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/