Mastering Videography

Fight scenes in movies are just really long sequences. Since the last two episodes you should be shooting sequences all the time now. I’m going to show you how you can make two people who have actually no idea how to fight, look pretty good in a fight scene. It all has to do with choosing specific angles that hide and enhance what you want the audience to see. And to prove it, I’m going to use a nine year old and an eleven year old and I’m going to do it in an hour.

 

 Fight Tutorial: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Just The Fight: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Last time we talk about shooting sequences to make your videos more interesting. This time I’m going to show you the effort it takes to shoot a sequence. It takes time to shoot sequences but the end result is always worth it.

 

 Sequences Part 2: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

A sequence is a way of editing a group of video clips together so they make sense. Does that make sense? You have to really think ahead to shoot a decent sequence. They include different angles, cutaways and a lot of changing your scale; You’ll see.

 

 Sequences part 1: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Screen Direction is another one of those gotchas that can fool even the most seasoned reporters. Believe me, Ive seen it a lot. So here’s another taste of the mastering Videography DVD. I hope it helps.

 

 Screen Direction: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Action Move is a continuity technique. Its a very specific technique that should not be used all the time but its interesting if you have a reason to use it. So here is another tool for your toolbox.

 

 Action Move: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Every video camera has an iris. Hopefully your camera doesn’t just offer and auto iris. Yeesh, I hate those things. Here’s a little diddy about the iris and why its so important for your videos exposure.

 

 Iris: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Shooting an instructional video shouldn’t be that hard. Here’s a standard way to shoot a simple training video. Don’t take this one lightly. This is how many types of productions are shot. Keeping these strategies in mind you could shoot all kinds of different video productions.

 

 Simple Instructional Video: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

All video cameras have a zoom lens. Well, maybe not some of those stationary security cameras. The problem is most people use this like its a ride at a theme park. Its so easy; just push that little lever and you zoom in. Push it the other way and you zoom out … in … out …in … out …WEEEE!
Well stop this now please. Im getting nauseous just thinking about it. Think of a zoom lens as a composition tool not a video game joy stick. Next time you go for the zoom lever stop and think, why am I zooming. Can I get the shot another way. If you said yes to the last question get it another way. Zooming should only be done if you have a REASON to zoom.
Here’s an excerpt from the Mastering Videography DVD with answers about zooming.

 

 Zoom like a pro by NOT: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download