Video production

Types of audio/video production projects

• Short-film
• Experimental film: Examples on vimeo.com
• Documentary
• Podcast
• Audio tour or installation

If you are interested in creating an audio-focused project, it would be good to include some visual component such as imagery/video, or a user interface for accessing and distributing the work. Talk to your instructor for more ideas.

Production requirements

Depending on the type of project, you may need more or fewer steps than what are listed here.

Note: For most projects, you will need access to high-end video and audio equipment, though a lofi aesthetic or concept realted to everyday devices could work well with phone cameras. Smartphone cameras limit you to very wide angle lenses, but filmakers like Stephen Soderbergh have shot feature films with them!

1. Reccommended Gear

   • DSLR camera — greater depth of field and lens customization than a camcorder.

   • Tripod — Required for most professional video work.

   • Smartphone tripod — If shooting with a phone, you can still get a tripod!

   • Shotgun (hypercardiod microphone) — Best for directional recording if your subject is speaking; Rode makes good ones for DSLR cameras.

   • Lighting: a reflector board or piece of white foamcore can reflect light towards your subject, but electric lights on stands are best for stationary indoor photography.

2. Synopsis

   • write a short synopsis of the video work.

3. Storyboarding

   • Storyboarder App
   • Storyboarding for film and animation

4. Script

   • Scrivener
   • Final Draft

5. Shooting

   • Film Basics 101 — Some quick tips on choosing your shots
   • 15 Essential camera shots, angles, and movements
   • PRO TIP: Make a shot list ahead of time.

6. Sound recording

   • Sound foley
   • Recording narration and actor dialogue
   • FreeSound — Library of Creative commons sound effects
   • Free Music Archive — Library of creative commons music
   • ZenCaster — Great tool for recording remote audio conversations between two people.
   • Beginners guide to microphone types

7. Scoring

   • GarageBand — Simple MIDI instruments and editing.
   • Premiere Pro — Edit audio right in your video editor or export entire projects to Audition...
   • Adobe Audition (LinkedIn Essential Training) — Dedicated audio editor, record and mix, easily interface with Premiere (no MIDI instruments)
   • Ableton Live (LinkedIn Essential Training) — Great MIDI and recording suite, relatively cheap, great for electronic music.
   • Logic Pro — Record and mix, MIDI instruments (especially ones that sound like traditional strings, brass, etc.)
   • Pro Tools — Industry standard for recording and mixing; expensive.

8. Effects, editing, compositing, rendering

   • Editing

     • What is a non-linear editor? (NLE)

     • Abobe Premiere Pro Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning)

     • Basic cuts (Film editing crash course)

   • Effects

     • Adobe AfterEffects — Add complex animation or special effects to Premiere clips or export standalone video.

     • DaVinci Resolve (LinkedIn Learning) — An NLE but most commonly used for color grading.

   • 3D Compositing

     • Natron
     • Nuke
     • Blender compositing

Proof of concept

Demonstrate your filming or editing abilities with one of the following:

• Vignette: https://vimeo.com/337054827
• Film a sample scene or interview
• Video and audio example for an experimental project