Training

Script Writing:

Media Communications Association International has a great, one-page breakdown of the basics of script writing on its site.

The Screenwriter Web provides a strong introduction to script writing and provides examples of working scripts from contemporary films.

Additionally, there are many commercial software packages that cater specifically to screenwriters; WritersServices provides an annotated listing of the most common.

Storyboarding:

A great resource for storyboarding is found in The Complete Eejit's Guide to Film-making. Storyboarding doesn't have to take up a lot of your time, depending on how you go about it.

Consider some of the advantages of storyboarding:

  • It will help you realize the practicality and feasibility of the project. If something looks wrong in the storyboard, it will definitely look wrong in the video.
  • If you are missing a major piece of information from the movie or if something isn't being explained enough, it will be obvious from the storyboard.
  • A storyboard is great for keeping your whole group on the same page, no pun intended. It is a point of reference available to everyone.
  • The storyboard will keep the group focused and more likely to stick to the main plot, when they are faced with the fact that they have to draw everything.

Shooting (Production):

It is absolutely critical that students obtain signed release forms from all actors involved in their films and keep them on file. Studio 204 will provide printed copies of these forms available upon request.

  • The first thing to think about when starting to shoot is to make sure that each shot in the scene has a purpose.
  • Always record more footage than you think you will need. The extra stuff that doesn't come out right can be discarded in the editing process.
  • Try to keep your end product as short and sweet as possible. A two-minute movie can take up over 400 MB of disk space.
  • For the sake of your audience, please use zoom sparingly while recording. If you need to be closer to a subject, you can always stop recording, zoom in, and then start recording again.
  • Whenever possible, if you need to be close in on a subject, move the camera.
  • Use the tripod in almost all cases; you may not see the slight movement your hands are making but your audience will.
  • ALWAYS keep the camera moving in the same direction; if your subject is running back and forth, keep the camera far enough away that everything is in the shot.

Logging:

After shooting video, it will be necessary to create a written log of what footage is on each tape. The Multimedia Project has created an excellent tutorial on the subject of videotape logging.