Introduction to Video Communications The Production Process

1. Introduction toVideo CommunicationsThe Production Process TGJ2O – Grade 10 Comm-Tech Bluevale Technology

2. Intro to Video Communications • During the next few weeks, you will experience a variety of lessons and activities to help you better understand the process involved in producing high-quality video projects. • During this unit, you will develop a strong understanding of: • Parts of a video camera and how to handle video equipment • Shot types and shot composition • The video production process • Digital video production & editing

3. The Production Process • The production process is a term that describes the different steps involved in producing a final video or multimedia project. • There are 3 major steps in the production process: • Pre-Production • Production • Post-Production • Each step is crucial to the step it precedes. • If any step is done poorly, the overall project will suffer, so address each stage with care.

4. Pre-Production • This is the planning and development stage of video production. • The first step is generating an idea for the project. • The idea should be effective enough for you to want to move ahead to the next steps – developing a budget, script and storyboard. • Your budget will depend on the nature of the final product, so plan carefully.

5. Pre-Production (contd.) • After budget approval, your idea needs to be translated into a detailed script and storyboard. • A script provides dialogue, scene descriptions, etc. for the project. • A storyboard is a carefully drawn visual representation of production. It represents the various camera shots to be used in the project. • Storyboards provide important information about shot composition, camera/talent movement, audio, setting, etc.

6. Pre-Production - Storyboards

7. Pre-Production - Storyboards

8. Pre-Production - Screenplay

9. Pre-Production – Scouting Locations • All locations to be used during the production stage of the project need to be scouted before actual filming can begin. • Locations are very important to the overall feel of the production, so great care should be taken to select appropriate filming sites.

10. Production • The second stage of the process is Production. • This stage involves the actual filming or collecting of raw footage for the project. • This step usually involves many more people than other stages (on-screen talent, crew, etc.). • There are a few important hints you should try to follow during production to make your job a bit easier…

11. Production - Hints • Rehearse • Before you shoot any footage, have talent run through the scene a few times. This saves on wasted tape and gives camera people time to set up. • Set Up Your Shots • Be careful to pay attention to environment when filming. Watch for distracting backgrounds, etc. • Make sure camera is properly set for lighting conditions. • Film extra shots of scene details for editing (including cutaways) and reshoot from different angles.

12. Production – Hints (contd) • Take Extra of Everything • Take time to pack everything with you that you might need during filming so you don’t get stuck without required equipment, props, etc. • Schedule, Schedule, Schedule • A well-planned production always has a well-planned schedule. • Make sure everyone involved knows what is being done each day so people come to class prepared for work. • Leave plenty of time for post-production as this often takes the longest

13. Post-Production • This is the final stage of the process and is usually the longest step. • There are three main aspects to this step: • Video & Audio Editing • Soundtrack Composition (sound effects & music) • Marketing & Advertising (for commercial productions)

14. Video & Audio Editing • Editing can be a tedious and drawn-out process if not carefully planned out. • You should use an Edit Decision List to help with the process of selecting and organizing shots filmed during Production.

16. Video Editing • Video editing can be just as creative a step as filming. • There are many styles of editing that can be employed to make a video more interesting. • It is up to you and your group to decide which style works best based on the mood of the project and the intended audience. • Are cuts going to be fast-paced to give the video action, or slow-paced to give a tranquil, relaxed feeling? • We’ll cover Editing Style in more depth during a later class!

17. Video Editing Methods • Two methods currently available… • Linear Editing • Older format involving editing from one tape to another by sequencing shots one after the other. • Non-Linear Editing • Editing in a random fashion – not in a line • Computer-based editing • Clips can be easily moved, trimmed and rearranged using editing software • Much quicker and less expensive than linear editing

18. Audio Editing • This is just as important as video editing. • Appropriate audio needs to be heard at appropriate levels during the project. • Most dominant audio is usually the talent speaking. Music and sound effects should not interfere with dialogue. • When using a computer to edit, there are many audio tracks available for mixing and editing (up to 99 in Adobe Premiere).

19. Audio Editing (contd) Key Points to Remember… • Do not cut off dialogue in mid-word. • Do not cut music off. Use fades in and out as needed when adding music. • Sudden audio cuts sound very unprofessional and can ruin even the best footage. • Always maintain good, consistent audio levels and clean sound throughout the project.

20. Soundtrack Composition • The soundtrack of a video is just as important as the visuals. A good soundtrack has many different parts to it, including music and sound effects. • Music and sound effects are added AFTER the video footage has been edited together. • Choose music/soundtrack very carefully as this can dramatically alter the mood of your final production.

21. Final Thoughts • Once you’ve completed the entire production process, you should have a final product that you’re proud to share. • In some cases, you may need to go back and reshoot or re-edit portions of your project if things didn’t turn out quite as planned. • Always consider showing your project to others to get useful feedback during production.