1. From Vision to Video Clip in Three Easy Sessions: An Introduction to Video Recording and Editing at HGSE January Term Session Dates January 14 – 10-12 PM January 16 – 10-12 PM January 18 – 10-12 PM Session 1

2. Session Goals Session 1: Pre-production and production –Learn how to plan and execute a video shoot Session 2: Post-production –Perform basic editing techniques in Final Cut Pro Session 3: Post-production –Prepare video for delivery to web or DVD

3. Let’s Hear from You Introduce yourself… Past experiences with video filming or editing? –Good or bad? –YouTube? –None at all? What makes a video strong? –Good story, overpaid talent, special effects… –Think in terms of filming technique “Scene” any good movies recently?

4. Session 1 Agenda Pre-production planning –Storyboard your idea –Identify necessary equipment and locations –Challenges and restrictions Production: Working with a camera –Basic recording and playback techniques –Mics, tripod, tape stock, accessories, etc –Capturing clean audio Videography best practice tips –Common pitfalls

5. Pre-Production Planning Storyboarding your video –Don’t be afraid to formulate ideas on paper!

6. Pre-Production Planning Simpler alternative: Check List

7. Pre-Production Planning Identify location, subject(s) and schedule –Lighting –Ambient noise –Need for assistant –Model release forms for subjects –Talent preparation (wardrobe, makeup, etc.)

8. Capturing Clean Audio Always wear headphones when filming! –Monitor audio levels –Listen for background or ambient noise (interference) –Manual vs. automatic adjustments Understanding audio options and scenarios –Pick-up pattern and capabilities of each mic –Onboard vs. boom mic vs. lavalier mic

9. Scenarios to Consider Child’s birthday party –On-board mic is usually sufficient Single subject interview in an office –Lavalier on subject is best Multiple subjects interacting – group discussion –Boom mic on stand or pole (out of shot) Outdoors –Most difficult scenario –Individually mic subjects when possible –Boom mic with a wind screen

10. Audio Sample: On-Board Camera Mic Easiest option Ambient Noise Too far away

11. Audio Sample: External or Boom Mic More directional Location matters

12. Audio Sample: Combining elements Add extension cable Closer to subject Less ambient noise/echo

13. Using LTC Camera Gear Exercise: Camera exploration –Work in pairs Locate the following: –GL2 Camera or Kodak Playtouch –Tripod and plate –On/Off switch –Power supply –Battery or A/C Adapter –LCD Screen –Onboard microphone –Record button –Zoom controls –Playback controls Extra Credit: –Load the mini-dv tape (GL2) –Find the USB plug (Kodak)

14. Listening Exercise Three separate stations: 1.On-board, camera microphone 2.Boom (shotgun) microphone 3.Lavaliere microphone

15. Videography Best Practices Basic types of shots –Close-up –Medium –Long shot –Establishing shot

16. Videography Best Practices Framing essentials: –Maximize video frame –Camera placement –Rule of thirds –Nose room  Moving subjects (anticipation)  Where are they looking? –Head room

17. Videography Best Practices Lighting –Make sure subjects are not washed out or dimly lit –Be aware of surroundings  Windows, exterior light, shadows, etc.

18. Framing Exercise Apply our new lessons: 1.Rule of thirds 2.Nose and head room 3.Close up, medium shot, etc.

19. Don’t Forget… Editing considerations –Capture plenty of B-Roll –“Handles” for editing  Always let camera record for a few seconds  Avoid turning the camera on and off too many times Troubleshooting –Roll test footage first –Playback on the spot and adjust if necessary –Remember good audio!

20. Resolution –High Definition and Standard Definition Form Factor –Size and style of Camera Media Storage and Capacity –Internal and external memory and types Compression Formats –MP4, MPEG 2, Quicktime, AVCHD Editing Considerations Camera Format Considerations…

21. Questions?

22. Assignment Homework due next session –Shoot 5-10 minutes video footage applying lessons learned –Be prepared to briefly recap your filming experience Optional –Ken Stone FCP site Language of Film articleLanguage of Film  Uses metaphor of spoken words applied to film  Lessons in storytelling All materials available on MML iSite: –http://isites.harvard.edu/k1967http://isites.harvard.edu/k1967 –“JTerm Workshop Resources”

23. LTC Resources - Camcorders Handled by LTC front desk – Gutman 301 Available equipment: –Camcorder kits (camera, batteries, charger, etc.) –Tripods –External microphones and cables Limited equipment supply –24 hour loan period –Reserve ahead of time Always test equipment before leaving the office!