TodayΓÇÖs Pentium-based PCs deliver the performance needed for quality video playback, so digital video is more popular than ever for multimedia productions. Video can be dubbed from existing footage or transferred from film, but will usually be nabbed directly from the camcorder. Shooting quality video can be tricky at first, and even the simplest ΓÇ£talking headΓÇ¥ can be embarrassing if shot badly. Hiring a pro might be an option for some, but if you must be your own cinematographer, observe these basics:
ΓÇó Always use the highest quality camera and tape format you can afford. The Hi-8 format delivers professional quality at affordable prices. Once shot, the raw video will go through a series of technical compromises; and the better the initial quality, the better the final product.
ΓÇó Shoot in bright, but not harsh, natural light whenever possible. Open shade is a good choice, but watch out for the blue cast that accompanies it. If youΓÇÖre working indoors, a large window offcamera can create good softbox-style lighting effects, or you can rent a basic, three-light professional system. With a talking head, this is set up as a strong floodlight on the front of the subject (the key light), a softer, diffused light (the fill light) to one side, and a backlight above and behind the subject, highlighting the hair to break the subject off the background.
ΓÇó Keep backgrounds simple. Clean backgrounds are devoid of distracting clutter. Consider going monochromatic behind the subject, but avoid flat surfaces such as walls that give no perception of depth. Keeping the background out of focus is another good technique for keeping the subject the center of attention.
ΓÇó Avoid gimmicky tilts, pans, or zooms. They never look as fun in playback as they were to shoot.
ΓÇó Keep your subject framed as tightly as possible without making the screen look cramped or cutting off important information or appendages.
ΓÇó Beware of sudden swift motions that might fall out during playback. Playing video still challenges many of the lesser PCs that might run your project.
A simple primer about traditional film editing can help your video shooting tremendously. Experiment with all these elements, and shoot as much footage as you can. You donΓÇÖt want to come up short in the middle of your editing session when the talent has gone home and youΓÇÖve returned the lights to the video store. Tape is cheap.
