Filmmaking on a shoestring 101: An hour’s worth of intro and experimentation

Josh Woodard, FHI 360Project Manager of USAID’s FACET projectCRS’ ICT4D Conference, AccraMarch 21, 2013

Life cycle of filmmaking on a shoestring

What does a video actually consist of?

How many shots do you think there are in a one minute video clip? – Shots are video segments that run for an

uninterrupted period of time. Many shots are combined to create a scene.

What are the basics of video recording?

• Shot types• Framing• Focus• Lighting• Stability• Sound• Timing

What are the basics of video recording?

• Shot types• Framing• Focus• Lighting• Stability• Sound• Timing

Rule of thirdsThis states that you should try to imagine your shot divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Rather than placing your focal point in the center of the shot, you should place it one-third or two-thirds of the way down or across the frame.

What are the basics of video recording?

• Shot types• Framing• Focus• Lighting• Stability• Sound• Timing

Headroom/Looking RoomThis refers to the amount of space you have above someone’s head or in front of them. Generally speaking, you should have a modest amount of space above your subject’s head or in front of them in the direction they are looking.

What are the basics of video recording?

• Shot types• Framing• Focus• Lighting• Stability• Sound• Timing

Screen ContinuityWhen recording two subjects in conversation, never cross beyond the back of any of the subjects. This is also known as the 180 degree rule. Imagine a 180-degree semi-circle running between your two subjects and never position your camera outside that semi-circle while recording.

What are the basics of video recording?

• Shot types• Framing• Focus• Lighting• Stability• Sound• Timing

Shot angles

What are the basics of video recording?

• Shot types• Framing• Focus• Lighting• Stability• Sound• Timing

Camera moves

Pan Tilt

Zoom

What are the basics of video recording?

• Shot types• Framing• Focus• Lighting• Stability• Sound• Timing

If you are using a pocket camcorder, you likely will not have any manual focus control. Since the camcorder will automatically focus, it is important to make sure that it is focusing on your intended subject. If not, you may need to adjust your shot type or angle until the camera comes into focus on your subject.

What are the basics of video recording?

• Shot types• Framing• Focus• Lighting• Stability• Sound• Timing

What are the basics of video recording?

• Shot types• Framing• Focus• Lighting• Stability• Sound• Timing

An unsteady video not only screams out amateur, but it can also be extremely distracting. The best way to address this is to use a tripod, but you can also turn your body into a tripod.

What are the basics of video recording?

• Shot types• Framing• Focus• Lighting• Stability• Sound• Timing

The microphone on pocket camcorders can be very sensitive. External microphones will allow you to capture better quality audio than an internal camcorder microphone.

When using an internal microphone, remember:•Use your stage voice (speak loudly)•Avoid areas with loud background noise•Do not record into the wind•Use your legs to zoom for close ups

What are the basics of video recording?

• Shot types• Framing• Focus• Lighting• Stability• Sound• Timing

Make sure that you include buffer space at the beginning and end of each clip you record. The easiest way to do this is to begin recording at least three seconds before you give your subjects the sign to begin the scene, and then to stop recording at least three seconds after they have finished the scene.

Video scavenger hunt

Rules• Each team has 30 minutes to record

quality examples of the shot and frame types learned about

• Each team member is responsible for recording an equal number of shots

• Team members must state “This is [Name] recording [shot/frame type]” with each clip

• Each clip must last at least 10 seconds

Shot types1. Wide shot2. Mid shot3. Close up4. Over the shoulder5. Rule of thirds6. Headroom7. Straight angle8. Low angle9. High angle10. Pan11. Tilt12. Manual zoom

Additional resources

Integrating Low-cost Video into Agricultural Development Projects: A Toolkit for Practitioners online at http://www.ictforag.org/video

How to Use Movie Maker 2012 tutorial videos, online athttps://vimeo.com/channels/moviemaker2012

Or email me any time at jwoodard@fhi360.org