier look)

Scene 2: Building Anxiety

●​ Temperature: -10% (cooler, less comfortable)

●​ Saturation: Normal for objective reality shots
●​ Saturation: -30% for subjective reality moments
●​ Contrast: +15% (more dramatic)

Scene 3: Digital Chaos

●​ Temperature: +5% (warmer screen glow)

●​ Saturation: +20% for phone screen shots (artificial)
●​ Saturation: -40% for MC reaction shots (overwhelming)
●​ Brightness: Variable (screen bright, MC darker)

Scene 4: Hope/Resolution

●​ Temperature: +10% (warm, human connection)

●​ Saturation: Return to full natural color
●​ Contrast: +20% (clarity and resolution)
●​ Vignette: Remove completely (openness)

2:20-2:40 PM: Advanced Color Techniques

Color Psychology Application:

1.​ Isolation = Cool/Desaturated Colors

2.​ Anxiety = Harsh Contrast/Cool Temperature
3.​ Digital Overwhelm = Artificial Warmth vs Natural Cool
4.​ Resolution = Natural Warmth/Full Saturation

Technical Execution:
 ●​ Use CapCut's "Adjust" tools for precise control
●​ Apply different grades to different shots within scenes
●​ Smooth Transitions: 1-second fades between grades

2:40-3:00 PM: Visual Consistency Check

Professional Quality Control:

1.​ Audio Levels: All dialogue clear and consistent

2.​ Color Continuity: Smooth emotional progression
3.​ Pacing: Each scene builds appropriately
4.​ Technical Quality: No obvious amateur mistakes

HOUR 7 (3:00-4:00 PM): FINAL POLISH & DETAILS

3:00-3:20 PM: Title Cards & Text Elements

Opening Title: "ABSENT"

●​ Timing: Appears at 0:28 during empty classroom reveal

●​ Font: Clean sans-serif, large and bold
●​ Animation: 2-second fade in, 3-second hold, 2-second fade out
●​ Position: Center screen, slightly lower third
●​ Color: White with subtle drop shadow

Ending Message:

●​ Text: "Sometimes, all it takes is one person."

●​ Timing: Appears at 3:18 during final connection
●​ Duration: 5-second fade in and hold
●​ Style: Same font as title, smaller size

Credits:

●​ Text: "Written & Directed by Udayveer Singh Dhillon"

●​ Music Credit: "Music by [Composer Name]"
●​ School Credit: [School Name]
●​ Position: Over black screen, center
●​ Duration: 5 seconds each

3:20-3:40 PM: Audio Sweetening

Final Audio Polish:

Volume Balance Check:

●​ Play entire film, listen for dialogue clarity

●​ Adjustment: If any music overwhelms dialogue, reduce by -3dB
●​ Consistency: All music transitions smooth and natural

Audio Transitions:

●​ Scene Changes: 2-second cross-fades between different music

●​ Critical Moment: Ensure 5-second complete silence is truly silent
●​ Final Chord: Piano holds for 8 seconds, fades naturally

Music Integration Notes:

●​ Ensure all external music files are properly synced

●​ Verify music licensing/credits are included
●​ Check that all music layers blend seamlessly

3:40-4:00 PM: Export Preparation

Technical Quality Assurance:

Export Settings:

●​ Resolution: 1080p (1920x1080)

●​ Frame Rate: 24fps
●​ Bitrate: High quality (10-15 Mbps)
●​ Audio: 48kHz stereo
●​ Format: MP4 (H.264 codec)

Pre-Export Checklist: ✓ Total runtime: 3 minutes (within competition limit) ✓ All dialogue
audible and clear ✓ No technical glitches or sync issues ✓ Color grading consistent and
intentional ✓ Visual effects working properly ✓ Audio levels professional and balanced ✓
External music properly integrated and credited

HOUR 8 (4:00-5:00 PM): EXPORT & BTS VIDEO

4:00-4:30 PM: Final Export

The Moment of Truth:

1.​ Final Playback: Watch entire film one last time

2.​ Export Settings: Apply high-quality preset
 3.​ Export Time: ~15-20 minutes for 3:45 minute film
4.​ Backup Export: Create second copy immediately

During Export:

●​ Organize all project files

●​ Prepare BTS video materials
●​ Write presentation notes for jury

4:30-5:00 PM: Behind-the-Scenes Video Creation

Competition Requirement: 2-3 minute BTS video

BTS Content Structure:

1.​ Opening (0:00-0:20): Team introduction and film concept

2.​ Pre-Production (0:20-0:50): Show planning and music collaboration
3.​ Filming (0:50-1:30): Key shooting moments and challenges
4.​ Post-Production (1:30-2:00): Editing process and effects creation
5.​ Final Result (2:00-2:30): Brief clips from finished film
6.​ Team Reflection (2:30-3:00): What you learned and achieved

BTS Technical Notes:

●​ Voiceover: Clear explanation of your process

●​ Subtitles: Required in English
●​ Music: Use unused portions from your external music library
●​ Format: Same export settings as main film

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES REVIEW

Our Film vs Typical Student Film:

Audio Quality:

●​ Ours: Professional externally-produced soundscape with emotional progression

●​ Theirs: Basic background music with unclear dialogue

Visual Sophistication:

●​ Ours: Planned effects, precise camera work, professional color grading

●​ Theirs: Good footage with minimal post-production polish
Storytelling:

●​ Ours: Multi-layered narrative with psychological depth

●​ Theirs: Linear story with simple message

Technical Execution:

●​ Ours: No obvious amateur mistakes, smooth professional presentation

●​ Theirs: Visible time constraints and technical compromises

Music Integration:

●​ Ours: Custom-composed score perfectly matched to narrative beats

●​ Theirs: Generic royalty-free music poorly synced to action