Independent Project
Concept 1
“Two Suites, One Stay” – A Split-Screen Guest Experience
I rent out my house as a short-term rental to help subsidize the cost of living. This summer I’m converting the downstairs long-term rental into a second short-term suite, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to film some promotional footage that I could actually use for the website, booking platforms, or Instagram/social media. For this promotional video, I plan to introduce The Velvet Fern Guesthouse and The Funky Fern Flat through a visual comparison of the two suites using a split-screen format. The intention of the video is to show how the property offers two distinct yet connected guest experiences within the same house. The split-screen technique will allow the viewer to see similar actions happening in both suites at the same time, such as entering the space, making coffee, relaxing in the living room, or getting ready for a day exploring the Comox Valley. This approach highlights how the property can accommodate multiple guests or groups while still maintaining unique atmospheres in each suite.
The mood of the video would be warm, welcoming, and slightly playful, reflecting the creative personality of the space and the funky design. I plan to use motion graphics to label certain features and spaces, such as the espresso machine, balcony patio, and the walk-out entrance to the Funky Fern Flat. The sound design will combine ambient sounds recorded on location—such as coffee brewing, footsteps, doors opening, and outdoor ambience—with royalty-free music to build the soundtrack. Using the split-screen format will reinforce the idea of two suites existing within one guesthouse while also making the video visually engaging. The final video will be approximately 2–3 minutes long and will function as a promotional overview that could be used on a website or social media.
The only problem with this plan is the renters don’t move out until the end of march so I’d really be crunched for time getting the secondary suite set up and shot.
Techniques used: Split Screen + Motion Graphics + Single Channel Video with Sound
Approximate length: 2–3 minutes
Concept 2
Morning Mode: Player One
For this concept I want to lean more into the video-as-art direction and make something a bit weird and funny instead of strictly promotional. The idea is to turn a totally normal morning routine into a video game level, inspired by the visual style of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. The video would follow a short sequence of events from waking up in bed to leaving the house, but everything is framed like a game the player has to complete. Basic morning tasks like brushing teeth, getting dressed, and making coffee become little “missions” that pop up on screen as objectives.
I want the video to feel like the viewer is watching someone play “Morning Mode: Player One.” Motion graphics will create the game interface, things like energy bars, points, and mission prompts appearing on screen as tasks are completed. I’m also planning to use some stop motion to animate objects like clothing or coffee mugs so they move slightly on their own, almost like the environment is part of the game. A bit of green screen will let me exaggerate certain moments, like suddenly getting a skateboard speed boost on the way out the door or triggering some kind of ridiculous “power up.” The tone will be playful and a little chaotic, basically highlighting how getting out the door in the morning sometimes feels like completing a level in a game. Sound design will include arcade-style sounds, environmental audio, and music to reinforce the video game vibe. The final piece will be around 2–3 minutes long and combine live action footage with motion graphics and animation.
Techniques used: Green Screen + Stop Motion + Motion Graphics + Single Channel Video with Sound
Approximate length: 2–3 minutes
