Production Techniques Equipment

Camera Shots The camera, alone or combined with narration can create the “who, what, why, where” effect we desire for effective film-making.

Camera Shots A decent zoom lens will go a long ways toward framing the subject and create a connection between the viewer and the “talent” (subject of the video segment).

For steady images you should use a tripod whenever possible to take the weight of the camera off the cameraman’s hands. Standard camera movements include:

Dollying The camera operator moves himself/herself and the entire camera in (dolly in) or out (dolly out) by wheeling or walking toward or away from the subject.

Trucking The camera operator moves themselves and the camera to the left (truck left) or right (truck right).

Tilting & Panning The camera operator moves the camera up (tilt up) or down (tilt down). The camera operator pivots the camera to the left (pan left) or the right (pan right).

The subject can be portrayed in a number of ways. The long shot: Encompasses a large area and establishes where the action is taking place.

The Medium Shot This camera shot usually focuses on one or two persons, showing just their heads,. shoulders and upper torsos

Close-up shot A camera shot that zeros in on one person or subject and shows facial expressions or a certain detail in a demonstration or on an object.

Extreme or Tight Close-up This angle is used for dramatic effect or to show very tiny detail – for example, eyes filled with tears or the street number on a house.

Camera Position Camera position can add psychological effects to a scene. Basic camera positions include:

Rules of Thirds This is a general principle in photography, which is typically considered to make shots more appealing to the eye. One can easily visualize this rule by taking a frame and dividing the horizontal piece into three equal sections and dividing the vertical in three equal sections. This creates 9 equal sections. Where these sections meet are four points on the frame. By aligning the central object into these points of the frame (often called the power points), instead of centering the object, you get more aesthetically and professional-looking shots. However, we should note that while we describe this as the RULE of thirds, it might better be used as a guideline.

Eye Level The talent’s eyes should be located one-third from the top of the screen.

High Angle The camera should be located on a raised platform. The high angle shot, which looks down on the subject, can make a person appear smaller and weaker.

Low Angle The camera should be low to the ground or the talent on a raised platform. A low angle shot looks up on the subject, making a person appear larger than life and domineering.

Extreme Overhead The camera is directly above the talent shooting downward.

Purpose of camera shots To add to the story by good technique. Stories that are video driven are not as interesting and relevant.

FX: Terms and definitions

Fade-in A transition effect for bringing an image or video into an existing one.

Zoom in Bringing a distant or previously unseen image in close. A useful technique that must not be over-used.

Wipe An effect where the image seems to appear from left or right, top of bottom.

Montage A grouping of pictures that can either be displayed in a collage effect or brought in bit by bit. In video it can be a series of short clips that are run together in a fast and dramatic fashion.

Montage A grouping of pictures that can either be displayed in a collage effect or brought in bit by bit. In video it can be a series of short clips that are run together in a fast and dramatic fashion.

And now a video to illustrate

For now….