FILMING ADVICE:
CLICK HERE TO SEE MOVIES FROM THE 2010 ASSET AWARDS
THE PASSWORD IS: asset10
What equipment can I use?
VIDEO
- Digital to Digital
This is the easiest and fastest method. It can save you several extra steps!
• iPhone 4s -- earlier models aren’t so great, but the 4s can record video well enough for a
short film. There is no “stabilization” feature as in some camcorders, so you’ll need to
borrow/invest in a tripod or flexible “gorilla” pod to keep down the shakes.
• The Flip and similar “pocket” video cameras -- Watch out for battery life! You will
have similar shaking issues, as with an iPhone. (Sandra Riggs will loan her personal HD
Flip to an ASSET group. You break it, and you have to buy her another one!)
• SLR cameras with video features -- Many higher-end digital SLR cameras take pretty
good video. Make sure that you have a large SD card or other storage media.
• Digital camcorders -- Make sure that you have the proper download cable.
Analog to Digital
• Traditional camcorders -- They will require the extra step of converting your video to
digital files, but you can do this in the Digital Media Lab, on the 3rd floor of the
Miller Learning Center. Be sure to bring any AV cables that came with your camera.
One of the student EITS consultants should be able to walk you through the process.
Essentially, you output the analog camera to a VCR, which will be hooked up to one of the
lab Macs with a digital output. This can be a long process since the video is usually
playing in real time, plus a lag as it converts. Make sure the EITS consultant confirms all
the cables are hooked up correctly before you start.
VIDEO SUPPORT
- Tripod or monopod, mini-tripod
- Carts, flat dollies, etc. make for very nice “floating” shots without “shake”
- Clip on lights from a hardware store can help brighten an office area for filming
AUDIO
- Most video cameras have a built-in microphone. These microphones are NOT directional. Noise
from the sides will record at the same levels as noise in front. The person doing the filming is
potentially the loudest noise, so make sure s/he stays as quiet as possible.
- Some camcorders will allow you to attach a directional mike to the camera, which will enhance
the built-in recording.
- If you have access to a digital audio recorder, use it as a back up. Most editing software will allow
you to silence the audio recorded with the video track, and use the track from your digital
recorder audio instead. The only tricky thing is syncing audio when you do this. How to do it?
You know the “clapboards” that you see used in movies? It really is a good idea to clap or
make a loud noise before a section of video/audio. When you bring the files into an editor
(see next section) you will see a spike where the clap happened. Line up the files so that
they match at that spike. Now you can mute the “bad” audio and use the “good” audio.
EDITING RESOURCES
- If a member of your team has experience with Final Cut Pro, it will give you high level of
functionality. If you want to do complex editing, such as use multiple video and audio tracks, it
will be easier to work with Final Cut Pro, assuming you have experience with the software.
However, it has a very steep learning curve that may make it too difficult for a first-time user.
- If your team is new to the editing process, iMovie will be your best bet. It has excellent features,
and it is easy to get started. If you just have one or two video tracks and a sound track, iMovie can
handle it. If you need assistance with editing in iMovie, you can contact Sandra Riggs.
- If you use Final Cut Pro, here is a list of helpful keyboard short cuts. If you need assistance, you
can come to the MLC Digital Media lab. While all staff can help with downloading, not everyone
knows Final Cut. You may need to ask around and make an appointment with a particular staff
person.
General Tips
- Practice using the equipment before you shoot
- What looks fine and focused in the eyepiece/LCD screen may not be in the actual video.
Download your practice video and see what the quality is like. Make adjustments before your
final filming.
- Get extra helpers
- It takes a lot of video to make a 3-5 minute film, so film early and often.
- The sooner you can finish shooting, the sooner you can start editing. Allow more time than you
think that you will need for editing.