Introduction to the Camera

Editor's Notes

• #3: Materials Needed for Exercise Projector with Speakers One complete camera package for every three people. One complete camera package for demonstration 3.2a“Production Basics” Handout 3.2b Camera Exercise Handout Time: 1 hr 30 min
• #5: Stress the importance of using a tripod for stable shots while noting that it may make the camera person more conspicuous “ Hose-piping”: continually moving the camera up and down across a subject in an effort to capture it all. Shots should be held but not limited to 10-15 seconds so that each shot will be useful when edited In any filming situation you should always be aware of distracting noise. Whenever possible film in well lit areas making sure to keep the main light source behind the camera.
• #13: Explain the rule of thirds referencing the still above Rule of Thirds: You should put horizontal or vertical lines, such as the horizon or someone standing in your picture along imaginary lines that divide the frame into thirds. This is far more interesting for the eye. It’s better to have the horizon either two thirds from the top of the frame or two thirds from the bottom. And if you are filming someone standing in front of a wider scene it’s good to have them standing slightly to the left or to the right of the frame.
• #15: Explain Viewpoint referencing the above stills. Note the different perspectives of the protest examples. The camcorder’s viewpoint or angle will provide your audience with a unique perspective on what is taking place within a scene. -The camera’s viewpoint will dictate whom the audience will identify with. Collecting different viewpoints can make your scenes more visually compelling.
• #16: Referencing the video explain how capturing action through different angels or viewpoints can make a scene more dynamic.
• #17: Explain how different viewpoints can change the way an audience might perceive an interviewee - in interviews a higher angle will diminish your subjects a low angle will make your subject seem more powerful Reference the above stills to demonstrate how the camera’s viewpoint has created undesirable perspectives
• #18: Use the above still as an example of a properly framed interview. Keep the camera’s viewpoint at eye level. Preferably use a medium close-up shot to frame an interview Close-up shots can be used to show emotion (use sparingly) Its best not to change shot types while your interviewee is speaking - Remember to follow the rule of thirds keeping your subjects eyes a third of the way down from the top of the frame.
• #19: Explain talking space using the above slides of how and how not to frame an interview In an interview always allow enough talking space: If they are looking over to the left of the frame you should move them further to the right of your viewfinder and vice versa so that they have space to move their head while they are talking without disappearing out of the frame.
• #20: Explain headroom using the above slide -When framing an interview allow just a little space between the top of the head and the frame - Too much headroom will look strange.
• #21: Explain headroom using the above slides of how and how not to frame an interview - In a close-up it is better to lose more of the person’s headroom than it is to lose much of their chin from the frame.
• #22: Explain eye line using the above slide - in an interview its better not to have your subject looking directly at the camera. The eyes should be directed just outside of the frame looking at the person asking the questions. ***Keep in mind talking space
• #23: Ask participants to critique the above photos based on: TALKING SPACE HEADROOM EYE-LINE RULE OF THIRDS
• #24: instruct participants on how to set up a formal interview: Sit the interviewee on a stable chair so they will not move during the interview Allow enough space between the interviewee, the camera and the background Use a lavaliere microphone and tripod during interviews The camera person sits behind the camera monitoring the picture and sound The interviewer sits close to the tripod and maintaining eye contact with the interviewee The camera should be placed at eye level with the interviewee and interviewer Ask for volunteers to demonstrate how to set up an interview and guide them in a proper arrangement
• #25: Organize participants into groups of three and explain the alternating roles that each participant will take
• #26: Introduce the interview portion of the exercise and review the questions with participants
• #28: Introduce the action sequence portion of the exercise and review shot types with participants
• #30: Upon Completion of the exercise the facilitator will screen footage from the exercise providing feedback based on the topics discussed throughout the session. Solicit critiques from participants on the footage being screened.