Film & Video Production Process
Organization & Review
Organization: Being organized is essential to working with digital media, files and audio and video projects; keeping track of scripts, actors, lines, lights, cameras, props, sets...the list is endless. You'll need to keep track of your digital files in Google Drive! I find that the easiest way is to utilize a website to showcase your portfolio works. For this unit you'll stay organized with a website. Start building today.
APERTURE
ISO
SHUTTER SPEED
Pre-Production (Pitch, Script,Storyboard)
Pre-production is the planning stage of a media project before any filming begins. During this stage, you develop your idea, plan your shots, choose locations and people, and organize everything you need. It helps make sure the project runs smoothly and saves time during filming.
If you don’t plan well, you will spend more time editing or re-shooting, which wastes time, effort, and money. Poor planning can also lead to a lower-quality video.
Good planning helps you create a better video with things like special effects, smooth editing, and a clear, consistent story.
Pitch
A short explanation of your idea that tells people what it is, why it’s interesting, and how you plan to make it. It explains the content and identifies the target audience.
Script
A written document that outlines everything that happens in a video, film, or play, including dialogue, actions, and directions for shots or camera movements. Dialogue, narration, audio instructions and visual instruction.
Storyboard
A graphic organizer of main scenes (ie. to sell an idea, clarification for production team)
Production
Production is the stage where you set up your scene and record your footage. During this stage, you need to think about framing and composition, lighting (natural or artificial), and making sure your audio is clear. You should also use good camera techniques, like smooth movements and strong angles, and include a clear lead in and lead out for each shot.
Shot Types
The different ways a camera frames a subject to show information and create meaning. Choosing the right shot type helps tell the story and show emotion clearly.
Basic Shot Types
ES – Establishing Shot
LS – Long Shot
MS – Medium Shot
CU – Close-Up
XCU – Extreme Close-Up
2S – Two Shot
There are many different shot types, and not everyone uses the same names. You may also see shots like MCU (Medium Close-Up), MLS (Medium Long Shot), XLS (Extreme Long Shot), and C2S (Close Two Shot).
Camera Movements & Angles
The different ways a camera frames a subject to show information and create meaning. Choosing the right shot type helps tell the story and show emotion clearly.
Camera Angles (Basics)
Normal Angle
High Angle
Low Angle
Worm’s Eye View
Bird’s Eye View
Canted Angle
Camera Movements (Basics)
Zoom – changing the lens to get closer or farther
Dolly – moving the camera forward or backward
Pan – turning the camera left or right
Track – moving the camera side to side
Tilt – moving the camera up or down
Pedestal – raising or lowering the whole camera
Production Tips for Shooting
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Editing,
...continuity, jump, J, montage, ellypse
Projects
Getting Started
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Video Portraits
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Wedding Practice
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Parkour
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Your Plac
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5. Your Place
Project 1......
Mise en Scéne
Mise en scène is a French term meaning “placing on stage.” In film and video, it refers to everything you see in a shot—including setting, lighting, props, costumes, actor placement, and movement—that helps tell the story visually.
Jobs in Film & Video
Want to Edit?
Cinestudy has downloadable Hi-Res clips for you to work with. Check out their projects and outlines and get started. Don't forget to use the credits they provide before you publish your version - It's the least you can do for such great footage.
Watch - The Cutting Edge - All About Editing
Assignments
1a. The House
A first Editing Project. Using the available footage, edit a short "Thriller". Demonstate a basic proficiency with Audio (fading in & Out) Titles (Fade on / Off) and Basic cuts. Export your video as an MP4 (H.264 CODEC).
(Properly named ex: SummerfieldTheHouse.mp4)
1b. Josh is Late *FILM
For this project, you and a partner will storyboard,film, edit and export a short sequence (below). It is a simple story of a student who is late for class, and their adventures getting there. This project may not contain any dialogue, but sounds and music are permitted.
(Properly named ex: SummerfieldJoshIsLate.mp4)
2. Video Portrait Project
A stylistic way to show someone's personality is through capturing video portraits. Use proper medium to close-up shot camera framing, along with alternating left and right rule of thirds composition. In this project, you will learn about planning and utilizing a certain type of shot. You will be using the on-board camera of a mobile device.(Make sure to shoot with your device in the horizontal NOT vertical position!)
(Properly named ex: SummerfieldVideoPortrait.mp4)
3. Movie Trailer Remake
To recreate the style and pacing of a professional movie trailer using original footage. This project strengthens your ability to match editing rhythm, graphics, and audio to professional standards while encouraging creativity.
(Properly named ex: SummerfieldTrailerRemake.mp4)
4. Genre Blending
For this project, you and a partner will storyboard,film, edit and export a short sequence (below). It will be a simple event or action where the protagonist completes a simple task. This project may not contain any dialogue, but sounds and music are permitted.
(Properly named ex: SummerfieldGenreBlend.mp4)
Continuity- to Submit
Finished Script Storyboard (Scanned and Posted)
A Link to your Named Footage
Final Edit (Properly named ex: SummerfieldContinuity.mp4)
PSA's
This video project will be done individually or in small groups of 2. Additional tech and actors will be assigned as needed.
Important questions:
Why make a PSA? What is the purpose of your PSA?
Style. What style of PSA will you use to effectively get your message across. How will your Style work with / against your purpose?
What is the Demographic or Target audience of your Production? How will the Demographic affect the style and purpose?
(Properly named ex: SummerfieldPSA1.mp4)
BTV Bumper
Shoot and Edit a Short Bumper for the BTV Announcements. Keep your video short, straight and clear. Add a pre-Made Animation. Export your video as an MP4 (H.264 CODEC)
Properly named ex: SummerfieldBumper1.mp4)
The Exchange
To tell a short narrative story using clear visual language (shot types, sequencing, editing). This project introduces the full production cycle: Pre-Production → Production → Post-Production.
80s, 90s, 2000s MUSIC VIDEO!
Working in a group of three or four, select a song from the 80s, 90s, 2000s and TELL A STORY (Narrative). The song itself doesn’t have to tell a story, but you’ll need to create one that fits the music.