Production Research - Filming 1

Before our group begins the production process we need to prepare and research. Since I am the director I need to research into filming, lighting, sound, production design and editing so I can work with everyone else in the group and their roles.

Filming
For the filming aspect I looked at several webpages and videos for tips, tricks and techniques on filming.

The first web page I reviewed was a video training guide - http://witnesstraining.wordpress.com/3-film/tips-for-filming/

This guide has videos demonstrating every little detail of what to do and what not to do.

The first video on the guide is WITNESS: Filming, Audio & Using Cellphones.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7BFnhYX2vs#t=165

The video starts out by making it's first point saying that filming is telling a story. It shows where you are, what is happening and who is involved.

Build a meaningful sequence with your shots. By this it means why are you using each shot, the impact of zooms, tilts, pans, and different shot sizes you would use in your sequence.Wide shots and zooms to show the context of where you are and what is happening,and to make linkages in complicated settings. Medium shots used to show what is happening and who is involved and CU's to show the powerful details that may give drama to your video sequence. 

Getting "telling" details in your sequence like someones face in a moment of surprise or fear, shoes from a group of protesters who ran in panic or the moment of silence when someone says something powerful.

Move closer to capture the action. If possible get in close, the image will be better and the audio will definitely improve and the viewer will feel like they are in the mix of the action.

Shoot stable 10 second shots and make purposeful camera movements. Stable still shots are good shots. Never "Hosepipe", be patient and purposeful don't move camera around to get all the points of interest. Instead pick a shot and hold it so the viewer can see what is happening, if you need to change emphasis quickly use a swish pan from one point of interest to the next.

Get good sound. Plug in headphones to camera since camera microphone picks up sounds differently to our ears. Sound is as important as the image, try to eliminate background noise (particularly buzzing electrical noise. Lighting matters. don't film people with light behind them.

The video makes some excellent points on filming from telling the story, capturing actions, the details and tips on sound and lighting.