Getting Started

Getting Started

1. About Video Production and Equipment Basics

   • These notes are to prepare you to understand the basics of filming, and how to create a good video program
   • Cameras are be complicated but simple once learned, lets break down the parts
     • Basic Camera Controls
       • Power Switch
         • Turns the Camera on or off
         • Record Switch
           • Starts and Stops the recording of the Camera
           • Auto Exposure
             • Camera regulates the light emitted into the lens, can easily be fooled
       • Zoom Control
         • White Balance
           • Sets the color of your shot by informing the camera of the color white.
           • Auto Focus
             • Automatically regulates the sharpness of an object in a shot, can cause focus problems
         • Tightens or Widens a shot
       • Default Settings
         • Automatic presets of the Camera
           • Automatic Camera Controls
       • Equipment
         • Batteries
           • Life-power of the Camera, always have a charged spare just in case one dies.
         • Tripod
           • Camera rests on it, keeps it stable and steady

2. Camera Operation

   • Checking the Viewfinder
     • CHECK FOR
       • Battery Charge
         • Footage (Frames Recorded)
           • Record Symbol
             • Zoom
       • Time Code
         • White Balance
           • Date
   • Equipment
     • Tripod
       • If the tripod has a center column, do not raise it unless needed for a high angle.
         • Point one tripod leg at the subject to be recorded. Doing this will let you stand close behind the camera, in the space between the other two
         • When you pan the camera, stand facing the center of the move and twist your body toward the shot
   • Hand Holding the Camera
     • Whenever possible, brace yourself on something sturdy. Lean your elbows on a wall or table. Prop yourself up with a tree light pole or wall.
     • To shoot a low angle, sit with the camera firmly in your lap, swing the viewfinder or viewing screen up (if possible) and look down into it to make the shot
       • If you can avoid it, do not walk while shooting.
         • Unless the shot is quite long, take a deep breath and let half of it out before starting, then hold your breath as you shoot
           • Avoid zooming while shooting. If you want to change from a wider to a closer view.

3. Good-Quality Audio

   • Stay Close to the Subject
     • Minimize Background Noise

4. The Shooting Session

   • Directing the Shot
     • Record shots in the order it will appear in the finished program
   • Managing the shooting session
     • Be aware of your surroundings when you are filming a shot such as light and FOV
       • Designate one person to take responsibility for the camera and tripod at all times. That person is never to leave the immediate area of the equipment
         • Detach the camera from the tripod when transporting them. If the camera has a handle, never use it to lift borht camera and tripod together.
           • Always protect the camera from the weather. keep it out of the hot sun exept when actually shooting. Do not allow it to get wet, particularly the delicate glass of the zoom lens
             • Do not ask people to preform feats for the camera that they would not normally preform off camera. Your cast is not trained for taking risks, stunt people are.
       • If you are hand-holding the camera, never set it down anywhere except back onto its tripod. It is easy to grab a camera from a table or sidewalk and run. It is much harder and more conspicuous to snatch both Camera and Tripod. Also, the tripod makes the camera more visible, so it is less likely to be bumped or knocked to the ground.

5. PostProduction

   • Organize your files
     • Set up your project
       • Transfer Raw Footage
         • Add shots to timeline or bin
           • Arrange your shots
             • Trim each shot to length
               • Add a Title and Effects
                 • Fade out or end the last shot in a smooth transition to end the video
                   • Publish the movie
   • Remember these steps for a flowing and neat video