video storytelling part 1: introduction to video production with digital cameras
TRANSCRIPT
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
• 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/
