Production: Shooting

Although the production of video comes second to planning and preparing for the production, you need to understand camcorder operations and shooting technique before you can successfully accomplish all pre-production steps.

In class, we will produce our videos primarily using a consumer Canon Vixia HD camcorder. You will be learning how to operate this camera through in class demonstrations and hands-on activities. In addition the CAMCORDER BASICS handout is available under unit files to refer back to in case you missed or simply forgot any operations.

YOUTUBE Video: Canon Vixia Quick Tutorial

When shooting a video, camera operations, composition and technique is a large responsibility as it guides and leads the audiences' focus on the subject and the story. Refer back to the class handouts for further & additional descriptions of the following areas: CAMERA TECHNIQUE, SHOT COMPOSITION, and SHOOTING TECHNIQUE.

Your shooting style would be a combination of your camera operations, shot composition and technique. It requires a good understanding of the story, purpose and audience which comes from successful planning and idea development during the pre-production process to choose the best shooting style for your particular video. It also helps to observe current camera work on television, online and in the movies to get a good sense of which styles to use with certain video genres. 

Here are some "cheap special effects" you can do with just your camcorder and maybe a few props.

For additional support on all the video jargon, check out the Film Glossary