| When starting out with video projects get to know your camera and practice some basic shooting skills. Whether students are practicing or shooting a production it is a good idea to work with in a group with others. This helps create an environment where you can share roles, gain experience and discuss aspects of shooting. | |
| Students working in a production team
of three works well. The production crew typically consists
of a… • Camera operator (frames and records the shots) • Sound manager (manages the microphone, listens to the audio levels) • Director (organises the crew, logs the shots, shouts commands, uses cues and clapperboard). |
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Shooting Guidelines | |
| When recording, keep your camera as steady as possible. Using a tripod is the key to creating steady shots. If you don’t have a tripod, try using a substitute like a desk, chair, cushion or even the top of a car. | |
| A handheld camera with lots of movement can be used to create a sense of anxiety or confusion. Similarly, a handheld shot where characters are approached from behind can suggest that someone is being followed. | |
| Don’t overdo camera pans and tilts. Try to avoid very fast panning or very slow boring pans. | |
| Start the camera recording and wait several seconds before starting the scene. Many video camcorders take a few seconds before they begin recording smoothly. Use a clapperboard, if you have one available. If not, use a piece of paper to write the shot, take and location. | |
| Record multiple takes. Even if you think your shot was a great take, you can benefit from shooting a few more (time permitting). Shooting several takes of each scene gives you a wider range of editing options. | |
| Keep track of what you’ve shot
and what you need to shoot using a shot list. Many similar
shots can get confusing, especially if you are shooting
several takes of one scene. Notes you make during production
are very useful during the editing stage. Carefully compose and frame your shots. If you’re videoing a central character or object, take note of the background (whatever is behind the person or object) and avoid unbalancing elements such as trees or poles. Don’t place every subject in the centre of your frame: frequently it’s better to adhere to the photographer’s ‘rule of thirds’. |
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| Experiment and move with your camera when shooting. Look for shots with interesting angles and fresh perspective, rather than simply shooting from ‘front on’ all the time. | |
| Be aware of the importance of light and try to avoid poor lighting conditions for shooting. | |
| Try not to shoot too much from eye-level (called ‘comfortable operating height’ shots). Try a variety of angles. | |
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