abraham abhishek thewaterchannel...abraham abhishek thewaterchannel + ... practicing and feedback...
TRANSCRIPT
+
Video esthetics
Abraham AbhishekTheWaterChannel
+Today’s session
Intro on shots & interviews (15 min)
Exercise (25 min)
Feedback (10 min)
Intro Editing (15 min)
Practicing and feedback (55 min)
+This is ALL you need to know…
1. Preparation
2. Shooting1. (esthetics, length, light, background, sound)
3. Interview tips
4. Editing1. Software
2. Resources
3. Editing essentials
+Preparations
You don’t need to be an expert in filming, but with simple preparations you can avoid shooting “home videos”
Visualize the story in your head (developing a story board would be best)
Who will be the main audience?
+Shots - basics
Be aware of what is visible in the background. (for example a wilted plant is distracting and might even cause a sad feeling.)
How is the lighting? Look at shadows, especially in people’s faces. (backlight)
Mis-en-sense (variety): Try to shoot 3-4 different shots of every object/ movement. Different in terms of size (long/medium/close) or different angles
+Shots – Super Basics
Keeping the frame still makes a huge difference Use a tripod as much as possible
When not possible to use a tripod, keep camera completely zoomed out. Walk forward or back instead of using zoom.
Record a shot for at least 10 seconds. In the edit, use it for at least 5 seconds.
+Shots
Think also in terms of visuals: long shot, medium shot, close up
+Full shot
+Close up
+Shots
Head room: as little as possible
Leading room: leave room for this
+Rule of thirds
Fact: when a picture is divided in 3 horizontal and vertical equal parts, the points where the lines meet get most attention
When you place a single item (e.g. a ball) in the frame, use one of those 4 points. When it concerns a larger object (e.g. a person), use the lines
+Sound
We underestimate the importance of good sound
Soundscape: scan the room for sound
Move if necessary and possible
Create a body barrier between sound and camera
Listening sounds (uhuhm, ohhh, ahhh)
External microphone options
+Shooting tips
Prevent having too much raw footage, but don’t be afraid to record more than necessary
Think about storage
+Examples of TWC prods
Indus, India and Pakistan… (Interview- David Grey, Oxford University) http://goo.gl/mJa2Gt
Mekong… (Multiple Interviews, One Topic) http://goo.gl/7VylWh
Fringe Benefits of Food Aid (Short-&-easy video) http://goo.gl/haeywh
Waiting for a Tapstand (Training Video) http://goo.gl/s24CCR
Aquaculture… (Short documentary) http://goo.gl/X0NxH2
+Equipment checklist
Camera
Tripod
Green screen
Microphone
Charged batteries, also for the additional devices such as microphones
Charger
Paper and marker
+More info & references
How to make a movie: Nitin Das (kindle book – amazon)
BBC Academy has many examples including:http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/journalism/skills/interviewing
How news should be reported according to BBC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHun58mz3vI
Types of shots with examples: https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/film-studies-101-camera-shots-styles/
+Dissemination
Why?
Who? (Audience)
When? (Newsworthiness)
Tracking dissemination (Analytics)
+Dissemination
YouTube channel
Own website > place it in a larger context
TheWaterChannel
Water l list to announce special productions
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter etc
Screenings
Linking to local TV media
+
Interview techniques basicsLenneke KnoopTheWaterChannel
+Basics
In general, ask open questions (5 Wives and 1 Husband: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How?)
Use closed questions in specific situations e.g. When you want detailed information When you want to challenge the person
Listening using non-verbal communication
Summarize the answer of the interviewed person
Ask follow up questions
Think about the audience
+At conferences
Prevent asking general comments / opinions on the conference (as you often get socially desirable answers)
Invest time in preparation
Inform yourself about the topic and the key speakers of the conferences
Quick searches on the potential interviewees
If you interview several people, ask at least 3 similar questions which can be combined while editing
+During field work
Before shooting, inform the person who will be interviewed with main purpose behind it
Reduce background noise by using an external camera with dead cat (microphone cover)
Use translator (if possible) and record the translation as well (for editing later on)
+Make people feel comfortable
The red light: cover it
Start with easy question
Smile / relax
look at a specific points
At the end, ask if there is something else that the interviewed person would like to share on camera
+Basics
Take set-up shots
Stand/sit as close to the camera as possible
Framing: Two eyes and an ear
+Tips
Collect additional information conferences: presentations, brochures Fieldwork: shoot scenery
Use different compositions. Filming with your camera on a tripod gives a steady image, but may also bring stiffness to your image.
Avoid overuse of zooming as it can be tiring to watch and doesn’t look professional.
Take set-up shots
Stand/sit as close to the camera as possible
Framing: Two eyes and an ear
+Interview Exercise (25 min)
Watch one of the example interviews and evaluate (3 bullets on what went well and 3 on what should be improved)
Divide into pairs
Choose one of the projects aspects you want to highlight in a 2 to 3 minute clip
Prepare up to 5 simple key questions that could answer the matter to a layperson.
Record the actual video
Think about the story you want to tell and think about the questions you want to ask to this particular person. Make them feel comfortable.
+Examples
http://www.thewaterchannel.tv/media-gallery/6408-frankly-speaking-fish-sanc (fish sanctuary)
http://www.thewaterchannel.tv/media-gallery/4684-sand-water-people-profits (sand, water, people, profits)
http://www.thewaterchannel.tv/media-gallery/6333-weather-index-insurance (weather index)
+
Editing
Abraham AbhishektheWaterChannel
+Editing
1. Import media
2. Timeline concept
3. Making cuts
4. Add-ons (text, pictures, transitions)
5. Exporting
+Editing
Royalty free music, e.g. http://incompetech.com/
Footage: http://www.pond5.com or http://www.videvo.net/
Picture materials (e.g. shutterstock)
End slide with date and logo (good to use the same one throughout your program)