Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Video Storytelling: Shooting Video Basics

In my last post titled Video Storytelling, I shared my thoughts and provided guidelines for creating good video as part of an employee communication channel. This was a great first step. To round out the subject, I want to highlight the basics for shooting video and editing. Instantly my former colleague and friend Bob Grace came to mind. He has a lot of experience in this area and could share some real insight. I asked Bob if he would be interested in sharing his knowledge and becoming my first guest blogger. Thankfully for all of us, the following post is all Bob.

I’m thrilled to be the first guest-blogger here on Accidental Information!  I worked with Christopher on launching an employee-focused web video series at Disney.  We started with nothing more than a Flip cam, simple editing software, and a few good ideas.  Here are some tips and techniques I found particularly useful as we ventured into the world of video storytelling, specifically shooting video:
  • Come prepared: Before you even hit the record button, be sure to prepare a storyboard and script.  It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it will give you a good idea as to how your video will progress and, more importantly, will save time during the filming process.
  • Multiple takes: Don’t feel pressure to get it right the first time.  Whether your on-camera talent flubs a line or you accidentally shake the camera while recording, slip-ups are bound to happen.  Even if you think you got the perfect take, record one more as a backup.  It’s always nice to have a few good takes to choose from, but try not to record so many takes that you’re spending all of your time reviewing footage when you begin editing.  Also, try to resist the urge to delete or record over bad clips.  Who knows, they may come in handy for a blooper reel at the end of your video!
  • Shot variety: Imagine watching a video that uses the same type of shot the whole time.  Boring!  Make an effort to get a variety of shots and angles.  Wide shots show the subject in his or her setting and give viewers a sense of location.  Medium shots frame the subject from the waist up.  Close-ups focus in on your subject’s expressions or emotions.  Getting a variety of shots will give you more to work with when you begin editing and will help make your video more dynamic.  This page takes a closer look at shot types and what they look like.
  • Minimize movement: Many video novices like to walk-and-film only to discover the video turns out far shakier than it looked on the screen while filming.  It’s best to just keep your feet planted and stick to static shots or slow pans.
  • Framing: There’s a simple technique that even most seasoned videographers use.  It’s called the Rule of Thirds.  Know it and you’ll be on your way to composing more interesting, professional-looking shots.  Here’s a video I found that does a great job demonstrating the Rule of Thirds. 

Now for two of the most important aspects of video.  If nothing else, make sure your sound and lighting is good.

  • Sound: The on-board mic on a Flip cam (and most consumer video cameras) will pick up everything - wind, an airplane overhead, even the hum of a refrigerator.  Just be mindful of ambient noise - whether you are shooting inside or outside - and keep the camera close to your subject to record their voice at a good level.  And if you have a fancy camera with an input for an external mic, even better!
  • Lighting: There’s a reason I saved lighting for last... it’s the trickiest.  Generally shooting outdoors is more difficult than shooting indoors.  A few tips:  Avoid shooting your subject under direct sunlight, as this results in overexposed shots (and can be very uncomfortable for your subject).  Also avoid shooting with the sun shining behind the subject since this will darken him or her.  Instead, try positioning your subject so the sunlight comes in from the sides instead of directly above (early morning or late afternoon is ideal) or shoot in the shade where the sun’s light is softened.  Check out this video for a quick outdoor lighting tutorial, including how and when to use a reflector.

Of course these are just guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules.  Feel free to experiment and get creative with the camera!  Next step - editing.  I’ll be back with another post soon featuring tips for easy and effective editing.

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