Session6: Video Production Process, Production Tools, Pre-production
Pike Place Documentary
http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/frameset.asp?flash=false
We are going to make a short documentary on the Pike Place Market. Your group can choose any angle you are interested in. Each member will create a small part of the overall documentary.
If your small group would like to propose a different subject please discuss it with your instructor.
Assignment: Your group of four will select a common topic to research and produce four mini documentaries on. Each member will create a one – three minute documentary. They can each stand alone or someone in your group to could weave them into a whole. When you are complete you should create a new project that will include each of the documentaries so you can produce a DVD that plays all four projects.
Pre-Production
We are going to create the following pre-production tools and put them all into a production notebook. We will bring this with us to the Market and keep it handy while editing.
Treatment: This is the document that you will use to sell your project to a producer or your teacher. Fill it out, print it and keep it in your production notebook.
Script/Interview Questions: This is the heart of your project. Make sure they are open ended questions. Be prepared to ask probing or clarifying questions. After the interview you will write your introduction, conclusion and any connecting narration.
Storyboard: This is where you will link your script to the images, sounds and text you will use to tell your story. Use labels and notes to make this clear.
Schedule: Each group will be responsible setting this up. I will be available to work with you at the Market for most of the day.
Getting to Know Your Digital Camera
Class Handout
Media College: Video Camera Tutorials
- Meet Manny (your friendly manual)
- Setting the Date and Time
- Loading Tapes or media (always label your tapes)
- Batteries
- White balance
- Program modes
- Shutter vs Aperture
- Connecting your microphone/head phones
- Using a Tripod
- Finding the light, fill/shade
Group Practice
You will each rotate through the following roles so that everyone gets a chance to practice.
Camera Op: This person will set up the tripod, make sure the camera settings are correct and film the interview. Try to find a quiet location with good light.
Audio Op: This person will connect the microphone and head phones. Then show the interviewee how to use the microphone and then monitor the audio.
Note Take: This person will take notes during the interview. They will also make sure the interviewee completes a model release.
*During the practice assignment this person will do two jobs.
Director/Interviewer: This person is in charge of the interview. They set up the interview and talk with the person. They
Interviewee: This person will answer one of the following questions.
- Describe your hero and explain why you look up to them
- Describe something you are passionate about
- Describe your favorite food and how you either prepare it or eat it
*Notice these questions are open ended and force the interviewee to answer more than yes or no.
Review Footage
When you are finished, come back to the classroom so we can connect your camera to a TV so you can see and hear your footage.
Questions Session
Equipment Checkout
Each team should check out a basic field production kit.
- Video Camera, bag and batteries (make sure they are charged)
- Video tapes
- Tripod
- Microphone and cable
- Headphones
- Note pad and model releases
- Reflector/Light
- Production Notebook
Time Permitting: Stop Motion Movie Premiere
We are going start the day by watching each groups stop motion movie and discussion this as a storytelling tool.