Chapter_6_The_Production_Process_-_Production

Chapter 6: The Production Process - Production

Overview of Production Process

• Key Aspects:

  • Video Camera

  • Camera Operation

  • Lighting

  • Sound Recording

  • Acting

Video Camera

Importance

• The centerpiece of filmmaking.

• Selection depends on:

  • Budget

  • Desired footage quality

  • Shooting type (e.g., documentary, short movie)

• Capable devices range from iPhones to DSLRs or HD camcorders.

• Objective is to capture high-quality footage.

Video Camera Techniques

• Focal Length: Determines the amount of zoom; affects field of view.

  • Common focal lengths include:

    • 14 mm (wide)

    • 70 mm

    • 200 mm

    • 400 mm (telephoto)

• Aperture: Controls light entry through the lens.

  • Measured in F-stops (e.g., f/2.8 for wide, f/22 for narrow).

• Depth of Field (DoF): Range where objects remain in focus, influenced by:

  • Focal length

  • Aperture

  • Camera position

• White Balance: Adjusts color accuracy; defines what white looks like to ensure color fidelity in images.

Camera Operation

Key Aspects

• Essential shot types include:

  • ELS (Extreme Long Shot): Vast areas, subjects often not visible.

  • VLS (Very Long Shot): Subjects visible from a distance.

  • LS (Long Shot): Entire body visible, context for action.

  • MS (Medium Shot): Half-body; good for conversations.

  • MCU (Medium Close Up): Shoulders to head.

  • CU (Close Up): Focused detail (e.g., face).

  • ECU (Extreme Close Up): Very tight detail on subjects.

  • OTS (Over the Shoulder): Engaging conversation shot.

Camera Angles

• Manipulate audience perception with camera angles:

  • Straight Angle: Eye-level view; engages audience directly.

  • Side Angle: Side view to provide perspective.

  • High Angle: Shoots down, making subjects appear smaller.

  • Low Angle: Shoots up, making subjects appear powerful.

  • Wide Angle: Shows larger scenes without movement.

Camera Movement Techniques

• Pan: Rotating the camera horizontally.

• Tilt: Rotating the camera vertically.

• Dolly: Moving the entire camera toward or away from the subject.

• Crane Shots: Offering sweeping and height variations in shots.

Image Composition

• Rule of Thirds: Divides the shot into a grid to create a more engaging composition.

  • Important elements should align at grid intersections for aesthetic appeal.

  • Example applications include landscapes and close-ups where the subject’s eyes are aligned with the upper grid line.

Lighting

Purpose of Lighting

• Essential for maintaining visual consistency under varying conditions:

  • Provides illumination for correct image processing.

  • Helps define spatial relationships and establish mood.

Lighting Properties

• Intensity: Amount of light on a subject.

• Color Quality: Kind of light, measured in color temperature (Kelvin); influences scene feeling:

  • Tungsten (warm) vs. Fluorescent (cool).

Lighting Types

• Hard Light: Produces strong shadows, revealing imperfections.

• Soft Light: Diffuses shadows, hiding details for a more flattering appearance.

Three-Point Lighting Technique

• Key Light: Main light source; casts hard shadows to model the subject.

• Fill Light: Secondary, softer light that mitigates shadows cast by the key light.

• Back Light: Renders highlights and outlines, forming a 3D effect that separates the subject from the background.

Sound Recording

Overview

• Two main audio approaches:

  • Sync Sound: Recorded live with the footage.

  • Non-Sync Sound: Added in post-production, includes effects and ambient sounds.

Sound Categories

• Three main categories:

  • Speech: Includes whispers and dialogue.

  • Sound Effects: Environmental noises like door bangs or ringtones.

  • Soundtrack & Music: Background music enhancing emotional engagement.

Tips for Sound Quality

• Use detachable microphones for clearer audio.

• Check for background noise before recording.

Acting

Role of the Actor/Actress

• Actors embody characters using script details to drive performance.

• Emotions, gestures, and intonation must align with the scene context.