Tools, Tactics, Know How Increasing Production Value in Your Multimedia Efforts November 10, 2013
In most cases resources are limited. Invest or produce based on (at a minimum) adequate and justifiable ROI. Embed these elements into your creative works: Education Information Inspiration Call to Action Promotion. Commit to a higher level of production quality. Think, Publish when it s perfect. Follow these steps, exclusively, in this order: Ideate Pre- Produce Create
Audio poor or low quality audio kills viewer engagement Use the most pro-grade microphones available Capture in quiet environments Position mic(s) properly Ensure proper audio levels when recording Capture in.wav format Visuals Compose by either 1. utilizing the Rule of Thirds or 2. breaking the rule of thirds Use a tripod or steady surface (gorilla pods are effective) and ensure a level image Use spaces with natural, even lighting for interviews window light is most effective and visually appealing Ensure sharpness by using your subject s eye as the primary focus point Capture b-roll and supporting cut away footage to support what your interviewee is talking about (shoot b-roll after your interviews!) The Story Tell an unseen story to the emotional human being Don t garble your narrative with too many messages pick one or two and reveal them for the viewer (peel back the layers of the onion) Be concise be direct be approachable be honest be helpful Incorporate derivative and interpretive meaning into your pieces
Camera Panasonic HPX or HVX (Broadcast), HDSLR, GoPro, Point & Shoot, Cell phone(s) one, many or all at once! Tripod or steady platform External light window light, lighting kits, reflectors, strobes (for still photography) Audio Capture in camera External options - Zoom H4n or mobile based app Boom microphone Oktava (XLR cable(s)) Lavaliere microphone Sennheiser G series (XLR cable(s)) Post Quicktime Pro or Adobe Premiere and Photoshop Sync tool PluralEyes software Publish YouTube for reference, Vimeo for show Guidance Learning Support Bhphotovideo.com speak with customer support, purchasing, video tutorials Lynda.com comprehensive video based learning Creativecow.net forums Planet5d.com the cutting edge in media tools Vimeo.com the cutting edge in storytelling and creative trends/ides/execution
When composing consider (incorporate 2 or more for increased impact) Points (of interest) Lines Shapes Forms Patterns Textures Concentrate on the following to create value in your image (incorporate 3 or more for increased impact) Color Converging Lines Lighting Focus and DOF (Depth of Field) effects Frame within a frame Contrast - big/little, light/dark, circles/squares, organic/nonorganic etc. Motion Placement within the frame rule of thirds Repetition of shape, form and line Size of the subject in the frame Balance of objects in the frame Perspective, visual weight, etc.
Aperture (aka f/ ) A diaphragm that controls the amount of light entering the camera, via the lens. Smaller the f/ value the larger or wider the iris opening (lets in more light) Larger the f/ value the smaller or narrower the iris opening (lets in less light) Smaller the f/ value, the more out of focus the foreground and background of what you ve focused on will appear Larger the f/ value, the more foreground and background appear in focus of your subject area Shutter Speed The shutter is a curtain that uses the amount of time from open to close to expose the sensor in the camera to light. Generally speaking, faster shutter speeds make for sharper images The slower the shutter speed the more susceptible the image is to blur When determining shutter speed think minimums. What shutter speed is going to give me an acceptably sharp picture? ISO or ASA Refers to the sensitivity of the image sensor (inside your camera) to light. The lower the ISO value the less electrical noise present in the image The higher the ISO value the greater the electrical noise present in the image Shoot at the lowest ISO value possible that (still) allows you to achieve your desired creative effect
Be Comforting Want that perfect interview? Be genuine be caring be invested. You ll create a personal and emotional connection with your interviewee that shows on camera or in the voiceover. Be Reassuring Perfect Soundbites Reflect positivity Be Inquisitive
Quality media is a big commitment Resource heavy Time consuming Expensive Done right it helps done wrong it hurts Think Plan Do Be focused on end results and ROI Preparation is paramount Content is King Perfection must be your outcome Strive for excellence The more creative your piece the longer its shelf-life High production value supports your brand and stimulates the donor Quality media drives meaningful awareness and demonstrates your commitment to the arts Provides you real ROI
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