Video Case Study

Video Production & Editing

Recording Equipment

·      Camcorders (professional)

  Professional camcorders are typically used within broadcast productions both within the studios and in other exterior locations. Now some of the newer models of camcorders are able to record in 4K which makes the image much clearer and crisp.

http://cvp.com/index.php?t=product/canon_xf300 

https://www.dpreview.com/what-is-4k/ 

·      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.

http://cvp.com/index.php?t=product/nikon_vba370ae_d5300_black_body-only

http://www.europe-nikon.com/en_GB/product/digital-cameras/slr/consumer/d5300 

·      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. 

http://cvp.com/index.php?t=product/manfrotto_504hd546bk

·      Stabilisers

  

     Stabilisers is a professional piece of equipment which like a tripod allows the user to get a smooth shot but unlike the tripod it allows the user to freely move the camera from from one place to another whilst still being able to record their footage. 

http://cvp.com/index.php?t=product/ikan_ec1-beholder-gimbal

·      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. 

http://cvp.com/index.php?t=product/bowens_bw4805tx

·      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.   

http://cvp.com/index.php?t=product/bowens_bw3245

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/

When filming on location you would have to first consider what the weather is going to be like for knowing what equipment to use. If the if the weather is sunny and clear, or partially cloudy you are probably more likely to use light reflectors to naturally bounce the sun's beams. Typically when filming on location there tends to be only one camcorder used (with smaller productions).

Video Editing Software

Linear Vs. Non-Linear

Non-linear digital editing allows the editor instant access to whatever clip they want, whenever they want it. Meaning that you don't have to start from the beginning of the project to the end, you are able to work on any segment at any time. The differences from linear and non-linear editing is that with the latter you are able to move around different segments within the editing software. As well you can also see you work in progress at any time during the edit.

https://www.motionelements.com/blog/articles/understanding-linear-vs-non-linear-editing 

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. 

http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/premiere.html?promoid=KJDLX 

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

http://www.apple.com/uk/final-cut-pro/

https://www.lightsfilmschool.com/blog/whats-the-best-nle-software-for-professional-movie-editing-2/3966

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

Here is an example from when I filmed a short sequence during which on one of my shots I didn't do enough takes and the footage which I had for that shot wasn't great and had to be edited to try and improve it (2:50 - 2:30)

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 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/safety/resources/aztopics/events-recce-checklist-indoor.html 

Recording cut-away shots in an exterior location

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.