BASIC VIDEO PRODUCTION

1. BASIC VIDEO PRODUCTION • WEEK TWO | JUNE 10th, 2014

2. What is Video Production? • Defined as the process in capturing moving images, then taking those moving images and combining them to make one smooth, edited video. • Video Production includes four main stages: • Development • Pre-Production • Production • Post-Production

3. Stage 1: Development • Stage to create the idea for the project, which includes, writing up an outline and/or script. • An outline is a step-by-step synopsis of what the production will be about, or of the film’s script. • A script contains dialogue and instructions for the production. • http://www.simplyscripts.com/WR_format.html • A script also includes descriptions of characters and scenes, character actions and estimated lengths.

4. Stage 2: Pre-Production • It is usually called the planning stage, where you prepare the script for production. • In addition, you can create a storyboard, assemble your crew, props and costumes if needed. • A storyboard is an illustrated scene-by-scene play out of the production. SHOT #1 SHOT #2 SHOT #3

5. HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT! • On your very first homework assignment, we would like you to create your own storyboard! It doesn’t have to be very complex, difficult or long. Directions: Take your favorite commercial (about 10-30 seconds long) and draw out your storyboard. You can go off based on the example in your manual to see an example. Stick figures are acceptable.

6. Stage 3: Production • Stage where the film or video is created and shot. Once you have assembled your crew, everyone goes off to their designated roles. • The important roles in production: • Director • Producer • Director of Photography (Stage Manager) • Camera Operators • Art Director • Gaffer

7. Production Roles: Director • A director usually is in charge of managing the entire production and the ultimate vision of the piece. • Before production, a director usually concentrates on the purpose of the script; trying to get an over all look and feel of the video. • During rehearsal and recording, a director is making sure that everyone knows what they are doing, as well as calling shots. • In post-production, a director ensures that everything was recorded, and to thank everyone for helping.

8. Production Roles: Producer • A producer is said to work side-by-side with a director, organizing aspects of the production. • Before production, a producer usually comes up with the idea, or finds the funding (if it were a bigger production studio). • During rehearsal and recording, and when a director and producer work well together, then a producer may be either in or out the studio. • In post-production, a producer must handle social legal aftermath, such as thanking our guests, and/or have copies been made for them.

9. Production Roles: Director of Photography • A director of photography, who is also known as the floor manager, is responsible for managing what is happening in the studio, and communicating with on-air talent. • Before production, they handle the talent making sure they are catered to their needs. • During rehearsal and recording, they should give talent hand cues in order to become familiar with them. • In post-production, helps with cleaning up the studio and returning props to its place.

10. Production Roles • In bigger productions, you will run to many other positions before and during production. Many of these positions always offer assistant positions. • Most important thing to notice that during any sort of production, everyone must work as a team. • Other roles include, camera operators, prompter operators, technical directors, and lighting directors.

11. The Five C’s in Production • The Five C’s include: • Camera Angles • Cutting • Composition • Close-Ups • Continuity

12. Camera Angles • Camera Angles are meant to give an audience where the video or film is located. It is also meant to create meaning or an emotion. • Most common camera angle shots include: • Bird’s Eye - Puts audience in godlike position. • Low Angle - Demonstrate power, height or fear. • Eye Level - Neutral, balance with the character. • High Angle - Makes character less significant/smaller. • Dutch Angle - Imbalance, instability.

13. BIRD’S EYE LOW ANGLE EYE LEVEL HIGH ANGLE DUTCH ANGLE Camera angles

14. 180 Degree Rule • The 180 degree rule states that two characters in the same scene should have the same left and right relationship. • Cutting across the imaginary axis is called crossing the line. • This can also be known as the axis of conversation. • The shot on the opposite side is called a reverse angle.

15. Cutting • Cutting, in other words, is how shots are organized in sequence. • An example of cutting through continuous, connected narration is cross-cutting. • Cross-Cutting in Inception: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmptU7vEkNU • Cutting techniques can also include, compilation, match cuts and jump cuts.

16. Composition • Composition refers to the frame of the image. It is said that composition is the key element to “make the scene look esthetic.” • The rule of thirds divides the image into nine equal parts. The intersections are used as points of interest, because “the human eye tends to capture the information on those POA first.” • Examples of rule of thirds and explanations available at:http://youngsday.com/2013/12/11/basic-aspects-of-storyboarding-3-5-cs-of-cinematography-part-1-composition/#sthash.rKZhJIQs.dpbs

17. Composition • By framing a shot, it is evident to notice how much head room and lead room is needed, or looks right, in a specific shot. • Video Example:https://vimeo.com/1461280

18. Close-Ups • Close-Ups are different shots that refers to “the distance between the point of view of the viewer and the object, varying from extreme close-up to establishing or panoramic shots.” • Shot Type can include: • Establishing Shot (ELS) - Wide shots, scale of object is small • Long Shot (LS) - Full shot of character from head to toe • Medium Shot (MS) - Commonly used, from waist to head • Close-Up (CU) - Focuses on facial expression, emotional • Extreme Close-Up (XCU) - Show a small detail

19. ESTABLISHING SHOT LONG SHOT MEDIUM SHOT CLOSE UP EXTREME CLOSE UP Camera SHOTs

20. Continuity • Continuity is a logical coherence between shots; giving a sense of realism. • It is essential to pay attention to every detail. • The Dark Knight continuity mistake:http://youngsday.com/2014/01/15/basic-aspects-of-storyboarding-4-5-cs-of-cinematography-part-2-continuity-camera-angles/#sthash.jdNiEdnW.dpbs • Many techniques are used in continuity and in cutting, such as match-cuts, jump-cuts and cut-aways. • Examples of Continuity Cutting: http://youngsday.com/2014/02/19/basic-aspects-of-storyboarding-5-5-cs-of-cinematography-part-4-cutting/#sthash.wWkmnqBO.dpbs

21. Stage 4: Post-Production • Stage where you take raw footage that was shot and turn it into a nice, smooth film. • Editing can be very complex, but takes practice to get it to a professional level. • Logging the Film taking raw footage and organize into folders or bins on your computer. • Special Effects and Soundtrack is an additional piece to add onto your project, but can change the mood of the film entirely.