Module 6 – Video / Pitching & Presentation: Complete Study Notes

Session Logistics & Housekeeping

• All sessions are recorded – video becomes part of Module 6 (Pitching & Presentation / Pitching & Video).
• Tutor contact: Antony Milner – antony.milner@jga-group.co.uk, Mobile 07823 352 029.
• Safeguarding concerns → Paula via safeguarding@jga-group.co.uk.
• Off-site inspection: Ofsted may interview learners; questions often start with why.

Professional Networking (LinkedIn)

• Tutor receives ≈90 % of freelance work through LinkedIn – emphasises targeted, professional connections over scatter-shot platforms (e.g.
Instagram).
• Build segmented audiences (e.g.
4 000 photographers, 1 000 apprenticeship contacts) → tailor tone & content.
• Make sure your profile is searchable; even simple errors (missing space in “Lauren Davidson”) block tags.

Why Video Literacy Matters for Apprentices

• Even if your current role is stills-based, careers pivot: you may brief, manage or collaborate with film crews.
• KSBs for End-Point Assessment (EPA) include video – you must describe what you shoot, how you shoot, and the rationale behind settings.
• Adequate answer (pass): “We record short social clips on phones in well-lit areas.”
Distinction answer: explain frame-rate choice, exposure workflow, lens or lighting considerations.

Crash-Course History (Condensed)

1. Illusion of motion exploits two perceptual quirks:
   • Persistence of Vision – retina retains an image ≈\tfrac{1}{5}\,\text{s}.
   • Phi Phenomenon – rapid succession of stills → perceived movement (flip-book effect).

2. Pre-film toys: zoetrope, phenakistoscope, stroboscope.

3. Photography milestones
   • Camera obscura ("dark chamber").
   • Niepce & Daguerre (1820-40s) – daguerreotype.
   • Eastman introduces flexible film stock (Kodak).

4. Motion studies
   • Muybridge (1872) – 12 trip-wire cameras prove all hooves leave ground.
   • Marey’s chronophotographic gun (12 fps on roll film).

5. Edison & Dixon – kinetograph → first motion-picture camera.

The Exposure Triangle & Meter Reading

On-Camera Light Meter

Image of scale 📉 –2 … –1 … 0 … +1 … +2 ; goal: central “0”.

1. Aperture (f-number)

• Formula: N=\tfrac{f}{D} (focal length / entrance-pupil diameter).
• Common full stops: f/1.4,\ 2,\ 2.8,\ 4,\ 5.6,\ 8,\ 11,\ 16,\ 22,\ 32.
• Lower f → shallow depth of field (DoF): isolate subject (e.g.
food – single sharp strawberry).
• Higher f → deep DoF: groups f/11, architecture f/22+.

2. Shutter Speed (t_s)

• Controls duration light hits sensor + motion rendition.
• Rule of thumb (hand-held): t_s \ge \tfrac{1}{60}\,\text{s}; slower ⇒ tripod or gimbal.

3. ISO (sensor gain)

• Doubling ISO ≈ one stop more light but increases noise.
• DSLR/full-frame often clean to ISO\,2000–4000;
modern mirrorless up to ISO\,20000+.

Practical Film Workflow (Pro mode)

1. Set frame rate (fps).

2. Compute shutter via 180° rule: t_s = \tfrac{1}{2 \times \text{FPS}}.

3. Meter ► turn aperture ring until needle centres.

4. If aperture is too wide (e.g.
   f/2.8) but you need f/11:
   • Add light (continuous lamps / soft-box) or raise ISO until meter re-centres.

Practical “Cheat” Workflow

• Mode-dial → S (Shutter Priority).
• Dial in required t_s (from step 2).
• Menu → Auto-ISO (set max ISO below noise-ceiling).
• Camera now floats aperture & ISO to hold exposure – useful when moving from dark hangar to sunlit apron.

Frame Rate & the 180° Shutter Rule

Shutter Speed & Motion Rendition

• Slow shutters (>180°) → heavy blur, dreaminess (Wolf of Wall Street q­ualude scene, Usual Suspects flashback).
• Fast shutters (<90°) → staccato, hyper-real chaos (Saving Private Ryan beach landing, Minority Report highlight streaks).

Stabilisation Toolkit

• Tripod mandatory when t_s < 1/60.
• Gimbals (e.g.
DJI Ronin, Zhiyun Crane) add three-axis stabilisation for walking shots.
• Smartphones since iPhone 12 include sensor-shift or electronic image stabilisation (EIS) – mini gimbal inside.

Lenses, Focal Lengths & Storytelling

Prime vs Zoom
• Prime – fixed FL, fewer elements → sharper, faster f/.
• Zoom – variable FL; convenience for rapid coverage (run-and-gun docs).

Depth-of-Field Cue
• Pronounced background blur in a frame ⇒ low f (≈f/2.0); sharp front-to-back ⇒ high f (≈f/16+).

Lighting Strategies

• More light = higher possible aperture = deeper DoF.
• Corporate head-shots: single soft-box + reflector achieves clean f/8–f/11 even in cramped “shoebox” rooms.
• Torch-on-a-pole (real BA anecdote) ≠ sufficient – reveals supplier competence.

Practical Checklists

Shooting a Two-Host Podcast (Example)

1. FPS 24 → shutter 1/50.

2. Tripod at eye level; dual soft-boxes at 45°.

3. Meter; aim for f/11 so both hosts remain tack-sharp.

4. If meter won’t centre, raise ISO in 1-stop steps (100→200→400…).

5. Record dual-system audio (lav + backup boom).

Filming an Airbus A380 Taxi (Hangar ➜ Ramp)

• Mode S, shutter 1/120 (shooting 60 fps for half-speed slow-mo).
• Auto-ISO capped at 4 000 (D-SLR) or 12 800 (mirrorless).
• Pre-white-balance for tungsten (hangar) vs daylight (ramp).
• Carry ND filters in case bright exterior forces aperture beyond f/22.

EPA / KSB Mapping

KSB #?? – “Create & edit video content fit for channel.”
You can evidence:
• Planning – defining FPS & shutter via platform spec.
• Technical – operating manual/priority modes; explaining exposure triangle.
• Collaboration – briefing external videographer using shared vocabulary (meter, DoF, ISO ceiling).
• Reflective practice – citing “cheat” auto-ISO when locations vary.

Ethical, Professional & Practical Notes

• Always risk-assess lighting rigs (heat, power draw).
• Safeguarding: ensure filmed subjects understand recording & distribution.
• Data management: dual-slot cameras or on-set backups (1-2-3 rule).

Key Equations & Numerical References

1. 180° Rule  t_s = \frac{1}{2 \times \text{FPS}}

2. Noise threshold – know your body’s “clean ISO” (e.g.
   ISO\,4000 DSLR, ISO\,12800 mirrorless).

3. DoF trade-off – each full stop ↓ f doubles light, halves DoF thickness.

4. Reciprocal handheld guideline – t_s \ge \tfrac{1}{\text{focal length (mm)}} (full-frame).

‘Next-Step’ Practice Routine

1. Set camera to Manual.

2. Choose three locations: bright daylight, dim interior, mixed.

3. For each, shoot:
   • Still image at f/2.8, f/11, f/22 – observe DoF.
   • 10 s clip at 24 fps + 1/50 and 60 fps + 1/120 – compare blur.

4. Edit in DaVinci/ Premiere; label clips with metadata (FPS/f/ISO) for muscle-memory.

Bottom Line

Mastering a handful of repeatable rules – frame-rate → ×2 shutter, meter-to-0, add light or ISO, stabilise below 1/60 – gives you lifelong video competency. Pair this with thoughtful lens and lighting choices and you’re prepared for EPA questions, real-world briefs, or that surprise LinkedIn client DM.