Introduction to Creative Media

Understanding LawLAW119 Feb 2012

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In this session…• Brief introductions to, and a chance to have a go

at:• Video production• Audio production• Screencasting

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In this session…• Aims of the session:

• To give you basic skills that will allow you to create media for your module.

• To produce material to use in forthcoming editing session.

• Transferable skills.

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Who we are• Pete Mella• Tom Foster• Chris Clow

• Creative Media Team (CICS)• Based in Skills Suite (Information Commons, Level

1)• www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/creativemedia• creativemedia@sheffield.ac.uk

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Activity

In groups of 4-5, discuss the following question:

“How many forms of media have you consumed in the last week?”

List as many as you can come up with in two minutes.

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VideoTV

Streamed online (YouTube, iPlayer, etc.)

Film (TV, cinema, online)

Screencasts

Text

Newspaper/magazine

Book

Online

E-reader (e.g. Kindle).

Still images

Photos

Drawings/artwork

Audio

Radio

Music (stereo, mp3 player, computer)

Podcast

Multimedia

Websites

Video games (computer, console, phone).

Phone Apps

CD:ROMs

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Is it hard to produce audio and video material?

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Video• “Video is the technology of electronically

capturing, recording, processing, storing, transmitting, and reconstructing a sequence of still images representing scenes in motion” (Wikipedia).

• Many means of delivery – e.g. TV, cinema, DVD/Blu Ray, computer, web browser, mobile phone, tablet PC.

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Why use video?• Tells a story.• Engages the viewer, and brings the subject to life.• “A picture is worth a thousand words”.• It can be a quick way of describing or explaining

something.

Basic video techniques

An introduction to shot sizes, composition, moving shots, light and sound.

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Lighting• If you rely on available light, you may not get a

technically good shot.• Make sure the camera white balance is adjusted

for natural or artificial light.• If you don’t have lights, use a natural source,

such as a window, as your main light.• Never back-light your subject.

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Sound• Remember sound is just as important (and

sometimes more important!) than pictures.• Consider using an external mic when needed.• Remember to keep mic out of shot!• Check the mic is working before shooting.

Practical task

The bit where you get to have a go!

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Demonstration of equipment• Handy video recorders

• Tripod

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The task• In your groups, make a short video about a

talent or skill or a piece of technology one of your group has and can demonstrate.

• You have 15 minutes – spend 5 minutes planning.• Take turns using the equipment.• You must use at least three things you learnt from

the demonstration videos.• If you get time, watch the video back on the

cameras.• You will get chance to edit this material in the

next session.

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How did you find that?

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Audio• “Audio is an electrical or other representation of

sound.” (Wikipedia).

• Many means of delivery – e.g. radio, CD, mp3 player, mobile phone.

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Podcasting• “[...] A series of digital media files (either audio or

video) that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication” (Wikipedia)

• Podcasts can be downloaded, and played on computers or portable devices such as mp3 players, tablets or mobile phones.

• Podcasts are often distributed by RSS feed.

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Why podcast?• Can be used for mobile learning, entertainment,

alternative media, blogging, publicity, tutorials…• Portable media.• Can be released in installments.• Can be downloaded and listened to at listener’s

leisure.

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Things to remember• External/onboard mic?• Position of microphone.• Background noise.• Length (100 words per minute).

Practical task

The bit where you get to have a go (again!)

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Demonstration of equipment• Handy video recorders (switch to audio-only)

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The task• In your groups you will be given a random topic

for a short discussion (3 minutes).• Record this discussion, thinking about where to

place the microphone.• If there is time, play back some of this recording.• There will be chance to edit this recording in the

next session.

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How did you find that?

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Ways of recording podcasts• On your computer

• With software (e.g. Audacity).• Via the internet (e.g. Audioboo).

• On an mp3 recorder• On a mobile phone

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Screencasting• “A digital recording of computer screen output,

also known as a video screen capture.” (Wikipedia)

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Why screencast?• A good way of recording lectures or seminars

(e.g. with PowerPoint) – slidecasting.• Can enhance podcasts.• Can demonstrate software or bug reports.• Quick to produce.• Can easily show something that may take many

words to explain.

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Ways of recording screencasts• Commercial software (e.g. Camtasia, Articulate,

Captivate).• Free software (e.g. Jing)• Quicktime (Mac only)• Online tools (e.g. Screenr, Screencast-o-matic)

Practical task

The bit where you get to have a go (again!)

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Demonstration of Screenr• Go to www.Screenr.com

• TASK – record a process on your computer screen using Screenr (e.g. how to do a Google search, how to use the Calculator).

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Copyright• Any material you haven’t created yourself is

subject to copyright.• The exceptions are:

• Anything you’ve been given permission to use.• Public Domain• Creative Commons

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Creative Commons• Creative Commons is not copyright-free, but the

creators give permission to be used.• Different materials have different licenses given

by their creators:• “0 license”• Attribution• Non-commercial• No Derivative Work• Share Alike

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Sources of CC material

Music• www.jamendo.com• www.ccmixter.org

Sound effects• www.freesound.org

Images• www.flickr.com(Advanced search – most

images are not CC).

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Summary• Now you should have an idea…

• How to compose shots effectively• Some common mistakes in video-making• How to make a simple video• What a podcast is and what they’re used for• Some common mistakes in audio production• How to record audio• What a screencast is and what they’re used for• Different methods used for screencasting• How to use Screenr

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Activity

In pairs, take turns to briefly answer the following question:

“What three things do you think you’ve learnt in this session that will be most useful in your forthcoming project?”

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Is it hard to produce audio and video material?

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Any questions?

12/04/2023© The University of Sheffield

Who we are• Pete Mella• Tom Foster• Chris Clow

• Creative Media Team (CICS)• Based in Skills Suite (Information Commons, Level

1)• www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/creativemedia• creativemedia@sheffield.ac.uk