Production

=Production= Students generally want to jump out and just start video taping. However, if they have done their planning properly, the production stage can be done quickly and efficient.

Elements

 * Scene Preparations - Prepare the "set" for shooting. Acquire the necessary props, allow actors to change into appropriate dress.
 * Taping - Shoot logically. Emphasize to the students that they do not need to tape in the chronological order of the project. If a location is used several times throughout the 3 minute video, do it all at once. Even it means costume changes, etc.
 * Use a tripod - This makes all of the difference. A shake scene kills it.
 * Acquisition of other visuals - If using outside video clips or photographs, this is the time to acquire them.
 * Narration - Many video projects include a narrator that is //off screen//. This can be accomplished in a couple ways. First, they can talk into the video camera (with the lens cap on) and later extract the audio in the digital editing program (iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, etc.). Second, they can record directly into the computer. Regardless of the method, timing is key. This part should be done after the filming in order to determine the correct length of the narration segment.

What can this look like in the classroom?

 * If you are allowing students to tape during class time it is important that they utilize that time wisely. Make sure you know what exactly they are going to be taping and that they are using their storyboards to guide them. I make them check off their storyboards when they complete a scene. I check these at the end of this process.
 * If they are shooting outside your classroom, make sure they have the appropriate passes and that your admin knows why there are groups of students roaming the campus. Set firm rules regarding interruption of other classes.

Logistics

 * If sharing cameras, avoid sharing tapes. Arrange for each group to have their own tape and clearly label them.
 * If sharing cameras, using a grid or chart to determine which groups are using which cameras. Especially important if you have different types of tapes (mini-dv and dv8).
 * If students use their own cameras make sure they are compatible with the computers you are editing on. The newer hard drive and DVD burning cameras cannot currently (10/07) import on to Macintosh computers. If using Macs they need to have Firewire.

=Resources=


 * Composition PowerPoint Presentation**

media type="custom" key="244117" ([|Download it here])