Video Production &
Editing
Recording Equipment
·
Camcorders (professional)
·
DSLR Cameras
DSLR cameras are commonly used in semi-professional video productions as these cameras are typically cheaper than the professional camcorders. Although these cameras are more commonly used within photography the vast majority of DSLR cameras can record to a good enough standard with the majority now having HD video recording.
·
Tripods
Tripods is a professional and semi-professional piece of equipment which allows the user to get a steady shot as well as being able to smoothly pan and tilt the camera.
·
Stabilisers
·
Light Boxes
Light boxes can be both professional and semi-professional pieces of equipment which is mainly used in studio based locations to help light the set or scene of a production.
·
Light reflectors
Light reflectors like the light boxes can be both professional and semi-professional pieces of equipment. Light reflectors are used in exterior location environments to help bounce the natural sun rays towards the subject being filmed to help naturally light the setting.
Environment
·
Studio environments
 |
| http://modernworldstudio.com/ |
Within a studio environment you would typically have about 1-2 professional camcorders around the subject being filmed to allow the editor to choose which shots they like the most in post-production. In the studio, you would typically have professional lighting built above the set to help light it which also gives the freedom to easily change what lights to use and the brightness of those used.
· Uncontrolled location environment
 |
| https://www.filmindependent.org/blog/shooting-on-location-how-to-save-yourself-money-and-headaches/ |
Video Editing Software
Premiere Pro CC
Adobe Premiere Pro is the leading editing software within the industry which is used by a wide array of different people. For many this editing software easy to use and for people who are just starting to edit this is an ideal software to use.
Final Cut Pro
Final Cut pro is an editing software which was developed by Apple as the next step up from their simpler editing software iMovie while not being much more complexed. The editing software is set out to revolutionise the entirety of the editing process
Shooting with the editors job in mind
When shooting a scene for any type of production it is always essential to have the editor's job in mind as they have to assemble all the shots into the finished product. To make it easier for the editor it would be a good idea to take several different types of shots of the same thing just in case the shot which you were initially going to use for some reason doesn't work or another shot looks better. Another thing to consider is retaking the shot more than once (but preferably have 3 takes of each shot) as this gives the editor the option to pick the best possible shot as this can prevent mistakes which may not have been noticed whilst filming. For example if you were filming a historical drama and a plane or TV aerial was in shot, the editor could choose from one of the other takes.
 |
| http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1323386/Television-1912-Eagle-eyed-viewers-spot-errors-period-drama-Downton-Abbey.html |
Case Studies
Recording a drama scene in a studio
When recording a drama scene in a studio you will have between 2-3 camcorders (a multi-camera set up) set up in different positions to help capture different shots. You would also have all the cameras either on a dolly or a track as the cameras are more than likely going to be moving while filming the drama scene.
Recording a music event in an interior location
When recording a music event in an interior location you should consider were it is being held (e.g. at a stadium, in a hall, etc.) this can hugely differ what equipment you are taking. If you are at a location which is going to be very open you would more than likely carry a DLSR camera and either carry a tripod with you or wear a shoulder rig to help keep your camera steady whilst if you are in a more compressed space it might be easier to carry a DLSR camera and a monopod as although this isn't as effective as a tripod it is significantly better than not using anything. Music events also tend to have a lot of pyrotechnics meaning you would have to consider your exposure and aperture as lighting in particular can effect your shot which could make your shot over or under exposed.
(2:12 - 3:22)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2lpUAflcDk
When recording in an exterior location it is a good idea to the night before to check what the weather is going to be like as this will give you an idea of what may also be needed (rain covers for cameras etc.). When recording in an exterior location you can use either a camcorder or a DLSR (depending on if you are professional or semi-professional). It would also be a good idea to have a tripod or dolly (depending if the camera is going to be moving or not) to have the camera on as this will help keep the shot steady. There is mainly 2 ways which you can light an exterior location which is either by using light reflector discs which are commonly used for more natural lighting on brighter days or by using light boxes.
