Instructional Materials

A Training Packet You Can Work Through atYour Own Pace!

Created by:Christine Davis

Digital Media TeacherTroy Middle School

Table of Contents Page

Introduction What is in this Training Packet? 1

Chapter 1 Assembling Video Equipment 3

Chapter 2Selecting a Filming Location andSetting Up Equipment

8

Chapter 3 Recording Video 13

Chapter 4 Testing Recorded Video 18

Chapter 5 Downloading and Saving Video 22

Chapter 6 Storing Equipment 26

Conclusion Bringing It All Together 30

Guide Sheet Laminated Checklist 33

Works Cited Sources of Information and Images 34

Intro Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Conclusion

IntroductionHave you ever watched a movie that really captured your attention? Closeyour eyes and try to picture a scene from a movie you have seen recently.Imagine, for example, the popular movie, “Titanic.” Are the clips in thismovie in-focus? Can you see the people clearly? Could you hear the voiceswhen you listened to this movie?

Now think back to the “Spot on Schools” video created by Digital Mediastudents earlier this school year. Were any of the people in these clips dark orblurry? Was it difficult at times to hear their voices? Was the camera shaky?

Although the first example was created by professionals and the other wascreated by students, there are some simple steps you can take to shoot bettervideos.

As you complete this training packet, you will begin to bridge the gap betweenthese two examples. You will be able to create higher quality videos at homeor at school.

What is in this Training Pa cket?

Information & PicturesThis training packet contains all the information you need to complete theobjectives listed on this page. There are also many pictures to help youunderstand the information you read.

ActivitiesComplete the activities listed in each chapter. The activities are easy to find,just look for the “play” button. After completing each chapter’s activities, youwill answer a few questions.

Guide SheetThis packet also includes a laminated Guide Sheet. You will use this GuideSheet and a dry-erase marker along the way to check off tasks that you are ableto complete.

TrainingObjectives

Upon completion of thistraining, you will be ableto:

Assemble and videoequipment.

Select a filminglocation and set upequipment properly.

Record video usingzooms, pans and leadspace.

Test video footage

Download and saverecorded video on acomputer.

Store VideoEquipment.

Page 1


What is in this Training Pa cket?

(continued)

Rewind ColumnEach Chapter will have a “Rewind” column that you can read for a quick chapterreview.

Pause ButtonEach Chapter will have a “Pause” feature. This section will consist of aninteresting fact dealing with the past, present and future of video production.

Before You Begin…There are some things you will need to know before you begin this training.Check off the tasks you already know how to do.

Find Video Camera Supplies (camera, tape, tripod, microphone, batteries,charger)

Select the proper tape format for the camera you are using.

Identify the microphone input port on the video camera.

If you are unable to do any of these tasks, see Mrs. Davis before you start thistraining packet. If you do know how to complete these tasks, read carefully, tryhard, and have fun!

M ove on now to Chapter 1.

Rewind…

• Imagine how your ownvideos could beimproved.

• Don’t forget to take thelaminated Guide Sheet(and a dry-erasemarker) with you whenyou complete yourtasks.

• Look at the pictures anddiagrams in this packetcarefully – they willhelp too.

Pause!In 1951, the first video tape recorder (VTR) captured live images from television cameras byconverting the information into electrical impulses and saving the information onto magnetictape. This first VTR was sold in 1956 for $50,000.

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Chapter 1: Assembling Video

Equipment

Getting ready to make a video recording involves getting the necessaryequipment, and assembling it. You will find all the equipment you need in theDigital Media Equipment Room.

Select a CameraYour first step is selecting a camera. There are two different brands of camerasavailable (Sony & Canon). The Sony camera is better to use indoors since ithandles low lighting situations well. This camera is older, so it is a little bulky.The Canon video camera is much more compact but it is not recommended forlow-light situations. This is a great camera to use outdoors or in a well-lit arealike the cafeteria.

Select a TripodNext, you need to select a tripod to use to keep your camera steady. There aretwo different kinds of tripods to choose from also; one that is basic and one withan added feature of a built-in level. This is helpful when your subject (the personyou are filming) is positioned at a desk or our news booth. Assemble the cameraon the tripod by screwing the tripod connector to the bottom of the camera asindicated below:

ChapterObjectives

Upon completion of thischapter, you will be able to:

Assemble VideoEquipment.

Select a Camera andassemble it on a tripod.

Verify tape and batteryreadiness prior to use.

Install microphone andheadphones.

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Verify that the Tape and Battery are ReadyIn order to prepare for videotaping, you must verify the tape and battery readiness. The tape to be used mustcontain a label describing your project. If it does not, make your own label to adhere to the tape. This tapeshould be inserted in the camera to make sure that it fits, and isrewound fully. The Sony camera takes the larger tape (Digital8format) and the Canon camera takes the smaller (MiniDV) tapeformat.

Next the battery must be installed in the back of the camera. Simplyslide the battery into the slot on the camera in the direction of thearrow.

If the battery is not installed properly, and indicator will appear onthe screen when the camera is on. Also, if the battery is not charged, anindicator will appear on screen in the form of a blinking battery asshown here:

If you see this blinking battery on the camera screen, it meansthe battery is not charged.

Pause!During the 1960s, NASA converted from using analog to digital signals with their spaceprobes to map the surface of the moon. Digital imaging was also used by the government inspy satellites.

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Install the MicrophoneIf you will be recording voices or sounds that will not be dubbed over in theediting process, then you will need to install an external microphone on the videocamera. The internalmicrophone is usuallynot sensitive enough torecord voices well and italso picks upbackground noise.

An external microphoneis more sensitive andpicks up sound in thedirection that themicrophone points only.

Installing HeadphonesUsing headphones while you are recording will allow you to hear exactly whatsounds are being recorded. To install the microphone, simply plug themicrophone cord into the matching input jack on the camera. This is marked onthe camera with the word “Mic.”

The headphones can be installed by plugging them into the camera directly belowthe microphone jack.

Rewind…

• Sony Camera is betterfor low-light. Canon isbetter for well-lit areas.

• Label & rewind tape.

• An externalmicrophone improvessound quality.

• Use headphones whilerecording to hear justwhat is being recorded.

ActivityReport to the DMC Equipment Room, select a camera, tripod, tape, microphone andheadphones. Install this equipment as described earlier in this chapter. As you complete thisactivity, use a dry-erase marker to check off the steps listed in the Guide Sheet, and answer thequestion on the next page.

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Questions

Directions: List the 6 pieces of equipment needed for each video shoot.

1. ________________________

2. ________________________

3. ________________________

4. ________________________

5. ________________________

6. ________________________

Directions: Complete the Yes / No question.

Did you complete the checklist on the laminated Guide Sheet? YES / NO

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Check Your Answers

6 Pieces of Equipment Needed

1. Camera

2. Tripod

3. Microphone

4. Headphones

5. Battery

6. Tape

If you were unable to answer these questions correctly or check off all the tasks, please review

Chapter 1 before moving on.

If you are able to list the 6 pieces of equipment

needed, and if you checked off the tasks in the

first part of the Guide Sheet, you can move on to

Chapter 2.

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Chapter 2: Selecting a Filming

Location

Choosing your filming location wisely is crucial to shooting quality video. Thereare two main things to consider when choosing an appropriate filming location;lighting and sound.

LightingWhen you began this training, you were asked to imagine a video created earlierthis year that contained clips in which the subjects were dark and hard to see. Thepeople in this video were hard to see because of “back-lighting.” This is acommon video problem that is very easy to solve. Just make sure there is nowindow or major light source behind the person or action you are videotaping.

The diagram below shows an example of 2 different lighting conditions. Whenyou choose a location, find a front-lit spot.

SoundBefore you start videotaping, go to your filming location and just listen. Do youhear slamming lockers, hall traffic, yelling students or other distracting sounds?If you can hear them, your camera will record them. They may even soundmagnified on tape. Make your recording from a quiet location. For example,record your scene in the library instead of a noisy hallway, the gym lobby insteadof in the gym, or just outside the entry doors instead of in the busy main lobby.

Back-lit LocationThe light comes from behind andmakes the subject too dark to see

clearly.

Front-lit LocationThe light comes from the front and

makes the subject more clearlyvisible.

Chapter

Objectives


Select a filminglocation

Identify a quietlocation.

Identify a front-litfilming location.

Set up equipment onlocation.

Position the tripod withcamera.

Power on and test theequipment.

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Setting Up Equipment on Location

Once you have found a quiet, front-lit filming location, you will need to set up your camera and tripod. Lookaround the area and place your tripod in a spot where youcan clearly see the person or action you are recording.Make sure there are no obstructions to your view.

1. Open the tripod legs to the widest possible stance.2. Adjust the height of the tripod using the leg locks and

height adjustment crank.3. Secure the camera on the tripod.4. Point the camera toward the action.5. Loosen the tripod control arm so that the camera can

be turned smoothly during recording.6. Level the camera by turning the knob

Power On and Test the EquipmentAlways make sure the camera and microphone areworking properly prior to recording. On the videocamera, turn the green button down toward “camera.”Open the viewfinder and confirm that you can see animage there. Is it lined up well? Try zooming in and back out to determine the best position to start with.

Experiment with all tripod adjustments so that you can achieve the best possible camera angle and view. Makesure that you will be comfortable if filming for an extended period of time. You may even need a chair to sit in!

Pause!In T.V. and film, the moving image is an illusion. What we really see is a series of still imageswhich change very rapidly. This trick to our eyes is called “Persistence of Vision” and it isalso what makes animation art convincing.

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Camera Level Knob

Height Adjustment

ControlArm

Leg Locks


Testing Equipment (Continued)Now turn on the microphone by switching the button toward the “On” position.With the headphones installed, tap on the microphone gently. Can you hear thetap through the headphones? If you cannot, you either have the microphone orheadphones plugged in incorrectly or the battery in the microphone is dead.Replacement batteries are in the Equipment Room. The picture below showswhere to plug the external microphone into the video camera.

Microphone Input Jack

Rewind…

• Choose a quiet filminglocation. Backgroundnoise is obvious in arecording and oftensounds louder.

• Choose a front-litfilming location. Lightbehind your subject willmake the person hard tosee.

• Test your equipmentbefore recording timestarts.

ActivitySet up the video equipment in the Digital Media Classroom as in a mock filming situation,referring to the Guide Sheet as necessary. Then use a dry-erase marker to check off thecompleted steps in the on the laminated Guide Sheet and answer the questions on thefollowing page.

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Questions

Directions: In the following list, determine which one is an example of a quiet location.

A. The hallway between periods.

B. A homeroom classroom.

C. The cafeteria during lunch.

D. The library entry hall during a class period



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Check Your Answers

In the following list, determine which one is an example of a quiet location.

A. The hallway between periods.

B. A homeroom classroom.

C. The cafeteria during lunch.

D. The library entry hall during a class period - This is the quietest location listed above. The other areas would

contain traffic, voices and background noise.

If you were unable to answer this question correctly or check off all the tasks, please review


If you were able to answer this question correctly,

and if you checked off the tasks on the Guide

Sheet, you can move on to Chapter 3.

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Chapter 3: Recording VideoNow you’re ready to record your video. It seems easy enough; you just pressrecord, right? Wrong. There are other decisions you need to make along the way,such as, when to zoom in and how to follow a moving subject.

RecordingIf the person or event you are videotaping is not moving or is stationed at acertain spot, then you will keep the camera still and just press the red “record”button near your right thumb. You will see a red indicator light when you look atthe viewfinder. Lock the tripod control arm so that your camera won’t move.The camera will focus automatically on a subject that is not moving.

If your subject does move, follow the subject by moving the camera. Using thecontrol arm of the tripod, slowly rotate the camera in the direction of the person’smovement.

ChapterObjectives

Upon completion of thischapter, you will be ableto:

Record video.

Determine if subject ismoving.

Follow the subject withlead space.

Maintain camerastillness to allow focus.

Zoom and pangradually.

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Always provide lead space in front of a moving subject. This means to allow spacefor the subject to walk into by aiming the camera slightly ahead of the person. Thismakes a video smooth and easier to watch.

No Lead SpaceThis person appears to be moving out ofthe picture, no lead space is provided.This would require the camera to movethe camera quickly to keep the subjecton-screen.

Lead SpaceHere he appears to have space to “walkinto.” This is an example of providinglead space. This would make the videomore steady and smooth.


ZoomingAt times, zooming in while recording video can make the production more interesting. Zooming can make acertain part of a video carry more importance or have more impact. For example, you may want to show adetail such as a handshake between two people. Zooming in on a handshake draws attention to it and stressesthe importance of this handshake. In a football game, zooming in on a wide receiver at the time of anoutstanding catch emphasizes the significance of that play.

Zooming is easy. There is a zoom control on the camera above the “record” button. Shifting this button slowlyallows for a gradual zoom. Be careful though, if you zoom too rapidly, your audience will feel jarred by thesudden motion!

Pause!Filmmaker, Ken Burns, is known for creating thought-provoking documentaries such as “TheCivil War.” Burns gives life to still photos in his movies by slowly panning or zooming acrossthem. The increases their visual impact. Apple Computer Company’s iMovie program hasnamed it’s pan and zoom tool the “Ken Burns Effect.”

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Zoom Control


PanningIt may be important to move the camera off the subject and record to the left orright of the main action. This is called “panning.” Panning can help you set thescene by showing the audience the setting of the event.

When you pan, use the tripod control arm, as pictured above, and move thecamera slowly from one side to the other. This motion should be very slow andgradual. Remember to tighten the control arm when panning is complete so thatyour camera stays stationary.

Rewind…

• Use tripod locks tokeep camera still.

• Provide lead space formoving subject.

• Zoom gradually toemphasis or showdetail.

• Pan slowly to show thesetting.

ActivityMake a one-minute video with sound incorporating a gradual zoom, pan, following a movingsubject, and maintaining camera stillness. When you’re done recording, use a dry-erasemarker to check off the completed steps on the laminated Guide Sheet then answer thequestion on the following page.

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Questions

Directions: Complete the Yes/No question.

Did you see the red indicator during your recording? YES / NO



Page 16


Check Your Answers

When recording, you should see a red indicator light in the viewfinder.

If you were unable to answer this question correctly or check off all the tasks, please review



and if you checked off the tasks on Guide Sheet,

you can move on to Chapter 4.

Page 17


Chapter 4: Testing Recorded Video

After recording some video, it is always a good idea to test the recorded footageto make sure that it is there, and that it is acceptable. In order to view videofootage that has been recorded, the camera must be switched to VCR Mode. Thisis the same button as was used to record the footage, it is just turned in theopposite direction, toward the word, “VCR.”

Operate Camera in VCR Mode1. Turn the camera’s power button toward the word, “VCR.”2. Open the viewfinder.3. Press Rewind on top of camera.4. Press Play on top of camera to view footage.

Chapter

Objectives


Test RecordedFootage

Operate Camera inVCR Mode toPlayback Footage

Determine if Videois Audible andVisible

Cue Tape inPreparation forDownload

Pause!The two seconds experimental film, by Louis Le Prince on October 14, 1888 in Roundhay,Leeds, West Yorkshire, England is generally recognized as the earliest surviving motionpicture .

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Is Video Audible and Visible?Now is the time to determine if your video is easy to see and hear. Simply watchthe footage in the viewfinder, listen with the headphones and ask yourself thesequestions while watching:

1. Can I see the person or event clearly?2. Is the camera work steady?3. Are pans and zooms gradual?4. Are the voices or sounds easy to hear?

If you answer no to any questions, you may need to re-record the video, ifpossible. When re-recording, don’t tape over the footage you already shot. Theremay be some parts that are useful.

Watching this video is easy because it is short, but in the case of a longer video,instead of watching the whole thing, at least view it in test spots, such asbeginning, middle and end.

If your original footage is acceptable, rewind the tape and cue it to the right spotin preparation for downloading it.

Steps in the process cueing a tape in preparation for download:

1. Switch camera to VCR Mode2. Open the viewfinder.3. Press the “rewind” button on the top of camera.4. Rewind the beginning of recorded footage.5. Turn camera off.

Rewind…

• Use the VCR mode toplayback footage.

• Use rewind/playbuttons to navigatethrough footage.

• Listen and look atquality of video.

• Re-record to improvevideo if necessary andpossible.

• Always cue the tape tothe right spot fordownloading.

ActivityNow switch your camera to the VCR mode to review the one-minute video you recordedearlier. Watch and listen to your footage. When you’re done testing the footage, use a dry-erase marker to check off the completed steps on the laminated Guide Sheet then answer thequestion on the following page.

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Questions

Directions: Complete the following Yes/No question.

Can you see the video at the beginning, middle and end spots? YES / NO



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Check Your Answers

You should have been able to review the video in the viewfinder and with headphones.

If you were unable to see your footage, or did not check off all the tasks, please review Chapter

4 before moving on.

If you were able to test your video footage, and if

you checked off the tasks on the Guide Sheet, you

can move on to Chapter 5.

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Chapter 5: Downloading and Saving

Video

Now you are ready to download the video. This means that you will transfer thevideo from the camera to the computer.

Connect Camera to ComputerUse a Firewire cable, to connect the camera to the computer. The symbol on oneend of the cable matches up with the same symbol on the computer. The otherend of the cable is inserted into the camera behind the flexible flap.

Create an iMovie FileOpen the iMovie application on your computer. You will be prompted to create anew movie file and title it. Choose a title that is brief but does describe the video.Look around the iMovie screen, you should see a large viewing area (top left), aclips pane (right) and a storyline workspace (bottom). The video you willdownload will soon appear in the clips pane.

Chapter

Objectives


Download Video

Connect Camera toComputer

Create an iMovieFile

Import Video intoiMovie

Save iMovie File

Pause!By the 1920s, Hollywood was producing an average of 800 feature filmsannually. At this time, silent comedies of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keatonwere popular.

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Follow these steps to download the video:

1. Switch camera to VCR mode.2. Click on the the camera icon in iMovie.3. Click on IMPORT button in iMovie.

The camera will begin playing and you will see the video on the computer screen.If the IMPORT button is blue, then you are successfully downloading (importing)the video onto the computer.

What if I can’t see my video when I try to import?

Try unplugging the Firewire cable, then plug it back in. Alsopower-off the camera and then turn it back on. This usuallyresolves camera-computer connection problems.

It is important to save your movie file often while working with it. To do this,click on the FILE menu, the SAVE PROJECT. When importing is complete, quitthe iMovie application completely. To quit an application on a MAC computer,click on the name of the program, and click QUIT.

Rewind…

• Use a Firewire cableto connect camera tocomputer.

• Use iMoviesoftware.

• Camera must be inVCR mode.

• Look for theIMPORT button iniMovie.

• Save often!

ActivityCreate an iMovie file, download your one-minute video, and save this file, referring theinstructional packet for assistance. When you’re done with this activity, use a dry-erasemarker to check off the completed steps on the laminated Guide Sheet then answer thequestion on the following page.

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Questions

Directions: Write the correct word in the blank.

Which menu is the SAVE option under in the iMovie application? _____________________



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Check Your Answers

Which menu is the SAVE option under in the iMovie application? FILE.

If you did not answer this question correctly, or did not check off all the tasks, please review



and if you checked off the tasks on the Guide

Sheet, you can move on to Chapter 6.

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Chapter 6: Storing Video Equipment

Powering-off Equipment

It is important to remember to turn the camera and microphone off before storingthem so that it does not drain the batteries or wear out the pieces of equipment.

To turn off the camera, turn the power button to the“Off” position as pictured to the right. Be sure that youhave not turned it too far, which is easy to do.Turning it too far will switch it to a different mode andwill drain its power.

To turn off the microphone, switch the power dial to the“Off” position as pictured here.

Also open the lid to the battery, which preventscontact between the battery and terminal, thusdraining the microphone battery.

Chapter

Objectives


Power-offEquipment.

Store Equipment

Pause!There is a camera today that is used to capture quick bursts of video to play backin slow-motion. It can capture a bullet being fired from a gun and the bullet canbe seen clearly, in slow motion. The camera does this by capturing up to 2000still frames per second. A normal video camera captures 30 frames per second.

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Storing EquipmentThis diagram shows where to store the equipment you have used.

Rewind…

• Always turn off thecamera andmicrophone.

• Always “pop” thebattery of themicrophone.

• Store equipment asdiagrammed so it isorganized.

ActivityTurn off your video equipment and microphone and store all of it in the Equipment Room asdirected in this chapter. When you’re done with this activity, use a dry-erase marker to checkoff the completed steps on the laminated Guide Sheet then answer the question on thefollowing page.

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Questions



Directions: List the two pieces of equipment that need to be powered off at the end of eachrecording session.

1. _____________________2. _____________________

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Check Your Answers

Directions: List the two pieces of equipment that need to be powered off at the end of eachrecording session.

1. _____(Camera)2. _____(Microphone)

If you were unable to the question correctly, or if you weren’t able to check off the taskson the Guide Sheet, review Chapter 6.

If you were able to answer this question

correctly, and if you checked off the tasks on the

Guide Sheet, you can move on to the Conclusion.

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Conclusion: Bringing It All TogetherYou’re almost there! You have assembled your equipment, set up on location,

recorded video, tested the footage and imported the clips into iMovie. Now you

need to see if the video you created contains the techniques you have practiced in

this training.

1. Open the video in iMovie.

2. Watch the entire one-minute production.

3. While watching the video, answer the following questions:

Self-Evaluation

Directions: Answer the followingYES / NO questions:

• Has your file been saved? YES /NO

• Is your movie visible? YES /NO

• Is your video audible? YES /NO

Directions: Rate the quality ofeach technique used in your video,0-5 (5 being the highest quality)

• Zooming 0 1 2 3 4 5

• Panning 0 1 2 3 4 5

• Lead Space 0 1 2 3 4 5

• Steadiness 0 1 2 3 4 5

• Sound 0 1 2 3 4 5

Overall

Objectives

When using videoequipment, you will be ableto:

shoot in-focus videowith slow pans andzooms

provide lead ahead ofsubject of video

avoid backlit and darkfilming locations

shoot video with soundthat maintains level andaudible volume

by following all steps listedin the laminated guide sheet.

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It’s A Wrap!Congratulations. You have completed the “Ready,Aim, Shoot Better Video” training. You now will havemore success in recording high quality videos.

Continue to practice these skills

and apply them to videos you

record at home or at school!

Great Job!Now that you are a skilled videographer, take it a stepfarther. Here’s a challenge: use iMovie to edit your video.

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Guide SheetReady, Aim, Shoot Better Video!

Guide SheetReady, Aim, Shoot Better Video!

Directions: Check off tasks as you complete them

during the activity sections of each chapter.

Chapter 1 Assemble Video Equipment

Camera to tripod

Insert tape & rewind

Install battery

Check for battery charge

Install microphone & headphones

Chapter 2 Select Filming Location and Set Up

Equipment on Location

Select a quiet filming location

Select a front-lit filming location

See an image when the camera was turned on

Hear sound through the headphones when the

microphone was turned on and tapped

Chapter 3 Record Video

Record Video

Determine if the Subject is Moving

Follow the Subject with Lead Space

Maintain Camera Stillness to Allow Focus

Zoom and Pan Gradually

Directions: Check off tasks as you complete them

during the activity sections of each chapter.

Chapter 4 Test Recorded Video

Test Recorded Footage

Operate Camera in VCR Mode to Playback

Footage

Determine if Video is Audible and Visible

Cue Tape in Preparation for Download

Chapter 5 Download & Save Video

Download Video

Connect Camera to Computer

Create an iMovie File

Import Video into iMovie

Save iMovie File

Chapter 6 Store Equipment

Power off camera and microphone

Remove camera from tripod

Remove tape from camera

Plug camera into charger

Place camera on shelf, tripod in corner

Remove mic from camera, place on shelf

Remove headphones and mic, place on shelf

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Works Cited

Images

1. Sony Handycam image on Cover Page and Page 2 attributed to My§tery_§uzivia Creative Commons License.

2. Movie reel image watermarked on Table of Contents attributed tohttp://www.physics.brown.edu.

3. Pause and play and rewind button images attributed to www.healthbolt.net.

4. Lighting example image on page 10 attributed tohttp://www.techlearning.com.

5. Applause image on multiple pages attributed to: http://www.rockcentral.co.uk

6. All other images created by author.

Information

1. Pause Facts attributed to http://inventors.about.com

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Entertainment & Humor

Instructional Materials