Multimedia Terminology

Cameras White balance – adjusts the intensity of the colors being recorded according to the existing light (this is automatic on our cameras) Fade – a gradual increase or decrease of the image and sound Focus – auto focus will automatically focus on the dominant figure in the center of the viewfinder. Some cameras also allow manual focus if you want to focus on something specific.

Time Code – It’s a number that helps you determine where scenes are located on a video tape. Can be in seconds or frames. Frame – A single, complete video image that lasts 1/30th of a second. How many frames are there per second? B-roll – Any video that isn’t the main action. Used to illustrate or show examples. Ex: A picture of the Golden Gate Bridge being shown while or after a person talks about it. (Sorry– No such thing as A-roll)

Microphone An “On Camera Mic” is built into the camera and is omni-directional meaning it will pick up sounds from all directions Since the microphone is closest to you, be careful if you are talking since your voice will dominate

Camera Shots Wide Shot shows the whole scene, sets the stage, lets the viewer know where he/she is. Good if there is a lot of movement. Might show a person from head to toe. Medium Shot shows less of a scene, the camera seems closer to the subject. Might show a person from the waist up. Use to get a closer look at your subject or to transition between wide shots and close up shots. Close up Shot shows an even smaller part of the subject or scene. Shows detail, like a person’s emotional face or individual leaves on a tree. Head and shoulders usually. Extreme Close Up Shot may show just a person’s eyes or a bug gnawing on a leaf.

Video Gathering Over the shoulder or Cutaway Shot – usually a shot of the interviewer listening, nodding or responding. Gives an easy way to transition. Sequence is a series of related shots. Length of shot or how long you show each shot depends on what’s going on in the shot and what you are trying to accomplish. Keep in mind the goal is to gain and hold the audience’s attention and understanding. A lot of action may require 20 seconds, while a still shot may require only 3 seconds.

Composition/Framing Composition – be aware of what is in the shot and what is not. What do you want the viewer to see? Rule of thirds – the center of the camera’s attention is one- third of the way down from the top of the shot. Headroom is the space above the subject’s head. Talking/walking room leaves space in the shot for the action (words/movement) For example: when interviewing someone they do not have to look directly into the camera. Allow them to look off to one direction a bit and leave some space in front of their face as if you were going to draw a dialog box in for them.

Shot Angles The level from which you look at your subject Eye-level – most commonly used. Shoot at your subject’s eye level, not yours. Low angle – the camera looks up at the subject. May show importance, power, or larger size than actual High angle – looks down on the subject. Decreases importance, makes subject look smaller. Gives the audience a sense of power or the subject a sense of helplessness

Shot Movement Pan – movement on a horizontal plane (from left to right) Tilt – movement in a vertical plane (up or down) Zoom – Brings you closer to the subject Reverse Zoom – moves you farther away from the subject.

Shot Movement You owe it to your viewers not to make them motion sick. Pan, tilt, and zoom slowly and only as necessary. A standard rule with moving shots is to start your sequence stationary on a subject (3 seconds), then pan/tilt/zoom/reverse zoom, then hold stationary again (3 seconds) In general, use shot movement(s) sparingly. Try to put a still shot in between two pans/tilts/zooms to allow the viewer a moment to get their bearings.

Tripods Don’t use a tripod: When you are chasing your subject You want to imitate an earthquake. To give the viewer the impression of walking or running. For stable, smooth shots, use a tripod whenever possible. Your body is a natural tripod if you lean up against a tree or wall or sit on a chair for stability. Tripods allow pan and tilt when securely attached to the top of the tripod.

Editing Natural Sound – sound you pick up through the camera microphone Pre-roll – the amount of time it takes for the camera to start rolling before you are actually recording or editing (2- 10 seconds) Voice Over – an off-camera narrator who puts their voice over the video. Describes what is happening on the video or provides information. Master – the original version of your raw footage Cut – direct switch from one picture to another Drop Out – a disturbance on the tape that occurs over time as the tape is re-used

Miscellaneous Terms Storyboard – series of drawings depicting what you plan to do Shot List –list of shots you want to gather including the angle you plan to use Script – written description of the video and audio you want to get Check List – make sure you have everything you’re going to need and test your equipment

Tree Full of Owls – the crowd watching you work Talking Head – full screen shot of a person talking (make sure there is nothing distracting in the background) Tree Full of Owls – the crowd watching you work Point of View – perspective from which you are shooting Neutral observer – records events without taking sides Omniscient – shows all points of view Personal – from one person’s point of view