Post on 01-Sep-2014
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transcript
Basic Videography and Editing
Prepared for KQED
October 17, 2013
Jim Foust jfoust@bgsu.edu
Basic Video Stuff Aspect ratio—the shape of the video screen
4:3 or 16:9 most common
Frame size (resolution) Given as two numbers with width first 640 x 480; 320 x 240 (4:3) 1920 x 1080; 1280 x 720; 960 x 540; 480 x 270 (16:9) Higher numbers = higher quality Sometimes shortened to height and i or p for interlaced or progressive (720p)
Frame Rate—number of still pix per second 30 “normal” for TV; 20 or less jittery
A Little About CompressionMakes video files smaller By altering resolution, frame rate, pixels, etc. Often measured by bitrate
Higher bitrate = higher quality = larger file
Common FormatsAVI, MOV
MPEG
FLV (Flash video)
h264
Rule of Thirds
Rule of Thirds
Rule of Thirds
Shooting Soundbites Eyes at top third (or thereabouts)
Lead space in direction they’re looking (frame to left or right third)
Not looking into camera, but looking slightly off camera (both eyes should be
visible; both ears if possible) NO PROFILES!
Shoot in medium shot—head and shoulders
Can be exceptions (wider shots) for artistic purpose
As you go wider, eyes move slightly more toward top of frame, but always
in vicinity of top third
Beware of distracting backgrounds
Only one person in frame
Beware of shooting from high or low angle
Soundbite Framing
HeadroomPOOR BETTER
Examples
Soundbite Framing GridSoundbite Framing Examples
Story Example: Dangerous CurveStory Example: Bee Swarm
Depth of Field
The range of distance in a given shot in which objects are in acceptable focus.
Depth of Field
Aperture: the more open (the lower the number) the smaller the depth of field.
Depth of Field
Subject distance: the closer the subject is to the camera, the smaller the depth of field.
Depth of Field
Focal length: the more “zoomed in” the smaller the depth of field.
Video Example
Basic Aesthetics Separation of subject from background
Using depth of field Being aware of the background
Avoid brick walls, etc.
Moving subject away from the background Ideally, in event-specific stories, the background should have something
to do with story
Lighting Be aware of light situation Don’t shoot against windows or other strong light sources Use natural light to your advantage
Move person around so window shines on them
Sound—Technical Use Lav whenever possible Beware of background noise NEVER unrelated background noise
Sound—Content Set expectations beforehand
Tell interviewee a little about finished product
Consider “Tell me about. . .” rather than actually asking questions
Remember that the story will have to stand on its own without narrative/questions
Equipment
Camera
Batteries
SD CardUSB Card Reader
AC Adapter/Charger
Equipment
Lav Mic
LR-44 watch battery inside
Power switch: remember to turn ON when recording and OFF when done, or it will drain battery.
Removable (and losable) wind screen
Nice long cable
Recommended Accessories Camera light Monopod KQED Tripod (currently in limbo) Headphones
Pre-Shoot Checklist Batteries charged SD Card ready Lav mic working Do a test shoot
Camera Controls: Left Side
Power Button
Powered Image Stabilization: press and hold for more aggressive image stabilization
Zoom Control
Camera Controls: Right Side
Record ButtonMode Switch: Set to M
Camera Controls: Behind Door
SD Card Slot
Display Button: toggles how much info you see on display
Record/Play: toggles camera between record and playback mode
Make sure you’re in VIDEO Mode
Should see video cam Icon here
If not, press the video camera icon here to go to video mode
Accessing and Checking Video Settings
Access and check by pressing FUNC
Basic Camera Settings Auto white balance
FUNC > WB > AWB (can just check it)
Auto Focus (usually) FUNC > Focus > AF
Auto Exposure FUNC > Exposure > A
Digital Effects OFF FUNC > Digital Effects > Off
EditingBasic Editing Process
1. Start editing project in FCP
2. Import Video from camera/card
3. Trim individual video clips
4. Assemble clips on timeline
5. Export finished project
Editing Jump Cuts Example Me with Jump Cuts Me with Dissolve Me with White Flash
Story TypesSoundbite(s)
Soundbite(s) with B-roll
Nat Sound Piece (soundbites, nat, music)
Nat Sound Piece 2
Voice Over (VO)
Narrative story (with reporter voice) not often used online.
Shooting B-RollShot Types
The Case Against Zooms and Pans
Some Simple Sequences
Bad Sequence
Soundbite Framing Grid
Soundbite Framing Examples