Technique Review: Becoming a Better Filmmaker

Grab a Camera, Tripod, Mic, XLR Cable, Headphones and a Partner!  It's time to improve your Technical Skills---the most important step toward becoming a better filmmaker!!!

Camera Stability & Exposure:

• Review the mounting procedure for the Quick Release Platform.  Mount the camera on the Tripod.
• Review use of Pan and Tilt lock nuts.  Show Ms. T that you know how to "lock down" the camera to keep it absolutely still.
• Use the Joystick to modify Exposure on the camera to brighten and darken the scene.  Record a "Dark" scene and a "Bright" scene.

Audio Leveling:

• Plug in a mic with headphones.  Bring up the Mic Level menu with your joystick.  Raise and lower audio levels until you're consistently hitting the "Sweet Spot".  Record a sample clip and review for audio quality.

Composition:

• Review the Rule of Thirds:  Rule of Thirds Video
• Compose and record at least 4 shots of the same subject (preferably, you or your partner) using the Rule of Thirds.   Subject can be ANYWHERE EXCEPT DEAD CENTER!!!!

Begin Planning for "How-To" Video

Soooo, you were supposed to make up your mind about your "How To" topic by today.  Tell me your topic, then it's time to do some more research.

• Watch several example videos on YouTube that match your "How To" category.  This will give you ideas, and make sure you're not copying someone else's technique.
• You must spend at least 10 minutes of class typing step-by-step directions for your process in Microsoft Word.  These directions are for your “How-To” video, and they are due today.  
•  Number your steps!  This ensures you won’t forget a step in the script.  They must be precise and descriptive.  Do not summarize or skip a step.  I mean, jeez, if you can't explain it in writing, how are you gonna make a video that people can understand?!?! 
• Once I have approved your directions and you have printed them, you will start creating a digital storyboard.  I'll demo how to do that in Celtx.
•  Your storyboard is due at the end of the next block class period (A=Monday/B=Tuesday).
•  You will need to schedule shooting for your "How To" video over the course of the next week, either during or outside of class.  You may check out equipment and props from me as needed.  Do Not shoot footage on your cell phone.  It will suck.
• Raw footage for your "How To" video is due Mon. 9/22 (Pd. 3) or Tues. 9/23 (Pd. 4) for 20 points.  Late footage = 0 points.

Getting started with the "How-To" Video Project

There should be a video teaching you how to create a "How-To" video....
OH WAIT!! THERE IS!!!!

Click this link:

How To Make A "How To" Video

Thanks, Matt!  (Next time turn on a light, bro!)

Now, it's your turn!  Need some inspiration?  Visit my You Tube channel:
Ms. T's "How-To" Collection

Here are a few more of my favorite examples (not made by my students):
How to Make A Hamburger
How To Climb A Tree 
How To Dress Like A Ninja 
How to Straighten Your Hair Without Heat 
How to Win in Halo 3
How to Kick A Soccer Ball

Yeah, so you're surfing YouTube as part of this assignment.  Stay on task, and don't try to convince me that shmoney dance video is somehow related to your topic.  You can call your mom and explain it to her.