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Emilie Johnson and Paul Daugherty

If you’ve done your pre-production thoroughly, then you should feel confident moving on to this next step — gathering the raw materials that you will use to build your visual story. These raw materials are your camera shots, including b-roll and interviews. The production stage is where you will finally collect the images and sound that will communicate directly to your audience. We’ll show you how to enhance your visual story by raising the quality of your shots: getting proper exposure, using the rule of thirds; and shooting sequences that promote continuity. We’ll also cover the importance of sound in your production, from recording natural sounds to interviews. Would you like to add mood and atmosphere to your interviews? We’ll teach you how to light an interview to help your subject look their best. Think of your footage as visual evidence that shows, not just tells your story.

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Syllabus

Setting Up
In this module, you will learn about the basic functions that are found in most prosumer camcorders, and how you can get the best shots possible. First we’re going to explain what the basic camcorder can do for you. We will show you how to operate the camcorder in automatic and manual modes. We’ll demonstrate the features found in most tripods; how to get level shots; and how to mount and dismount the camera. You will also get to know the terms we use to describe camera moves, and we’ll suggest some do’s and don'ts. The shaky camera makes its presence felt, which can be distracting to your audience. Finally, we’ll provide some pointers to help you stabilize the camera even when you use it hand-held.
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The Approach to Getting Shots
In this module you will learn more about the fundamental building block of visual storytelling - the shot. To know what shots to get you first need to know your story. We’ll introduce you to tools you can use to anticipate your shots in production, such as storyboards and shot lists. We’ll demonstrate what you should do when you arrive on location looking for the best angles, and why it’s important to “shoot and move.” We’ll show you how you can frame your shots, some do’s and don’t’s for using the zoom, and explain the value of the close up in your storytelling. You will learn about continuity and why it’s important to respect the “axis.” We’ll also share some pointers on getting the focus right, and introduce you to focus assist functions that are found in many camcorders.
Writing with Light
Instead of using words, a visual story uses light. How to capture and control light is what good photography is all about. In this module, you will learn how to control the light that enters the lens, and how to reliably get the proper exposure. We’ll explain about the parts of a lens, the neutral density filter, the gain, shutter speed, and the iris. We’ll also share with you some exposure assists that are found in many camcorders. You will learn what it means to white balance to help you reproduce colours accurately. Additionally, we’ll introduce you to best practices when it comes to taking pictures on your smartphone, including apps that can extend your phone’s ability to shoot video. If you’re looking for a more economical way to shoot video, then this module will show you how to get the most out of your smartphone camera.
Controlling What the Viewers See
Good composition pulls our eyes to the most important part of the shot. But bad composition can make your images appear weak, failing to convey energy and motion. In this module, we’ll share with you some pointers on how to compose your shots in ways that build interest. We’ll introduce you to the Rule of Thirds, and demonstrate how to find depth in your image, using leading lines that guide our eyes to the subject matter. Also, we’ll explain why interview shots play such a valuable role in your storytelling. Good interview compositions follow the rule of thirds somewhat rigidly, and if it’s not done right, these are the shots you might need to reshoot. We’ll share some pointers on how to get interview shots done right, in ways that engage our interest. Close-ups are the common way to frame interview shots, where the guest is seen in a three-quarter profile, and their eyes are level with the lens. We’ll also share some pointers on making the background appear more interesting and less distracting.
Shooting for the Edit
Visual storytelling finds ways to transmit an experience by showing action as it progresses from one shot to the next. This progression is a way to heighten the viewer’s involvement in the story, and to sustain their interest. In this module, we’ll explain how sequences can make your stories more engaging to watch, how they promote continuity, and even compress the time it takes to complete a single action. The backbone of visual storytelling is the sequence, which consists of a variety of shots that show the same action from different perspectives. Sequences not only promote continuity but they will give your video that professional polish. Sequences are the bedrock of visual storytelling, and they will create a more efficient workflow to your editing. As a photographer it’s important to plan ahead for how you might edit the shots together, so that your editing will appear seamless and dynamic. Simply, as a photographer, think like an editor. We’ll explain how you can plan for your sequence, shooting with intention instead of getting footage of everything in sight. In other words, you shoot footage in roughly the same order that you might see the shots in their final edit. We’ll also share with you some strategies to “save the edits” by getting cutaway shots to solve continuity problems. Finally, we’ll show you ways you can shoot in-camera transitions that will make your edits look more dynamic.
Getting Sound
Getting good audio is just as important as getting good video, if not more so. In this module, you will learn to identify what makes good audio and how to record it properly. You will learn the terms that describe audio quality and what can lead to audio problems. We’ll explain the most commonly used microphones, and why it’s important to use the right microphone for the right job. We’ll show you a few tricks to use when setting up interviews that will get you the audio results you want. We’ll describe the importance of clip-on microphones, how to prevent wind and other ambient noise from ruining your sound, and how to improvise your own audio booth for recording narration.
Lighting the Shot
Lighting is as much an art as it is an exact science. Some extra lights will help your subjects look their best, free from unattractive shadows, flat lighting, and underexposure. In this module, we will teach you how to light your shots, most especially interviews using single-point, two-point and three-point lighting. We’ll explain the value of lighting, and how lighting can carry emotion. We’ll identify terms used to describe lighting, such as dark and bright light, high-key vs. low-key, and high-contrast vs. low-contrast. We’ll show you what a key light does and how lighting can achieve a sense of depth. We’ll also explain how lighting direction can make the image look more dramatic, and how to improvise using available lighting, including sunlight, and the ways you can mitigate harsh shadows using diffusion.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation in the fundamentals of visual storytelling using b-roll, camera shots, and video interviews
Offers a comprehensive study of the pre-production phase of visual storytelling
Taught by instructors with extensive experience in visual storytelling and filmmaking
Designed for beginners looking to develop a solid foundation in visual storytelling
Provides practical tips and techniques for capturing high-quality video footage and audio
May be less relevant for experienced professionals looking to expand their knowledge

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process with these activities:
Organize and Review Course Material
Enhance knowledge retention by actively organizing, reviewing, and summarizing course materials.
Browse courses on Study Techniques
Show steps
  • Create a dedicated space for course materials.
  • Organize notes, assignments, and quizzes by topic.
  • Review materials regularly and summarize key concepts.
Review Composition Principles
Strengthen your understanding of composition principles, improving your visual storytelling abilities.
Browse courses on Composition
Show steps
  • Refer to textbooks or online resources on composition principles.
  • Analyze existing visual content, identifying effective use of composition techniques.
  • Practice applying composition principles in your own photography or videography.
Explore Online Camera Operation Tutorials
Enhance your understanding of camera functions, manual modes, and accessories through online tutorials.
Browse courses on Camera Settings
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online resources and tutorials.
  • Follow video demonstrations and practice camera operations.
  • Experiment with different settings and techniques.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Review Exposure and Lighting Concepts
Refresh your understanding of exposure and lighting principles, essential for capturing visually appealing footage.
Browse courses on Exposure
Show steps
  • Review textbooks or online resources on exposure and lighting concepts.
  • Experiment with different camera settings and lighting conditions.
  • Analyze existing visual content, identifying effective use of exposure and lighting techniques.
Capture Natural Sound and Ambiance
Record clear and engaging audio by learning about microphones, recording techniques, and natural sound capture.
Browse courses on Audio Recording
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with various microphone types and their applications.
  • Practice recording sound in different environments and conditions.
  • Utilize techniques to minimize background noise and improve sound quality.
Create a Storyboard or Shot List
Craft a storyboard or shot list to visualize your story and ensure proper shot composition.
Browse courses on Storyboarding
Show steps
  • Brainstorm and outline the visual elements of your story.
  • Sketch out the key frames and transitions.
  • Create a detailed list of camera angles, lenses, and movements.
Frame and Shoot with Confidence
Practice framing techniques, composition principles, and camera movements to improve visual storytelling.
Browse courses on Framing
Show steps
  • Review the rules of composition, such as the Rule of Thirds.
  • Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and lenses.
  • Pay attention to lighting and its impact on the mood and atmosphere.
Share and Discuss Lighting Setups
Collaborate with peers to explore different lighting setups, techniques, and their impact on visual storytelling.
Browse courses on Lighting Techniques
Show steps
  • Gather a group of classmates or industry professionals.
  • Share examples of effective lighting setups and discuss their rationale.
  • Experiment with different lighting configurations and observe their effects.

Career center

Learners who complete Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Video Editor
A Video Editor assembles and edits video footage to create a cohesive and engaging story. This course offers a comprehensive overview of video editing techniques, including cutting, splicing, adding effects, and color correction. By gaining proficiency in these tools, individuals can develop their ability to transform raw footage into polished and impactful videos.
Video Producer
A Video Producer oversees the production of videos, from concept development to post-production. This course provides valuable insights into the entire video production process, including pre-production planning, shooting, editing, and distribution. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these stages, individuals can effectively manage video production projects and produce engaging and impactful videos.
Videographer
A Videographer operates a video camera and records footage of various subjects, such as events, people, and scenery. This course provides a strong foundation in the video production process, covering topics such as setting up a camera, capturing shots, and controlling lighting. By learning these techniques, individuals can enhance their ability to create high-quality videos and pursue a successful career in videography.
Camera Operator
A Camera Operator is responsible for operating a camera to capture footage for films, television shows, and other visual media. This course provides practical knowledge in camera setup, shot composition, and lighting techniques. By mastering these skills, individuals can enhance their ability to produce high-quality visuals and contribute to successful video productions.
Film Director
A Film Director leads and guides the creative vision of a film production. This course offers a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of filmmaking, including camera techniques, lighting, and composition. By acquiring these skills, individuals can develop their ability to translate ideas into compelling visual narratives and pursue a successful career in film directing.
Multimedia Artist
A Multimedia Artist combines various media, such as video, audio, graphics, and animation, to create immersive and engaging experiences. This course offers a broad overview of the principles and tools used in multimedia production, including video editing, motion graphics, and web design. By developing these skills, individuals can enhance their ability to create compelling and interactive multimedia content.
Motion Graphics Artist
A Motion Graphics Artist creates animated graphics and visual effects for various media, such as films, television, and advertising. This course provides a foundation in the principles of animation, motion graphics, and compositing. By acquiring these skills, individuals can enhance their ability to produce visually stunning and engaging motion graphics content.
Visual Effects Artist
A Visual Effects Artist creates and integrates visual effects into films, television shows, and other media. This course provides an introduction to the techniques and tools used in visual effects, including compositing, animation, and motion tracking. By gaining proficiency in these areas, individuals can develop their ability to create realistic and immersive visual effects that enhance storytelling.
Broadcast Engineer
A Broadcast Engineer designs, installs, and maintains broadcast equipment and systems. This course provides a foundational understanding of video and audio production technologies, including cameras, microphones, and editing software. By acquiring these skills, individuals can develop their ability to ensure the smooth operation of broadcast systems and contribute to the production of high-quality broadcasts.
Filmmaker
Filmmakers use a variety of techniques to create films that entertain, inform, and educate audiences. The modules in Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process cover a wide range of topics that are essential for filmmaking. For example, the module on shooting for the edit helps students plan ahead for how they might edit the shots together, so that their editing will appear seamless and dynamic. This is an important skill for any Filmmaker to have.
Motion Graphics Designer
Motion Graphics Designers create digital graphics that move and are used to convey information or tell stories. The skills learned in Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process, such as controlling what the viewers see and shooting for the edit, would be beneficial to a Motion Graphics Designer. These modules will help students understand how to compose shots and edit footage together to create a visually appealing and engaging final product.
Sound Technician
Sound Technicians are responsible for capturing and mixing audio for television, film, and other video productions. The skills learned in Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process, such as getting sound and lighting a shot, would be helpful to a Sound Technician. These modules will help students understand the functions of sound equipment and how to use it to capture and mix high-quality audio.
Broadcast Technician
Broadcast Technicians operate and maintain the equipment used to broadcast television and radio programs. The skills learned in Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process, such as setting up a camera and getting sound, would be helpful to a Broadcast Technician. These modules will help students understand the functions of broadcast equipment and how to use it to capture and transmit high-quality video and audio.
Lighting Technician
Lighting Technicians are responsible for setting up and operating the lighting equipment used in television, film, and other video productions. The skills learned in Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process, such as lighting a shot and writing with light, would be helpful to a Lighting Technician. These modules will help students understand the functions of lighting equipment and how to use it to create different lighting effects.
Production Assistant
Production Assistants assist with a wide variety of tasks on television, film, and other video productions. The skills learned in Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process, such as setting up a camera and getting sound, would be helpful to a Production Assistant. These modules will help students understand the different tasks that are involved in video production and how to work as part of a team.
Art Director
Art Directors are responsible for the visual style of a film, television show, or other video production. While the skills learned in Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process are not directly related to the work of an Art Director, some of the concepts, such as composition, lighting, and color theory, may be helpful to someone in this role.
Screenwriter
Screenwriters write the scripts for films, television shows, and other video productions. The skills learned in Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process are not directly related to the work of a Screenwriter, but some of the concepts, such as storyboarding and shot composition, may be helpful to someone in this role.
Actor
Actors perform in films, television shows, and other video productions. The skills learned in Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process are not directly related to the work of an Actor, but some of the concepts, such as lighting and composition, may be helpful to someone in this role.
Producer
Producers are responsible for the overall production of a film, television show, or other video production. The skills learned in Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process are not directly related to the work of a Producer, but some of the concepts, such as budgeting and scheduling, may be helpful to someone in this role.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ready to Roll – The Video Production Process.
Provides a step-by-step guide to digital video production, covering everything from planning and shooting to editing and distribution. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to create professional-quality videos.
Provides a comprehensive guide to lighting for digital video and film. It covers everything from basic lighting principles to advanced techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to create professional-quality lighting.
Provides a comprehensive guide to sound for film and video. It covers everything from recording and editing to mixing and mastering. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to create professional-quality sound.
Provides a comprehensive guide to video production. It covers everything from planning and shooting to editing and distribution. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to create professional-quality videos.
This classic book on cinematography provides insights into the art and techniques of filmmaking. It must-read for anyone who wants to learn how to create visually stunning films.

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