Leveraging Bite-Size Video for Learning
Keith Schuermann, MLIS Jay Turner, GPLS
Three Production Stages
• Pre-Production
• On The Set
• Post-Production
Stage 1: Pre-Production
• Pitch Script (get it approved!)
• Script Shot Sheet, including angles/movements
• Shot Sheet Storyboards
Script Example
Shot Sheet Example
Storyboard Example
Framing the Shot
• Extreme Long Shot• Long Shot• Medium Shot• Close Up• Extreme Close Up
Determines how much we’re sharing about our character and the setting
Extreme Long Shot
EstablishesSetting
+Emphasizes
Surroundings
Long Shot
Introduces Life-Sized
Characters In Their
Environment
Medium Shot
Used for Dialogue/Character Development
Alt. Medium Shot
Over-the-shoulder, to emphasize character’s connection with another
Close Up
Magnifies Personal Connection
Extreme Close Up
High Drama but Artificial – Watch Focus
Shot Angles
• Bird’s Eye View• High Angle• Eye Level• Low Angle• Oblique/Canted
The Relationship Between Camera & Subject More Extreme = More Symbolic/Heavy-Handed
Bird’s Eye View
Godlike Position
+Characters Insignificant
High Angle
SettingEmphasized
+CharactersDiminished
Eye Level
Most CommonAngle
Often as P.O.V.with
Reaction Shot
Low Angle
Taller, DominantCharacter
Actions Quicker
Powerless, InsecureAudience
Oblique/Canted
SuggestsInstability,
Disorientation
Often aP.O.V.
Stage 2: On The “Set”
• Direction• Blocking the Scene• Lighting• Continuity• Sound
5 Major Elements of Production:
Director
• Who they are• Who they are talking to• What they want
You! And there can only be one!!! Make sure your actors know:
Blocking the Scene
• Find beginning camera location, and place actors at marks
• Let actors perform as they wish, then make suggestions
• Be flexible – allow for improvisation• Actors must “do” rather than “say”• Rehearse until all parties are ready
Before shooting, you should:
Lighting the Scene
• Shooting directly into a light or getting flares • Shooting scenes where everything’s lit except for your
talent • Needing more light – a little goes a long way with
video• Harsh shadows – use fill if necessary
Do test shots, with a human subject, at the same time and location as your live production.
Avoid the following common mistakes:
Examples of Poor Lighting
Sound
• Background noise/music• Outdoor wind• Camera operation noise
Be aware that built-in camera mics may not provide adequate audio. Monitor with
headphones, and remember audio can be added.
Also, watch out for:
Continuity
Keep your scene’s elements consistent, to avoid continuity errors
Practice Time!
Your organization recently conducted a fire drill, with less than optimal results. The charge of your team is to create a short video that will reinforce good drill behavior, and eliminate the bad.
How NOT to Act During a Fire Drill
Stage 3: Post-Production
• View rushes, labeling shots in line with shot #’s from Shot Sheet
• Edit visuals. Avoid double actions and jump cutting.
• Edit the audio. Add music, sound effects, and dialogue if audio is poor.
• Show rough cut to at least 2 other people. Be open and flexible to suggestions.
Four Basic Steps:
Release Day!!
Consider YouTube or Vimeofor uploading.
Remember, file size may belarge, and will need
adequate storage space.
Helpful Links:
Internet Archive – great source for stock sound effects and music
http://www.archive.org/
Indie Filmmaking – tips and tricks for amateurs
http://www.indie-film-making.com/