Video Production Review

“Those who tell stories hold the power in society “Those who tell stories hold the power in society. “Today television tells most of the stories to most of the people, most of the time.” George Gerbner 1992

Roles in Production Executive Producer - Oversees production (Teacher) and Guides idea Director - Guides technical production Talent - On-camera host or actor Videographer - Operates camera Sound Operator- Operates mic, in-charge of all audio Editor- In-charge of post production

Everybody is important!

Phases of Production Pre-production: Planning, scheduling, and writing, etc. Production: Shooting, recording, etc. Post-production: Editing

What is your objective? to inform? to entertain?

Who is your audience? Background Age Motivation

Know your camera!

Parts Of Typical Camcorder Inset Detail Microphone W Auto Zoom Control Switch W T Viewfinder Power/ Record/ Playback Controls Tape Eject Control Battery Compartment Lens Assembly Tape Compartment Auto/Manual Focus Controls

Shot Glossary (CU) Close-up Shot (Med) Medium Shot (WS) Long/Wide Shot (ECU) Extreme Close-up Shot (CU) Close-up Shot (Med) Medium Shot (WS) Long/Wide Shot

Basic Shots Types Medium Shot (Med) Wide Shot?Long Shot (WS) Close Up (CU) Extreme Close Up (ECU)

Camera Movements Zoom Dolly Pedestal Pan Tilt Truck

Shot Composition (Subject Facing Camera) Headroom Center of Frame

How to Frame A Shot (Subject looking to Side) Headroom Lead Room

Common Video Mistakes Subject in front of bright backlight Too much headroom - bad frame Subject in front of bright backlight Shaky camera - no tripod No shot variation - wide shot Insufficient planning - no script lack of pre and post roll

Camera Tips Use a tripod Position camera so greatest light is at videographer’s back Use focus and white balance controls Practice camera moves

Camera Tips (continued) Frame shots and moves with purpose Vary shots Don’t overuse zoom Be sure to lay down pre and post-roll Correct roll-back

Options for Transitions Close-up of object Fade-out of one scene, fade-in to next Full screen text of poster or graphic See someone walk out of room, walk in to next room

Audio techniques Voice-over narration Sound effects Music Natural sound

Common Audio Mistakes mic too far from sound source using only video camera mic mic too far from sound source not monitoring audio

Audio Tips Use music and natural sound Use headphones Select microphones based on project needs Place microphone right distance from source Listen for distracting background noises

Planning Your Production Two main ways of planning are scripts and storyboards Scripts take many forms but should have a place for describing both audio and video Storyboards are really comic strip versions of production where shots are drawn with audio written as captions underneath

Script Example Video Audio WS - School exterior Med. Shot- Student host pointing at building WS. Shot – A student director walks through the studio door Med. 2 shot- Host and student director Med Shot- Suzy adjusting a tripod w/video cam. Audio V.O- Welcome to the Cooper High School’s Production class. Join us and take a tour. Upbeat Music Host- This is one of the student directors, Joe Bob. What are you going to show us today? Director – Well, I thought we would start by talking with one of our videographers, Suzy Sunshine. Director – Hi Suzy! We have a visitor with us, Mr. Host.

Sample Storyboard The veterinarian will take a blood sample She will use a special needle to take the sample She will check the sample under a microscope

Assignment Turn in Notes Think about the jobs/roles we need to fill for the upcoming video project. Create a list of jobs. Keep in mind of the number of students we have on our team. Once everyone is finished, we will discuss these jobs and assign each student to one of them.