NoOdL eHeaD
Video Production Tips
Dear Reader
Hi! This is me again. Still reachable at DYEATON@sover.net, still working with NoodleHead Network and, therefore still into video.
Last time I dropped you a note on video it was pretty general. You know, start
small, stay in control, keep working with computers, don't punch your actors
when you are stressed out, etc. However, from now on I'm gonna zoom in on some
real focal points about keeping videos entertaining and fun.
This time I'm going to talk about probably the
most important part of your video: the script. No matter how great
your special effects are, nor how great the actors are, or how
quality your images are, nothing can make up for a lousy script. Some
people write their own scripts, but if someone is writing it for you
make sure that you put your input into it.
When you receive or finish a script, you should
look it over thoroughly. You should be able to picture everything
that's going to happen. You should also start forming ideas about how
you're going to do things. Also, don't be afraid to show the script
to someone who has no idea about what you're doing, your whole point
in video is to put across a point. So make sure people understand
what your point is.
A script that gets your point across is good, but
a script that shows an element of humanity is even better. Depending
on the topic, you may want jokes (keep 'em clean!), emotion, clear
facial expressions (which is as much the actor as the script) and any
other things you can think of that will make the script seem more
natural (if that is your desire).
Above all have fun with the script! Even if you
do show it to other people, don't give up your main idea if it is
what you really want.
Dear Reader
Congratulations! If you are reading this, chances are you
are interested in the best of businesses - VIDEO! Video is a window to the imagination.
Using video can scare, thrill, shock, enlighten, or just plain entertain. Video
allows you to use your imagination in anyway to create whatever you like.
I have worked with video for the past two or three years.
Over this time I have racked up one main piece of advice - do yourself a favor
and START SMALL. Don't overshoot and try to do more than you can in a given
chunk of time. The more care and time you put into your shoots the better they
will turn out.
Second of all do not be intimidated by others
who might be working with you. Make sure your thoughts and problems
are heard. Talk to other members of your production about your
requirements for a shoot, how to act around the delicate (not to
mention expensive) equipment you are running and make sure they know
that you must have full cooperation for your final output to be
something you can all be proud of.
The fact that you are reading this on a
computer gives you a huge advantage when making videos - you are able
to work with computers. As time goes on video and computers are
becoming more and more intertwined. Computer editing is the easiest
(and most often, the coolest) way to make your tape look
professional.
If you'd like more information about kids'
video, read below, and if you have suggestions just e-mail me at
dyeaton@middlebury.edu (my dad's address)
LIGHTING
- When indoors, use as much light as possible.
Sit your subject near light sources like windows, or near lights.
It's important to get lots of light, or the video will become
grainy.
- Don't videotape anyone in front of a window;
they will be silhouetted.
- Don't shoot into the sun, and make sure the
sun is behind you.
AUDIO
- Eliminate as much background noise as
possible, and avoid wind.
- The closer you are to what you're taping, the
less background noise you'll hear.
- Always wear headphones so you can tell if
you're getting good audio.
- Be careful taping around flourescent lights;
they can give off a hum that you will hear on your video.
CAMERA MOVEMENTS
- Pan-move the camera from left to right, or
from right to left, horizontally.
- Zoom-the camera stays still, but the shot
moves in on a subject, or out on a subject.
- Dolly-a moving shot, often done in a chair
with wheels.