At the Shoot
Set Up
Crew Jobs
On the day of the shoot, delegate specific jobs to crew members. Lights will probably need to be set up. Try them at different angles to see which angles work best. Make sure there are no shadows on or behind the subject. Set up lavalieres and/or microphones for the talent. Make sure the audio levels are clear and that the host is not speaking too loudly or too softly.
Crew members handle the following tasks:
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Check the camera to make sure it is working properly.
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Test the microphones.
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Make sure the camera s battery is fully charged.
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Set up the tripod.
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White balance the camera. This means making sure the camera sees white objects as truly white. Balance each time you change lighting conditions. Place a white piece of paper in front of the camera lens and zoom in on it, then press the White Balance button on the camera.
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Check the camera focus.
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Do not start taping at the beginning of a tape. Start taping after at least 30 seconds to ensure padding for pre-roll and leaving room to edit.
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Do a final audio check.
Producer Instructions
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Tell the host which camera to look in
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Describe to each camera operator what their shots should look like
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Get the correct spelling of all subject's names involved, including the crew. This will be used for titles and credits.
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Check sound quality
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Ask for a "mic check"
Director Instructions
The producer/director is in charge of the overall creation of the video. This person will listen for good quotes and think about how the package should be put together. They will decide what B-roll is needed and how to include it. They will determine if the audience will understand the script and what topics, quotes, demonstrations, and sentences will flow well together when edited.
Wear comfortable clothing. It will be a long day.
Camera Shots
Examples
A "two shot" occurs when there is more than one person in the shot. A "long shot" is normally the establishing shot. It is a distance shot that emphasizes the setting rather than the host. This is an opening long or wide shot used to set the scene or acquaint the audience with the setting, characters, or plot. A "close up" focuses the audience's attention on a particular detail. It is used to show reactions. It commonly includes just the actor's head. A "medium shot" includes the head, shoulders, and chest. It focuses attention on the person speaking. Note: Make sure to hold the shot steady long enough to edit. Count to 10 before moving on to the next shot. Note: The visual attention span is 3-5 seconds; however, if you are interviewing someone the shot may last as long as the interview does.
Headroom/Leadroom
Make sure there is enough headroom and leadroom. Headroom is the space left between the top of the head and the upper screen edge; lead room is the space in front of the subject moving toward the edge of the screen.
Choose camera angles and the locations of the cameras. Check for background noise. Microphones will pick up sounds, such as traffic. Periodically, put on headsets to check audio levels.
B-Roll
Get plenty of B-Roll, or backup material. This could consist of natural sounds, shots of a house being weatherized, tools that are being used in the weatherization process, or "before" shots of homes that are going to be weatherized. B-Roll is used to minimize the focus on the speaker and make the video more interesting.
There is never enough B-roll. Stay on a shot 5 seconds longer than you think you'll need. Allow yourself as many options as you have time for. The more footage you have to choose from, the more entertaining the video will be.
Timing is a major concern when you have an on-camera person speaking. Minimize the amount of time the audience actually sees the speaker. The speaker should be covered with B-roll. You should see approximately no more than 15 seconds of face time. If you have 30 seconds of copy (script), have at least 3 different shots.
Never underestimate the amount of B-roll that is needed! For every ten hours shot, only one hour may be worth keeping.
For example: If a technician is talking about a blower door, then get shots of the door, including shots from different angles.
Checklist
Director's Roles and Responsibilities
Familiarize the entire team with the overall production plan. Make sure crew members are aware of their roles and responsibilities. Describe to each camera operator what their shots should look like. Tell the host which camera to look in.
The Equipment
Check the camera to be sure it is working properly. Place your microphones 4-6 inches away to get clear audio. Check the battery to see that it is fully charged. Bring a tripod and make sure it locks safely in place. Find electrical outlets. White balance the camera. Check the camera focus. Fast forward 30 seconds into the tape before recording.
Audio
Check sound quality. Ask for a "mic check". Periodically, put on headsets to make sure the audio is good. Check the audio, and be sure to listen for background noise that may interfere with the microphones.
At the Shoot
Get release forms signed, if needed. Check the spelling of all subject's names, including the crew, for use in titles and credits. Ask interviewees to say and spell their name on camera. If you plan to edit later, allow the camera to record for five seconds before and after shots. Think about the backgrounds in your shots. Does it add to the picture or is it distracting? Observe the lighting in your shots. If the shoot lasts more than one day, be sure the talent wears the same clothes if they will be on camera again.
It's a Wrap!
Make sure you have filmed enough B-roll. Label all the tapes that were used as soon as you take them out of the camera. Make sure all equipment is packed away properly.