video storytelling part 1: introduction to video production with digital cameras

INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO PRODUCTION WITH DIGITAL

CAMERAS, “POCKET” CAMCORDERS AND SMARTPHONES

April 17, 2012

Introduction Activity

Turn your camera on

Ask the person to your right:* What is your name?* What organization do you work

at?* What are you most passionate

about doing with video?

Make sure everyone at your table has a chance to answer and videotape!

Agenda

• Welcome and Introductions

• Using Video Storytelling for Health

• Video Production Best Practices

• Scavenger Hunt

• Editing Basics

• Uploading Videos Online

Using Video Storytelling for Health

• Using stories is a powerful way of conveying information: emotion, message, relevancy

• Video is a communications medium that has the potential to do what other mediums like printed text can not

• Number of people watching, sharing online video is growing

YouTube is the #2 search engine after Google

How relevant for work in public health?

• Fundraising• Document the difference you’re making• Build relationships• Advocacy• Catalyze action• Public education

CDC YouTube Channel

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline YouTube Channel

http://www.startstorytelling.com/

What kinds of stories can you tell?

• Impact of programs• Call to action• An event that took place

How are videos being used?

Issues of consent• Are you shooting in a public space?• How do you intend to use the video?

• Working with technology is inherently challenging

• View them as happy accidents

• Get comfortable being a learner

• Practice, practice, practice!

• Build a community of support

You’re drawing on many skills you already possess:

Planning

Logistics

Building relationships

Creativity

Expression

Managerial

You’ll want to be strategic!

Plan the Shoot > Shoot the Plan > Edit the Planned Shoot

Pre-Product

ion

Production

Post-Product

ion

• Why are we doing this?• Is video the right medium?• What do we hope to inspire, make happen?• What will we do with the video when it’s done?

Video Production Best Practices

• Shooting

• Lighting

• Sound

• You may already be familiar with these!

• Work as a group and match the visual card with a corresponding name card

Shooting Activity Cards:

Getting Started

• Planning-what are you going to shoot?

• Preparing your shot list

• Staging and how best to tell your story

Framing and composition

Framing and composition

Why does this matter?

What is included in the frame determines focus and defines emotional context

Rule of Thirds

• Guide for framing your visual point of interest• Frame is divided into nine imaginary sections• Visual points of interest placed 1/3 or 2/3 of the

way up

Headroom

What’s in the background matters

• Does it add or take away from the scene?

• Anything incongruent or distracting?

• Make sure the camera, microphone is not in frame

Camera Shots

• Tell a story with the shots you choose • Use a combination of shots

• Look at the shots in the handout and the Field Guide

• Think back to the card activity

Camera Angles

• They convey certain feelings or facts depending on which is used

• Eyeline is also important

Camera Movement

• Pans • Zooms

• Tilts

• When is movement ok and not appropriate

Using a tripod

• When is it best to use?

• Use your body as a tripod

What the camera sees

• Certain patterns and colors don’t look good on camera

• Better choices: solid, neutral colors

Capturing B Roll/Cutaways

• Plan for it

• Adds to the story

• Important for editing

Think about editing when you’re wearing your director’s hat

• Hold the shot long enough

• Ask yourself:

How does this shot add to the story?

Have I gotten enough coverage?

Tips for shooting footage for posting online

• Fill the frame-tight shots are better

Tips for shooting footage for posting online

• Limit pans and zooms

• Unnecessary movement can slow down the video stream

• Shorter videos are better-under 5 minutes

Lighting Best Practices Activity:

• There are a bundle of Lighting Activity Cards on your table. Each visual card has a matching card labeled with the name of the specific lighting tip, practice captured

• Take a few minutes and work as a group at your table to match the visual card with a name card that looks like the best match

White balance

• White contains all the colors-if the camera obtains a true white it can read other colors true

• It may be an auto function

Indoor/Artificial Lighting

and

Outdoor/Natural Lighting

Indoors or Artificial Lighting

How to get good lighting under these circumstances

3 Point Lighting

• Key

• Background

• Filler

Other Tips

• Position someone wearing glasses so camera not reflected

• Be aware of reflective surfaces

• Be attentive how light will change over the course of shooting…morning to afternoon, shadows

Anything to note?

Take a couple minutes and jot down a tip that was really helpful

OR

Write down something you’d like to learn more about

Getting Good Sound/Audio

• Very important

• Do a preview of the location-any noisy equipment, ambient noises, fans, etc?

• Do you need to change location?

Tips for Getting Good Audio

• Use an external microphone vs. on camera microphone

• Get close to your subject

• Set and test sound before shooting-wear headphones!

More Tips

• Eliminate distracting ambient noises if possible• Be attentive to any loud jewelry• Motivate background sound…also helps frame the

story• Capture room tone; wild sound

Scavenger Hunt

• Work in a pair to capture footage

• Have fun getting a combo of shots!

Editing Basics

• We’ll have two breakout groups for PC and Mac users

• You’ll work on learning the basics of editing with sample footage

• The footage you’ve gathered today will be perfect to continue honing your new editing skills after the class!

Congratulations! You’ve just crossed the bridge into new creative

territory!

Uploading Videos Online

• YouTube

• Vimeo

• Facebook

• Nearly 500 million unique users a month on YouTube

• With YouTube Insight, can run analytics on viewers of your videos

• Create an account

• Get familiar with the account settings and recommendations

• If account is for your organization, do not use a personal email address

• Set up a channel!

Informed consent and posting videos online

Disclosure Voluntariness Comprehension Competence

Tips from the WITNESS Online Video Advocacy Guide online at:http://videoforchange.wordpress.com/3-film/top-15-interview-tips/informed-consent-process-tips-and-suggestions/

Thank You!!

Lisa Petersonlisapeterson@berkeley.edu

Chihiro Wimbushchihiro_wimbush@yahoo.com