1. Video Production 101 Camera, Lights, and Sound

2. What is the difference between FILM and VIDEO? FILM A strip of sequential, still images, taken on photographic film. (exposed to light and developed) VIDEO Audio and Visual information is converted into electrical impulses and stored on magnetic tape, or as a computer file.

3. How does a video camera work? The Lens Light travels through the lens, and is reduced to a cone-shaped beam. CCD – Charge-Coupled Device This part of the camera receives the light from the lens, and converts it into digital information. This will be stored on a tape, card, or drive.

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5. Focal Length Most video cameras have a zoom lens. Zoom lenses have a variable focal length, which allows objects to appear closer or farther away without changing the lens. Focal length is the distance between the optical center of the lens, and the CCD or film.

6. Iris and f/Stop Iris/Aperture The opening in the lens assembly through which light enters. f/stop A number which designates the size of the lens aperture.

7. Break for Key Terms #1 Film Video Lens CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) Focal Length Iris/Aperture f/Stop

8. Three Point Lighting Key Light Primary source of light – typically a Fresnel spotlight. Generally all lights are set on the diagonal. Fill Light This light helps minimize the shadows caused by the Key Light. This light is set from the opposite diagonal angle from the Key Light. Back Light This light casts a gentle glow on the head and shoulders of the subject; this helps separate them from the background.

9. Microphones Omnidirectional These pick up sound in all 360 degrees around the microphone. Unidirectional These pick up sounds from a particular shape or pattern surrounding the microphone. (Cardioid, Super Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Bi-Directional, Shotgun) Lavalier A small, hands-free microphone that can be clipped onto the subject’s clothing. Most microphones in the studio will use XLR Cables.

10. Basics of Microphone Placement 3-to-1 Rule If you are using more than 1 microphone, then the microphones must be placed 3 times farther apart than the distance from their subjects. Inverse Square Law When you move a microphone, the change in volume is the inverse of the square of the change in distance. (Double the distance, ¼ the volume.)

11. Break for Key Terms #2 Three Point Lighting Key Light Fill Light Back Light Omnidirectional Mic Directional Mic Lavalier (Lav) Mic 3-to-1 Rule Inverse Square Law