Introduction to the Camera

WITNESS invites you to use, remix and share this curriculum. All materials are under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial ShareAlike 3.0 License. 

You can also find more video advocacy training materials at www.witness.org. 

Objective

To introduce basic camera skills and

techniques as it relates to filming an

action and conducting interviews.

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In This Session

– Basic rules of filming– Different shot types or focal lengths and how

they are used in a video sequence– Basic camera composition including: the rule

of thirds and viewpoint – How to properly frame and set up a formal

interview– Using different shot types to film an action

sequence– The completion of a camera exercise

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Ground Rules for Filming

• Keep the camera steady and use a tripod when possible

• Never “Hosepipe”

• Follow the 10-15 second rule

• Get good sound

• Lighting matters

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Build a meaningful sequence with your shots

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Click on this link to see a video example illustrating how different shot types are used to tell a visual story:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocZQ--Br7vA

Build a meaningful sequence with your shots

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The different shots in the video (shown here as stills) were used to tell a simple story.

WIDE SHOT (WS)

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- A shot that shows the full context of a scene- Often used as an establishing shot to orientate viewers

LONG SHOT (LS)

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- A shot framed so that the subject and their surroundings can be seen- Used to show your audience what action is taking place within a scene

MEDIUM SHOT (MS)

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- Between a long shot and a medium shot (e.g. from the waist up)- Used to bring your audience closer to the action or subject while

maintaining a respectful distance

MEDIUM CLOSE-UP (MCU)

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- Between a medium shot and a close-up (e.g. from the chest up)- Shot most often used in framing an interview

CLOSE-UP (CU)

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- The subject is very large in the frame, revealing detail only (for example the face or hands). Can be used to pick out detail in a scene

- In an interview, a CU can be used for more intimate moments

Rule of Thirds

Frame your subject so they are positioned on the intersection of any 2 or more lines.

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Rule of Thirds Example

Click on this link to see different examples of composition following the rule of thirds:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bTpx0UKxTE

Viewpoint

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View Point Example

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Click on this link to see different camera viewpoints in a sequence:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwUwn53OxNM

Viewpoint in Interviews

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Framing an Interview

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Talking Space

Incorrect

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Correct

Headroom

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Headroom

Incorrect

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Correct

Eye-Line

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What Works? What Doesn’t?

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Setting Up an Interview

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Camera Exercise45 minutes

Roles In groups of three each participant should take turns performing the following three roles:

Camera Person: Records the interview

Interviewer: Conducts the interview

Interviewee: Responds to the questions 

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The Interview

Using a lavaliere microphone and a tripod

take turns recording a short interview using two

different shot types:

Medium Close-Up Shots:- Tell me about yourself and how you got involved in human rights.

- Why did you decide to attend this Video Advocacy Training?

Close-Up:

- How will video help you in your human rights work?

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The Interview

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Click on this link to see video examples of the interview exercise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ7RBepEgz8

The Action Sequence

Using a shot gun microphone and a tripod

take turns recording your interviewee

performing a simple action.

Record the action using three shots:

• Long Shot

• Medium Shot

• Close Up

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The Action Sequence

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Click on this link to see video examples the action sequence exercise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=misIwDje6DQ

Summary

• Make sure your camera shots are steady and held for at least 10-15 sec.

• Affectively use different shot types and viewpoints to tell a visual story

• Frame shots using the Rule of Thirds

• Properly frame interviews keeping in mind: viewpoint, talking space, eye line and headroom

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Introduction to the Camera

WITNESS invites you to use, remix and share this curriculum. All materials are under Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial ShareAlike 3.0 License. 

You can also find more video advocacy training materials at www.witness.org.