The^[a][b] Finer Points of Video^[c]

http://shareski.ca/y/finerpoints

Filming:

B-Roll:

Music/Audio:

Transitions:

Titling:

Opening:

Examples:

Mini project Idea:

Filming:

• Avoid busy backgrounds, try to make them non-descript
• Use the rule of thirds

• Tripods are awesome
• Try not to look at the camera *
• 3 techniques
• Make it shorter, no more than 5 minutes, just like writing, few of us are capable of writing a novel. A compelling video more than 5 minutes is hard to do.

B-Roll:

• Usually grab this after the interview to find relevant images and footages that tie back to the content
• Be careful when using generic footage if it might cause a distraction
• Look to grab establishing shots of place and context
• Extreme close ups relevant to the story are great when used sparingly
• You may want to take some footage of the subject simply staring at the camera or doing something routine before or after the interview

• When creating an interview video, get video that corresponds to what the person is talking about (eg. working with students).
• B-roll is the supplemental or alternate footage intercut with the main shot in an interview or documentary.

Music/Audio:

• a wireless mic is best
• be aware of external sounds/buzzes/hums
• Do a sound test
• jamendo.com

• http://www.jamendo.com/en/Search for the mood and instrumentation
• Consider starting the music at a particular point after it begins
• Check your levels constantly

Transitions:

• Stick with cuts or cross fades/dissolves for 90% of transitions
• Consider using b-roll footage as transitions as well
• “Noddies” or cutaways can also be used to cover up

Titling:

• Don’t “over title” if the content speaks for itself
• Subtle is a good approach
• Avoid the default font (it’s a dead give away for “you made that in imovie”)

Opening:

• Black screen with audio
• Favorite quote (spoken or written) (could be something that they say later on)
• http://www.dayonestories.com/
• Portrait/Candid shot
• In imovie to get black use cutaway.

Examples:

Eng Chat

Food Drive

Invention Convention

Leaf Rake

Sherilee

I Lost My Mom to Cancer

Day One Stories

Aurora

Mujahid

Herman

My Full playlist

Mini project Idea:

Everyone has a Story

Record a 45 second interview

Respond to these questions/statements:

1. Tell us something you love to do or are passionate about outside of school.

2. Tell us why you became an educator and something about your teaching experience.

3. Talk about the technology. Why it matters, what it's meant to you.

• Audio is most important here. Check the sound after the first take.  
• Try and be specific and unique for each question. You may want to write down a few bullet points for each.
• Don't feel you need to record it in one take. Consider recording each section.
• You may want to record name, location, position to insert either at the beginning, after opening statement  or end of your interview. You can also use text but record it anyway.
• Choose either a unique location or very plain background.

• Collect b-roll footage: (be sure to do this after the video)

• sitting smiling
• standing looking solemn
• looking away from the camera, then back at it
• walking down the hallway from behind
• any other relevant footage
• Ask your partner to links to other relevant images or video