Display Time 0:10-0:35
TITLE: Empire Under Shadow – Intro Sequence Pitch
MEDIA: Digital Video / Title Sequence
SOFTWARE: DaVinci Resolve
HARDWARE: iMac (macOS)
SPECIFICATIONS: 4K UHD (3840×2160), RGB Color, 24fps
DURATION: 01:30
CLASS: FMX 343 Dana Plays
PROFESSOR: Dana Plays
SEMESTER / TERM: SP 25
INSTITUTION: University of Tampa
DESCRIPTION:
This project is a 60–90-second intro sequence pitch for Empire Under Shadow, a noir-inspired television series that explores themes of power, surveillance, and legacy in an urban environment. Created using DaVinci Resolve, the sequence utilizes double exposure techniques, layered imagery, and atmospheric lighting to establish a dark, cinematic tone. Visual motifs such as cityscapes, shadows, and fragmented character imagery are combined with slow, ambient music to evoke tension and mystery. The piece is designed to function as both a narrative hook and a stylistic blueprint, introducing the audience to the world and emotional stakes of the series while showcasing advanced editing, compositing, and storytelling techniques.

TITLE: Second Color Reel
MEDIA: Digital Video / Color Reel
SOFTWARE: DaVinci Resolve
HARDWARE: iMac (macOS)
SPECIFICATIONS: 1920×1080, RGB, 24fps
DURATION: 00:16
CLASS: FMX 343 Dana Plays
PROFESSOR: Dana Plays
SEMESTER / TERM: SP 25
INSTITUTION: University of Tampa
DESCRIPTION:
This project is a second color reel focused on the expressive use of yellow as a dominant visual and emotional element. Edited and graded in DaVinci Resolve, the reel explores how color can shape mood, tone, and narrative perception through controlled color grading, contrast, and light manipulation. Warm highlights, saturated tones, and soft transitions are used to create a cohesive visual identity that conveys energy, intensity, and atmosphere. The piece builds on earlier color studies by refining technical control over color correction and grading workflows while emphasizing storytelling through a single color palette.

TITLE: First Color Reel
MEDIA: Digital Video / Color Reel
SOFTWARE: DaVinci Resolve
HARDWARE: iMac (macOS)
SPECIFICATIONS: 1920×1080, RGB, 24fps
DURATION: 00:37
CLASS: FMX 343 Dana Plays
PROFESSOR: Dana Plays
SEMESTER / TERM: SP 25
INSTITUTION: University of Tampa
DESCRIPTION:
This project is a first color reel focused on the expressive use of yellow as a dominant visual and emotional element. Edited and graded in DaVinci Resolve, the reel explores how color can shape mood, tone, and narrative perception through controlled color grading, contrast, and light manipulation. Warm highlights, saturated tones, and soft transitions are used to create a cohesive visual identity that conveys energy, intensity, and atmosphere. The piece builds on earlier color studies by refining technical control over color correction and grading workflows while emphasizing storytelling through a single color palette.

TITLE: Color Grading
MEDIA: Digital Video / Color Reel
SOFTWARE: DaVinci Resolve
HARDWARE: iMac (macOS)
SPECIFICATIONS: 1920×1080, RGB, 24fps
DURATION: 00:09
CLASS: FMX 343 Dana Plays
PROFESSOR: Dana Plays
SEMESTER / TERM: SP 25
INSTITUTION: University of Tampa
DESCRIPTION:
This is the first color reel

TITLE: Avatar Title Sequence
MEDIA: Digital Video / Title Sequence
SOFTWARE: After Effects
HARDWARE: iMac (macOS)
SPECIFICATIONS: 1920×1080, RGB, 24fps
DURATION: 00:05
CLASS: FMX 343 Dana Plays
PROFESSOR: Dana Plays
SEMESTER / TERM: SP 25
INSTITUTION: University of Tampa
DESCRIPTION:
This project is a title sequence inspired by the visual style and world-building of Avatar. Created in DaVinci Resolve, the sequence explores immersive environments, atmospheric lighting, and fluid motion to establish a sense of scale and wonder. Through the use of layered visuals, glowing color palettes, and smooth transitions, the piece emphasizes a connection between nature and technology while guiding the viewer into the narrative world. The sequence focuses on pacing, typography integration, and visual rhythm to create a cinematic introduction that captures both mood and thematic tone.

Display TIME 0:20-0:35
TITLE: ADR Scene – Inception
MEDIA: Digital Video / Sound Design (ADR)
SOFTWARE: DaVinci Resolve
HARDWARE: iMac (macOS)
SPECIFICATIONS: 1920×1080, Stereo Audio, 24fps
DURATION: 01:50
CLASS: FMX 343 Dana Plays
PROFESSOR: Dana Plays
SEMESTER / TERM: SP 25
INSTITUTION: University of Tampa
DESCRIPTION:
This project is an ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) recreation of a scene from Inception, focusing on precise dialogue syncing and audio clarity. Using DaVinci Resolve, the original dialogue was replaced and carefully aligned with on-screen performances to maintain realism and continuity. The project emphasizes vocal performance, timing, and sound mixing, while also incorporating ambient sound and subtle effects to match the scene’s environment. This exercise strengthened technical skills in post-production audio workflows and demonstrated the importance of sound in reinforcing narrative immersion and cinematic believability.

Display time 0:20-0:45
TITLE: Director Commentary – I Saw the TV Glow
MEDIA: Digital Video / Commentary Analysis
SOFTWARE: DaVinci Resolve
HARDWARE: iMac (macOS)
SPECIFICATIONS: 1920×1080, Stereo Audio, 24fps
DURATION: 04:56
CLASS: FMX 343 Dana Plays
PROFESSOR: Dana Plays
SEMESTER / TERM: SP 25
INSTITUTION: University of Tampa
DESCRIPTION:
This project is a director’s commentary analysis based on I Saw the TV Glow, focusing on interpreting the film’s visual style, themes, and narrative structure. Created in DaVinci Resolve, the piece combines selected clips with voiceover commentary to examine the film’s use of color, lighting, and surreal imagery to convey identity, nostalgia, and psychological tension. The project emphasizes critical analysis and editorial pacing, aligning commentary with specific moments to enhance understanding of the director’s creative choices. Through this work, the project explores how visual and thematic elements contribute to emotional impact and audience interpretation.

Display Time 0:50-1:05
TITLE: Multi-Cam Editing Project}
MEDIA: Digital Video / Multi-Camera Edit
SOFTWARE: DaVinci Resolve
HARDWARE: iMac (macOS)
SPECIFICATIONS: 1920×1080, RGB, 24fps
DURATION: 03:19
CLASS: FMX 343 Dana Plays
PROFESSOR: Dana Plays
SEMESTER / TERM: SP 25
INSTITUTION: University of Tampa
DESCRIPTION:
This project focuses on multi-camera editing techniques, combining footage from multiple angles into a cohesive and dynamic sequence. Edited in DaVinci Resolve, the project emphasizes synchronization, continuity, and shot selection to maintain visual clarity and engagement. By cutting between different camera perspectives, the piece enhances pacing and storytelling while preserving spatial awareness and performance consistency. This exercise strengthened skills in timeline organization, live switching workflows, and editorial decision-making, demonstrating how multi-cam editing can create a more immersive and professional viewing experience.

Display Time 1:20-1:35
TITLE: ADR Cutting Project
MEDIA: Digital Video / Sound Editing (ADR)
SOFTWARE: DaVinci Resolve
HARDWARE: iMac (macOS)
SPECIFICATIONS: 1920×1080, Stereo Audio, 24fps
DURATION: 02:55
CLASS: FMX 343 Dana Plays
PROFESSOR: Dana Plays
SEMESTER / TERM: SP 25
INSTITUTION: University of Tampa
DESCRIPTION:
This project focuses on ADR cutting and dialogue replacement, emphasizing precise editing and synchronization of re-recorded audio with on-screen performance. Using DaVinci Resolve, dialogue tracks were carefully cut, aligned, and blended with existing production audio to ensure seamless continuity. The project highlights techniques such as matching tone, timing, and ambient sound to maintain realism and immersion. Through this process, the work demonstrates an understanding of post-production audio workflows and the critical role of dialogue editing in achieving professional-quality sound design.

Display Time 0:30-0:45
TITLE: Basic Editing Project
MEDIA: Digital Video / Editing Exercise
SOFTWARE: DaVinci Resolve
HARDWARE: iMac (macOS)
SPECIFICATIONS: 1920×1080, RGB, 24fps
DURATION: 01:04
CLASS: FMX 343 Dana Plays
PROFESSOR: Dana Plays
SEMESTER / TERM: SP 25
INSTITUTION: University of Tampa
DESCRIPTION:
This project focuses on foundational editing techniques, including cutting, sequencing, and maintaining visual continuity. Edited in DaVinci Resolve, the piece emphasizes timing, pacing, and shot organization to create a clear and cohesive sequence. The project demonstrates an understanding of basic post-production workflows, including trimming clips, arranging footage on a timeline, and refining edits to support narrative flow. Through this exercise, the work establishes core editing skills essential for more advanced video production projects.

Display Time 0:10-0:25
TITLE: Commercial Project
MEDIA: Digital Video / Commercial
SOFTWARE: DaVinci Resolve
HARDWARE: iMac (macOS)
SPECIFICATIONS: 1920×1080, RGB, 24fps
DURATION: 01:05
CLASS: FMX 343 Dana Plays
PROFESSOR: Dana Plays
SEMESTER / TERM: SP 25
INSTITUTION: University of Tampa
DESCRIPTION:
This project is a short commercial designed to promote a product or concept through concise and engaging visual storytelling. Edited in DaVinci Resolve, the piece focuses on pacing, branding, and audience appeal, using quick cuts, strong visuals, and clear messaging to capture attention. The project emphasizes the importance of structure, including a hook, development, and call to action, while maintaining a polished and professional aesthetic. Through this exercise, the work demonstrates an understanding of commercial editing techniques and how to effectively communicate ideas within a short runtime.

Display Time 0:05-0:55
TITLE: Montage Editing Project
MEDIA: Digital Video / Montage
SOFTWARE: DaVinci Resolve
HARDWARE: iMac (macOS)
SPECIFICATIONS: 1920×1080, RGB, 24fps
DURATION: 00:55
CLASS: FMX 343 Dana Plays
PROFESSOR: Dana Plays
SEMESTER / TERM: SP 25
INSTITUTION: University of Tampa
DESCRIPTION:
This project focuses on montage editing techniques, using a sequence of shots to convey meaning, emotion, and the passage of time. Edited in DaVinci Resolve, the piece emphasizes rhythm, pacing, and visual continuity through the strategic arrangement of clips. By combining imagery, music, and timing, the montage creates a cohesive narrative or thematic progression without relying heavily on dialogue. This project demonstrates an understanding of how editing can shape storytelling, influence audience perception, and enhance emotional impact through juxtaposition and flow.