Tips on Shooting and Editing Video

Preproduction Concept –Purpose of Video. –Constraints. Script –Description of Shots and Settings. –Written Dialogue and Narration.

Preproduction Storyboards –Conceptualize shots. –Plan flow of video. Equipment –Availability. –Flexibility, limitations.

Production Framing and Composition –Be aware of your surroundings. –Rearrange objects as needed. Headroom –Don’t leave excessive space above subject’s head. –If subject is looking to the side, leave space where he/she is looking.

Production Rule of Thirds –1/3 of the frame should be above the eyes. –1/3 of the frame should be face and shoulders. –1/3 of the frame should be lower torso.

Production Lighting –Check indoor lighting conditions first, add more lighting if needed/possible. –Filming outdoors? Check the time and weather. Noon: Bright light, high exposure, no shadows. Morning/Afternoon: Direct light, heavy shadows. Overcast: No direct light or shadow, dull.

Production Sound –Detachable microphones are desirable for best sound quality –Using the camera’s mike? Check for background noise before shooting (traffic, ventilation, nearby crowds). Stay close to your subject. Subject should speak loud and clearly. No noise from the crew!

Production Shooting –Use a tripod for stability. –Shoot at least 15 seconds of “dummy tape” before and after scenes. –Try to shoot in-sequence. –Keep a video log of recorded scenes.

Production Shooting –Use a variety of shots – multiple perspectives and angles. –Try multiple takes of the same scene, adjusting the shot slightly. –Film more than just your subject.

Production Things to avoid –Breaking the 180° plane. –Using the same composition for every shot. –Too many differing shots and angles. –Extreme close ups or wide shots. –Excessive panning or zooming. –Shooting too much.

Postproduction Choose your editing software of choice –imovie (mac) –Final Cut Pro (mac) –Windows Movie Maker (pc) –Premiere (pc)

Postproduction Walkthrough for using imovie – ials/video/imovie/ ials/video/imovie/ Walkthrough for using WMM – oviemaker/default.mspxhttp:// oviemaker/default.mspx

Postproduction Editing Clips –Know your footage. Use your video log or create one for your raw footage. –Avoid jump cuts. Different scenes should be easily distinguished. –Be tasteful in using titles and transitions. –Adjust lighting and sound as much as possible. Bad footage is bad footage.