Shooting Video 8 week beginner production course

Course review:

This introduction to video-making covers the whole process of video production from the initial idea through to a final programme. The course is designed for those wishing to make that first step into video production. Students will work in two groups of four producing two short videos using professional digital video cameras and editing digitally with Adobe Premiere software.

Pre-Production

WEEK 1: Tuesday 17th May, 7.00 pm – 10 pm.

Screening of previous course work and related films and videos, with analysis and discussion from the group. Introduction to shot types and how they are used in film. Introduction to video production and first look at the video cameras. Students practice setting up and de-rigging cameras kit.

Homework – think of an idea for a short film to be made on the course

WEEK 2: Tuesday 24th May, 7.00 pm – 10 pm.

Camera shot types, camera movements and compositional rules.
Students film a storyboard and rotate roles in the production process. Introduction to storyboarding. Discuss, develop and choose ideas for their shoot.

Homework – Production Meeting 1

WEEK 3: Tuesday 31st May , 7.00 pm – 10 pm.

Edit demonstration of previous weeks practice shoot. The use of lighting to enhance video: lighting to create mood and atmosphere. Discussion of white Balance and colour temperature and its effect on video.The use of sound: looking at film clips and the various ways sound can enhance a video. Sound recording and microphone operation, how different microphones are used in different situations. Further development of production ideas.

Homework – Production Meeting 2

WEEK 4: Tuesday 7th June, 7.00 pm – 10 pm.

With full lighting kit complete a practice shoot based on a short script, to prepare people for weekend shoot. Finalize preparation for shoot.
Students will need to meet with their production groups, outside of class time, in preparation for the shoot.

Production

WEEK 5: Shoot weekend: Saturday 11th or Sunday 12th June, usual starting time 10 am, depending on production.

During this week, both groups will go out on location to shoot their productions; this takes place at the weekend.
Each group has around 6 hours in which to shoot the video and in this time every member of the group rotates production roles, taking it in turns to direct, operate the camera, the lights and sound record, etc.

Post-Production

WEEK 6: Tuesday 14th June, 7.00 pm – 10 pm.

Edit suite introduction and Viewing of rushes, logging.

WEEK 7: Tuesday 21st June, 7.00 pm – 10 pm.

Creating edit decision list, Digitising picture and sound rushes, setting up your project and beginning the edit.

WEEK 8: Consists of usual evening class on Tuesday plus editing day on Sunday.

Tuesday 28th June, 7.00 pm – 10 pm. Continuing edit. Completion of rough cut of rushes, Fine cut editing and sound track make up, adding graphics for titling.

Sunday 3rd July, 11am – 6:00 pm. Completion of finished video. Screening of finished video and critique. If time permits further discussion on progression on to other courses, possible career paths, how get more experience, and how to make and show your own short films.