What are the latest, best techniques for quick, effective video storytelling for the web? From the BBC five-shot method, to shooting sequences, to fast-production techniques and uploading, hear about the multimedia tools and tips used by journalists working as foreign correspondents and one-man bands in adverse reporting fields with little or no time or budget.
You’ll walk away from this workshop with work flows, checklists and tools so that anyone with an iPhone 4S, XDCAM or a RED camera can improve their video content.
Field tip: Cover yourself in a blanket to record your voice over tracks, it’s like a little studio @lamthuyvo #ona12video
— Steven Davy (@sdavy) September 21, 2012
Next level for video – Canon HF R100, R200, Sony, Panasonic, JVC w external mic and removable cards #ONA12 #ONA12video
— marianliu (@marianliu) September 21, 2012
Be aware with Digital SLRs that the video is beautiful, but the audio recording is much worse. Many people add other devices like a Zoom to record better audio.
Showing a video now of photographer Corky Lee in 5 shots (using the method we just learned).
If you don’t have a tripod, be sure to stand shoulder width apart and keep the camera close. to stabilize it.
Suggesting first to do the shooting and editing first (web video). And then once you get comfortable with that, then go into “nightly news” with voiceover.
Also, with light: Natural light is best, and always avoid direct sunlight and overhead light. It casts shadows over eye sockets.
Demonstrating how to interview by video with other ONAers & PB & J. Very cool. #ONA12 #ona12video twitter.com/KaitlinFlaniga…
— Kaitlin Flanigan (@KaitlinFlanigan) September 21, 2012
One note on video here: It’s OK to ask an interview subject to repeat an answer in a little cleaner way. Have the interview subject look at the reporter off camera at you and not into the camera. Also (and I note this from working with print reporters), stay quiet if you’re the interviewer between questions. Don’t say “umm” and “OK” or other noises of affirmation — that messes up your audio.
Some tweets from people in the sessions. They’re setting up an interview right now to demonstrate.
A key problem with reporters shooting video is that they have no strategy in the field #ona12video #ona12
— Rachel Wright (@rewrightme) September 21, 2012
A key problem with reporters shooting video is that they have no strategy in the field #ona12video #ona12
— Rachel Wright (@rewrightme) September 21, 2012
what u need for video: character, access, time #ona12video #ona12
— Chienyi Cheri Hung (@cyhung) September 21, 2012
As in any story, find a character to whom you will have close access, and make sure you have enough time #ona12video
— IRP (@IRPChirps) September 21, 2012
As in any story, find a character to whom you will have close access, and make sure you have enough time #ona12video
— IRP (@IRPChirps) September 21, 2012
Other things: Watch headroom — it’s OK to cut off the head, but not the chin. Observe the rule of the thirds to
Interview questions, of course, are different from video than for web. You have to build a story together gradually.
The first question you should ask: Who are you, what do you do?
Next: Tell me and describe what you do…
Next: How do you feel about it?
Next: How do you picture the next (pick a number) years? What do you hope to do in the coming years?
Before the interview:
- Make a shot list before you go
- Think of some processes/sequences
- Think of anything else you could get
During the interview:
- If you’ve pre-interviewed someone, then ask only the important questions (6-10 is usually good).
- Take notes during the interview
- Use notes as a scavenger hunt list
That five-shot sequence works because it establishes what is being don, who is doing it, where is it being done, how, and what else?
So why does the five-shot sequence work? They always cut together, there’ usuable B-roll all the time, there’s mystery (closeups draw viewers in), and it works for high and low end productions.
Why is it useful?
Compels journalists to get close; provides a known game plan and frees up time for story decision making.
Five shot method
- Always shoot in sequence
- Closeup of hands
- Closeup of face
- Wide shot
- Over the shoulder shot
- Unusual shot (side, low, high, angle)
“What’s the different between amateurs and professionals? Pros shoot sequences.
Some advice for shooting: Get close to subjects and use wide angle lenses.
Video is audio!
Always monitor with headphones. If you have bad audio, it doesn’t matter how good the video is. Be aware of steady noises like hammers, drills, crowds. There are also surprise noises to be aware of — like planes flying overhead.
For interviews, always use Lavalier microphones for sit-down interviews. Monitor your audio with headphones. And be aware of ambient sounds (Muzak, crowd noise).
The session has ended. These are additional video resources here from the presenters.
And some final tips from the tweeters. As is often said, the best camera to have is the one you have with you (even if that’s an iPhone).