Video Production, Chapter 15

Contact person

-A person who is familiar or (related to( with the area where the production takes place. -Helps use the environment to the benefit of the production (In a hotel, a manager who knows the ins and outs of a room, can be contacted in case of emergency, like an overloaded breaker.)

How to prepare for EFP

-Can be pre-planned (preproduction) -Needs very careful planning -You must bring all equipment to the scene

Reporters and videographers

-Creates an easier time for the shooter, as it lessens the work on both people. -Flexibility on where standup's are filmed

Examples of EFP include

-Documentaries -Magazine news stories -Investigative reports -travel shows -exercise programs

Reporters VS. the environment.

-Never place a reporter in an area where the sun is behind them, or lights are behind them. Creates a silhouette. -Never Place a reporter in front a pole or sign, as it will look like the object is coming out of their head.

Transmission

-Possible through smartphone, however not good for quality -To send quality production, a van or transmitter is needed. -Many cables are required for this

Videographer challenges

-The shooter must assess the situation, operate the equipment, and capture the event, sometimes in minutes. -The shooter sometimes does not have time to consult with a producer.

Post production

-The wrap up stage -Make backup copies of the production in this stage. -Check for timecodes.

Location sketch

A drawn floor plan of a location that will be featured in an EFP. Should include a general map of structures such as buildings and the efp truck, things that can be used to the advantage of the production, and things that will hinder it.

Big remotes

A field production of a large scheduled event, done for live transmission or the uninterrupted recording of a live event. -Use modified studio cameras that can zoom in and way out, and EFP cameras that are connected to a remote truck.

Remote Truck.

A large truck that hosts a compact studio control and equipment room.

Equipment Checklist

A list to remind the crew of everything that they can't forget when going into the field.

Uplink Truck

A truck with a large satellite dish, sends video to a satellite above earth, which is re-transmitted to the broadcast station. -Data sent from the space satellite is called downlinking

News Videographer

Also called a "shooter." Responsible for: -Recording the story -Making decisions on how to record it

Indoor audio

Always consider ambient audio before hand, do not wait. Test levels before the production.

Synthetic Environment

An enviroment that is electronically created in a studio using a chromakey

Field Production

Any production that takes place outside of the studio. Includes, ENG, EFP, and big remote telecasts.

Indoor lighting

Be careful to create the best light conditions, especially if Natural Light (TM) is a factor. Be sure that there are enough outlets inside, to make sure lights are not near anything flammable.

Weather

Be prepared for any kind of weather event. If it is going to rain, keep yourself and the equipment dry. If it is cold, stay warm. Make sure you keep the camera warm as well.

Check List example

Camcorders- How many? Spare Cameras? Mounts-Tripods? Dollies? Recording media- Do you have enough SD cards? External memory drive? Power supply- Do you have enough batteries? Do you need a power cable? Extension cords? Cables for other elements such as lights? Audio- Bring enough audio recording hardware? Back up shotguns? Adapters? Monitors- You need a monitor for playback. A switcher? DO you need test equipment like a waveform monitor? Lighting- Bring all appropriate lighting. This should have been checked in reproduction and survey.

White balancing.

Can be done using a piece of (blank) paper. Always do this to adjust the camera to a new lighting situation.

Audio set up

Choose a location where sound will not affect the reporter's standup. -Don't be in the wind -Don't be a room where there is too much echo. -Also take a mic check. -Always record some ambient sound.

Electronic News Gathering

Coverage of news events with elements that cannot be planned, such as time, specifics, and location.

Outdoor Field Production

Determined by location, you must decide which parts of the environment you want to show.

Electronic Field Production

Includes all out of studio productions except news and big remotes

ENG challenges

Must have equipment ready to use and functioning at all times. The news gatherer must follow the story no matter what.

Indoor field production

The opposite of outdoor field production. You are allowed to rearrange elements to get the best shot.

Foreground and Background

These give a shot depth. In front, elements can make a shot more dynamic. In the back, remember to be consistent with the front.

chromakey

Using the color green or blue to project images to create a cgi background

Remote Survey

When preparing for ENG, this is when you go and scout out a location to see what kind of special modifications you may need for production, and see what detriments or natural help can be given.