Recording – the moment of truth

Now it’s time to get your video idea recorded. Depending on how complex your manuscript is, this could be a one-take video or several scenes at different locations. This segment starts with a practical overview and checklist for the recording itself. In the next chapter, we look closer at aesthetics of filming and in the last chapter, we look at the equipment and the technical things.

At the end of the production phase you should have recorded all the video – and evt. audio clips, you need for post-production.

Overview

Recording

You should know what do film from the planning in your the pre-production. These are the steps when you film a scene:

Before you start filming – Have your equipment ready

Here is the checklist:

• Technical
  • Are all devices charged incl. spare batteries and/or powerbanks?
  • Is there enough space to record the length of video on the device and/or memory card?
• Organizational
  • Are all participants informed when and where to meet?
  • Is there access to the location?
  • Evt. Check weather forecast?

Recording – checklist

• If you record audio/speak:
  Connect your microphone to your mobile and place the microphone as close to your speaking subject as possible. If you have the possibility to listen while recording to this. This might help to avoid audio problems, f.e. the microphone touching a shirt or hair or clipping. Sound is more important than picture!
• Check the framing:
  The most important things be central in the picture. The rule of third can be a helping guidance for framing. The other is the different shots. Use the different lenses in your mobile phone if possible, and move closer or further from the object for the right framing. Think also in terms of subject – background – foreground.
• Movement:
  To create a more dynamic video, use movement. There are two kinds of movement which can be combined

   

  • Movement within the frame f.e. the subject is moving or something is passing through the pictures
  • Camera movement: The camera can be moved. This could be possible from a tripod with a fixed center for panning and tilting or free movement where image stabilization is recommended
• Focus:
  check the subject is in focus
• Start and stop:
  3 seconds and fixed framing. To get good results for editing, you should start your recording and wait 3 seconds before the action starts. Also, when you  are finished, you should wait 3 second before you stop. When you have a person talking or interacting with the camera also ask them to look (and smile) a little bit longer to the camera.
• Start with the important
  Start with the important stuff first. Normally, this would be the speaker and film b-roll afterwards, so – in case something happens to the recording – you got the most important things.
• Repeat
  for next scene

Congratulations, you are ready for editing. In the next chapter, we go deeper into different techniques of improving your video, followed by knowledge and thoughts on the equipment.

Framing

In videography, framing refers to the way in which a videographer composes the visual elements within the frame of the camera. This can include the placement of objects and people within the scene, as well as the use of techniques such as camera angles and lens choice to create a sense of depth and perspective. Like in photography, framing in videography can be used to draw the viewer’s attention to a particular part of the scene, or to create a sense of balance and composition within the frame. The frame of the video can also be used to exclude certain elements that the videographer does not want to include in the final footage. For example, a videographer might use framing to exclude distractions in the background of the scene, or to create a sense of intimacy by using a close-up shot. In short, framing in videography is all about using the frame of the camera to guide the viewer’s eye and create a compelling and well-composed video.

There are three main tools you can use to create good framing

Rule of Third

The rule of thirds is a basic principle of photography and videography that suggests that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. According to the rule of thirds, the most interesting or important elements of the image should be placed along these lines or at the intersections of them. This placement creates more tension, energy and interest in the composition than if the elements were centered in the frame. The idea behind the rule of thirds is that by placing the subject of the photograph or video off-center, the composition will be more balanced and will feel more natural to the viewer

Usually, you would try to place the eyes of your subject in the intersection.

Camera angles

Camera angles refer to the position and orientation of the camera relative to the subject of the photograph or video. Different camera angles can create different effects and moods, and can be used by photographers and videographers to add visual interest and variety to their compositions. Some common camera angles include high angle, which is shot from above the subject and can make the subject appear small or vulnerable; low angle, which is shot from below the subject and can make the subject appear powerful or dominant; and eye-level, which is shot from the same height as the subject and can create a sense of intimacy or connection with the viewer.

• Bird’s-eye view
  A Bird’s-eye view shows a scene, from overhead. Overhead of your character or even to show the setting but the shot doesn’t show anything as clearly as you may think it is. This camera shot makes the audience feel like ‘God’ as God watches over everything that happens over our heads. People would look as tiny as ants and that also makes the audience feel tall and proud.

• High Angle
  This angle is similar to the Bird’s-eye view but not as high up. The camera is slanted in the action, hovering over the sides of the heads. This makes whatever you are trying to focus on smaller and insignificant. This action becomes part of a wider scale.

• Eye Level
  The eye-level shot is placed in level with a character’s face as if the audience is watching in level with the focus.

• Low Angle
  Low angles are mainly used to give an effect of how small you are to the world. Low angles shots give a sense of powerlessness and makes you feel useful in the scene.
• Oblique/Canted Angle
  An Oblique/Canted Angle can be sometimes tilted which is used in many popular horror movies to indicate to the audience that the scene is unstable, or ‘something is going to go wrong’. This shot suggests the ‘point of view’ of a character <- (even hand-held camera’s could be used for this).

Camera shots

The focal length of a lens determines its field of view, or how much of a scene will be included in the photograph or video. A lens with a longer focal length will have a narrower field of view and will be able to zoom in on a distant subject, while a lens with a shorter focal length will have a wider field of view and will be able to capture more of the scene. The focal length of a lens also affects its perspective, with longer focal lengths compressing the perspective and making objects in the scene appear closer together, while shorter focal lengths can exaggerate the perspective and make objects appear farther apart. The focal length of a lens can also affect the amount of background blur, with longer focal lengths creating more background blur.

3 Level – Depths

In video, the term foreground refers to the objects or elements in a scene that are closest to the camera and are therefore in focus. The background, on the other hand, refers to the objects or elements that are farther away from the camera and are therefore out of focus. The foreground and background are important in video because they help to create a sense of depth and can be used to draw the viewer’s attention to certain elements in the scene.

Horizontal vs. Vertical

Movement

Movement is a key element in video, and it can be used in a variety of ways. Movement can be used to create a sense of action and excitement, to draw the viewer’s attention to a particular object or element in the scene, or to help convey a sense of time passing. Movement can also be used to create a sense of tension or suspense, or to help establish the mood or tone of a scene. In general, movement is an important tool for any video creator because it can help to engage the viewer and make the content more interesting and dynamic.

There are two kinds of movements – before the camera (subject) and with the camera. If you have a static camera postion let your subject move within the frame. It’s also possible to enter and leave the frame.

More interesting in a modern way of creating video is movement of camera. With build image stabilization in cameras and mobiles we can use a lot of movement without too much shaking.

Classic camera movements are from a tripod and includes:

• Pans (left|right)
  This movement scans a scene horizontally. The camera is turned to the side to often show a moving object in the middle of the frame.
• Tilts (up|down)
  This can be similar to a ‘Pan’ shot, although it scans the scene vertically

Modern shots take advantage of moving the camera itself

• Dolly (left|right/in|out)
  This shot creates a parallax effect is visually very exciting as it’s also easy to do. Follow your subject or scan a scenario. Remember to use 3 layers (foreground|subject|background)

When you record in 4k and edit in FullHD it is also possible to create movement in Post-Production. You should film wide enough to be able to create movement

Handheld camera is also a style which can be used successfully to create more authentic videos.

While these “rules” are  a widely-used guidelines in videography, it is not a hard-and-fast rule, and the more  experienced you get, you may choose to break it in order to create more dynamic compositions.

Perform in front of the camera

– regardless of whether you do it yourself or when you produce a video, it is important to feel comfortable in front of your partner, because it plays itself out in the video. If the protagonist is nervous, uncertain, etc., you will be locked in and you will see it immediately on video.

It is usually people who really want to say something specific, and the danger here is that you will be blocked from expressing yourself. It can easily come across as too rehearsed or fake, as if reading from a script. It helps if you have some cards with keywords ready and you possibly use a teleprompter if you want to have precise control over time and content, but you also have to practice there.

Clothing

Relaxing – what ever makes you feel good

No logos, graphics things which distract (yellow pen)

Solid colors no small pattern

Contrast in terms of background

Powder (matte)

Hair?

How to speak:

Speak slowly

Eye contact

Body language

Imagine the audience behind the camera and talk to them

Smile

Remember breathing

Be yourself PLUS: More pressure in your voice, more expression

“Better done than perfect”

Practice throwing your perfectionist voice far away!

You are the harshest critic yourself – it’s actually not that bad at all

It’s a relief to be able to laugh a little at it all

Practice makes perfect

The more times you do it, the “easier” it becomes for you to stand up

Get used to the camera – try a few times “just for fun” talking to the camera to slowly get used to it

Get used to the camera…

make them safe

bring them down to earth

Go for it, make mistakes, and try again

Equipment

Equipment is used in video production to capture and record audio and video, and to create the final product. This can include cameras, microphones, lighting equipment, and other tools. Using the right equipment is essential for producing high-quality video, as it allows the production team to capture clear and detailed audio and video, and to create the desired visual and audio effects. Additionally, using the right equipment can make the production process more efficient and effective, allowing the team to complete the project on time and on budget.

What do you need? – Overview

• Microphone
• Tripod/stabilization
• Light
• Cameraman/woman
• Interviewer
• Director/Producer
• Camera

• Technical
  • Chip size
  • Codec used to record (SD card)
  • Lens – Aperture, Wide, Normal, Tele
• Visual Effects
  • Image impression
  • Image quality in the technical sense
  • Focus

Camera

There are several things to consider when choosing and using a video camera. One important factor is the quality of the video. Look for a camera with a high-resolution sensor and good quality lenses, as these will produce sharper, more detailed video. Additionally, consider the range of features and controls that the camera offers, as these will allow you to adjust the settings and capture the desired video.

Another important factor is the size and weight of the camera. If you will be using the camera for extended periods of time or in challenging environments, look for a camera that is compact and lightweight, as this will be easier to carry and use.

Additionally, consider the type of memory card that the camera uses, as this will determine how much video you can store on the camera. Look for a camera that uses a high-capacity memory card, or one that allows you to easily expand the storage capacity with additional cards.

Finally, consider the accessories that come with the camera, such as lenses, tripods, and other items. These can be essential for capturing the best possible video, so be sure to choose a camera that comes with the accessories you need, or that is compatible with the accessories you already have.

The difference between a mobile phone and a (video) camera)

A mobile phone and a video camera are both devices that are used to capture video, but there are some key differences between them. One of the main differences is the size and portability of the two devices. A mobile phone is typically much smaller and more portable than a video camera, which makes it more convenient to carry around and use on the go. Another key difference is the quality of the video that the two devices are able to capture. A video camera is generally able to capture higher-quality video than a mobile phone, with better resolution, color accuracy, and detail. Additionally, video cameras often have a wider range of features and settings that allow for more control over the video capture process, such as manual focus, white balance, and exposure settings.

• Technical
  • Chip size
  • Codec used to record (SD card)
  • Lens – Aperture, Wide, Normal, Tele
• Visual Effects
  • Image impression
  • Image quality in the technical sense
  • Focus

What can be done to improve mobile phones?

There are a few things that can be done to improve video recording on mobile phones. One way to improve the quality of the video is to make sure the phone is being held steady while recording. This can be achieved by using a tripod or other stabilizing device, or by simply using two hands to hold the phone steady. Another way to improve video quality is to adjust the camera settings on the phone, such as the resolution, frame rate, and exposure settings. Some phones also have built-in image stabilization or other features that can help to improve the quality of the video. Additionally, using a good lighting setup can help to improve the overall appearance of the video.

•  Equipment
• Light
• Sound
• Stabilization
• Additional apps, but not at the beginning
• Open camera
• anual controlManual control
• Shutter is fixed (normal 50)
• Aperture open
• Focus manually
• Manual white balance
• Mobile phones have good automatic

Audio

When choosing a microphone for video, there are several factors to consider. One important factor is the type of microphone. There are several different types of microphones, including lavalier microphones, shotgun microphones, and cardioid microphones, each of which has its own strengths and limitations. Lavalier microphones are small and discreet, making them ideal for capturing dialogue in close proximity to the subject. Shotgun microphones are longer and more directional, making them good for capturing sound from a specific direction. Cardioid microphones are highly directional and are good for capturing sound from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear.

Additionally, consider the connectivity of the microphone. Some microphones connect to the camera or recording device via a wired connection, while others use a wireless connection. Wireless microphones are more convenient to use, but they may have limitations in terms of range and interference from other wireless devices.

Your most use case for recording will be recording voices. There are two kinds of microphones you

• Lavalier/Clip on mics can be added quite close the mouth when they are “clipped” to a shirt. Combined with a wireless transition you will gather good sound

• Handheld (directional microphone or cardioid) can be used in the hand or mounted on a camera. This microphones are normally used by reporters and while they have there advantages I recommed to use a lavalier microphone.

Light

• The more light the better
• Color temperature (white balance/mixed light)
• Use available light
• Hands on exercise in the room

Videofile

• Fixed formats Min. 1920×1080
• Ccomputer & camera allow: 3840×2160
• Ccodec & bit depth: it doesn’t matter as long as your system can edit it

My recommendations

• Camera:
  • Mobile phone is good enough, a camera between 500 and 3000 euros does not improve necessarily your videos
  •  The best camera is the one which is available and when you are new to video simple
  • Automatic modes work great today – start with them and use manual later when you are more experienced.
• Microphone
  • Wireless clip-on mic eg Røde Wireless Go II fra 1.700,-
  • Directional microphone eg Røde VideoMic GO II or NTG or Deity V-Mic 3 from 750,-
• Tripod and/or better gimbal
  • Fastest way to a professional look & show
  • effect ZB Zihyun Q3 – € 129
  • Tripod for interviews Velbon 630 – € 75