Workshops
Camera Workshops
Camera Workshop 1: Tascam and Clip Mic recording
For this workshop we took a deeper look into sound recording and how to use different types of sound recording devices. We used the Tascam recorder to show how it can be used for sit down interviews using the boom pole, table stand or mic holder which had an arm which meant the mic could be set up behind the camera then held over the top of the camera so it is out of shot. With this we discussed the importance of wrapping the wire around the pole/arm to reduce the number of trailing cables and so the mic is easier to use and hold with little interference. After we took a look at the clip mic and how we would use these for interviews where the subjects is moving around and not in a fixed position. We can also use these mics for sit down interviews, so the interviewee is not overwhelmed and feels more natural. After this, we got into groups and practiced interviewing one another. This involved creating a series of questions and asking them in an interview style, then moving the position of the camera and having the same conversation again. This was valuable as interviews are a big part of our interviews. Unfortunately, the video clips from this interview were lost but the audio recording are still available and have been edited together.
https://youtu.be/7uCL6l7Epp8
Camera Workshop 2: Interview Lighting
We looked at the type of lighting we should use and how these lights should be set out to make the subject and image flattering. For example, we would use a three-point lighting set up with a key, side and back light. We learnt that often subjects have a light behind them which shines downwards to light them that way. We also looked at the positioning of the camera and how far away from the subject we should be in order to create a nice shallow focus. To achieve this the camera should be twice the distance away from the subject that the subject is towards the back wall. This makes the image nice with a shallow focus while also compressing the background. Our workshop was cut short by an opportunity that arose for our documentary, so we have limited footage. However, we implemented the skills learnt and know how to use them within our project. I think the lighting in the clip is harsh and if I were to do it again I would diffuse the light more to reduce some of the harsh shadows.
https://youtu.be/gyqF1PhMgTA
Location Shoot 1: Brewery
As part of our documentary preparation, we had a location trip to the Shepard’s Neame brewery in Faversham. As part of this, we went behind the scenes to film the brewing process and “The Team Behind the Beer” who are often overlooked. The experience was really good as we got first-hand experience filming actuality, on many occasions we only had one opportunity to get the shot we needed. We also had time restraints, for example, we only had 10 minutes to film the kegs being finished and packaged into vans for distribution. I also had the opportunity to interview one of the brewing managers, this was a valuable opportunity as I got experience of the interviewing process using a real contributor. I was also responsible for the edit. I used the tour guide to help me ensure I got the correct order of the brewing process. In total we filmed over 250 videos which I sorted into bins for each stage and filtered through until I had the best clips to use. I began by creating a montage from the beginning to end of the process. After I had done this and was happy with the result I added in the interview with the brewing manager, much of the edit became a voice over but there is a nice interview where he shows and explains the quality control process. I made sure to control the sound levels, so they stayed between -6db and -12bd. I had to make sure the ambient sound e.g., of the bottling and kegs was quiet enough to hear the interview as they are very loud processes.
https://youtu.be/KVLPvrLcY50
Editing Workshop 1: After Effects
In this workshop we used Adobe After Effects and learnt several skills regarding graphics which will make our work more professional. For example, we learnt how to make text follow a path e.g., a circle or line. This made the text spin around or slide onto and/or off the screen. We also learnt how to create titles for people using the title safe and lower third rules. This included making rectangles if the lower third was too ‘busy’ so the text can become clearer. We also discussed the importance of our font choices and how certain fonts are clearer and visually appealing compared to others. I was able to use these skills at home in order to make graphics for the Shepard’s Neame documentary, this made the doc look more professional which I felt was important as they are clients and would like the video for promotion/website. We also learnt how to properly export the graphics for our own projects and software.
https://youtu.be/oVeMCZP7Ams
Editing Workshop 2: Sync Assembly
For this workshop we looked at some pre-existing documentary videos and the script created from the transcript and used both to create a rough edit. This was important to help us move into the post-production phase of our projects and understand how useful a transcript can be in making the edit quickly. We also learnt the importance of transcription and how the transcript can be used to create an ‘edit script’. We looked at how to create in-points and out-points then using the comma key to quickly insert the selected parts into the timeline. This made the editing process very quick and time efficient. We also used colour mattes to places ‘breaks’ in the sequence which would need replacing with b-roll. We also added in where the commentary would go which would help later in the edit. Using this sync process will enable us to make a very quick start on our own edits by getting together the main parts of interviews onto the timeline in out intended order. Then we can begin to add in b-roll and music/ambient sound where necessary after creating the backbone of our piece.
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