Workshops during the IPP
After the three days of theme based activites for the intercultural exchange between the participants, it was also important to be prepared for our visits at the indigenous villages in the Mountains. The staff had organized several workshops and practical learning sessions, which were extended with the participants' support. For information on the participants' material, please refer to the documentaries tab.
Since the outcome of the IPP was to prepare a short video about the life of local communities, the staff had organized a film making workshop to familiarize the participants with the subject of movie making. The work shop was divided into two days, the first day examined the theoretical background of shooting a video, the second day was supposed to test our practical capabilities. In a feedback session, Abbie and Malaya pointed out common errors and important advise for the final video shot.
The following section includes information about the theoretical workshop on January 3rd 2016:
Film drama:
- frame---a single still image
- shot---the best image of film
- scene---series of shots taken in the same location
- sequence---a series of scene
Types:
- ELS (extreme long shot)
- Long shot
- MS (medium long shot)
- Medium Close shot
- CU (Close Up)
- Extreme Close Up.
You can zoom in this order, you can also skip one or two but you had not better jump from ELS to Extreme close up.
Angle:
- Normal angle is the most common angle. 90% of the angle is this one. It is objective angle. Eye angle.
- Low angle / Tilt up is shot from below. It emphasizes the how big the object is.
- High angle is shot from top to down. It is tilt down. The object seems to be small.
- Over the shoulder shot (OTS) is used for the interview.
- Tilt frame angle is shot from the ceiling to down. It is used to shoot a person lying on the bed. This angle is not used often.
- POV (point of view) angle is used as if you speak to camera.
- Rack Focus is the way the foreground is blurry and the background is clearer.
- Deep focus
Camera Movement:
- Track moves forward as the cameraman also moves.
- Pan is the way that the object moves but the camera stays and shoot around.
- Tilt moves up and down.
- Crane moves in a circle.
- Dolly is the way they put the camera on the equipment and make the moving shot.
- Zoom in and zoom out as well.
You can express the object by using four types of shot, angles and camera movements.
Rule of thirds:
We learn what is the efficient way to put the object in the frame.
Other things:
- Change angles and perspectives
- Be aware of actions and emotions
- Shot length / Steady shot
- Do not zoom, pan, tilt too much.
Preparing for the shot:
You need to draft working outline at first, write the story beforehand in your mind and plan out logistics. We also need to plan the shooting schedule to make sure all the shoot is shot within the schedule. Expect the unexpected and be prepared.
Actual shooting, audio interviews:
- Check audio (full battery, SD card space, etc.)
- White balance
- Focus
- You have to watch out for the ambient sound such as the sound of a car, birds before you start shooting.
- Use tripod whenever possible.
- Safety shot should also be prepared.
Shooting with Natural Light:
- Use reflectors and flags to make it natural.
- Magic hour is the time before and after the sunset when the light is warm and orange.
- Use practical things such as lamps and candles to light.
Story telling Basics (Purpose of the Script):
You have to ask yourself:
- why do you really want to make this film?
- Is this practical?
- Is this feasible?
- Does this have strong interesting characters?
- Who can carry the story?
Still missing:
- Shontoug
- CDP
