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Unreal Engine

Week 4: “Birthday Party” Video Shot Design

Shot No.Scene DescriptionCamera Setup & MovementAtmosphere & Visual Details
1Preparation Scene 1: A fixed camera records people cleaning the room, wiping the table, and hanging balloons and ribbons. The protagonist hasn’t appeared yet.Fixed camera (corner of the room), slightly wide framing, no character faces shown.Soft daylight; the sounds of tape tearing and chairs moving create a natural, relaxed atmosphere.
2Preparation Scene 2: Continuing from the same fixed angle. The people preparing the party place the cake, gifts, and cards on the table, then leave the frame.Fixed camera, steady composition with slight depth changes.The table gradually becomes fully arranged; light dust particles shimmer in the air, enhancing a sense of everyday warmth.
3Protagonist Enters & POV Shift: The protagonist (no face shown) walks into frame, adjusts the table setup, then reaches out to pick up the camera — the perspective changes to handheld.Transitions naturally from a fixed shot to a handheld view.Feels like a “camera handover”; the slight movement adds realism and personal touch.
4Cake Close-Up (“Showing Off” Moment): Handheld camera focuses on the birthday cake, slowly moving closer to capture its delicate details.Handheld shot, slight shake as if casually recorded.Focus on candles, frosting, and small decorations, expressing pride and joy.
5Transition Shot: The protagonist’s hand unintentionally covers the lens, creating a brief black screen that serves as a natural transition.Hand covering the lens → short blackout → next scene.Feels like an authentic filming accident, creating a smooth, organic cut.
6Celebration Moment: After the blackout, the camera focuses on the cake again. People’s hands clapping enter the frame (no full figures shown) as “Happy Birthday to You” plays. Only the protagonist’s lower body or hands are visible.Handheld, slightly dynamic framing.The sound and light create a joyful atmosphere, while the tight composition subtly suggests emotional tension.
7After the Party: The camera cuts to the aftermath. The cake has been eaten, and the table has been tidied up.Fixed or slow handheld pan.The space feels calm and empty, suggesting the end of the event and the quiet after celebration.
8Closing Shot: The lights come on again. Filmed from the same corner angle as the opening shot, showing an empty room — visually echoing the beginning.Fixed camera, no movement.Leftover crumbs, extinguished candles, faint smoke — a still and reflective mood, with traces of warmth fading into silence.

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