Pre- Production

SKILL DEFINITION & VOCABULARY

What is pre-production?

In this stage of Video Production, you will be planning out your project and creating the resources needed to effectively communicate your ideas. Please familiarize yourself with the vocabulary for Video Production

These resources include the following:

Storyboard & Shooting Script
Shot List
Interview Rehearsals
Music selection

Use the tutorials below to help you understand each of these stages...

Camera Shots

Good video production starts with a well thought out plan. Even before you pick up your camera and begin to record, it's important to understand the basics of video shooting.

4 of the most famous camera shots are described below. Take a look at the image and read the description carefully. Use the cheatsheet to the right to check out all of the Camera Shots (Framing).

Extreme Long Shot (ELS)

Captures a wide area
Shows your entire subject and the surroundings
Provides context for your scene

Long Shot (LS)

Captures your subject from head to toe
The point of the focus is the subject
Shows action

Medium Shot (MS)

Captures the subject from the waist up
Directs the viewer to the subject

Close Up (CU)

Captures a close view of the subject
The subject fills the entire frame

Camera Movements

Camera movements are the techniques used to move the camera while you are recording your subject. When done well, camera movements can really improve your footage. But when done poorly, camera movements can be distracting negatively impact your video production.

Four of the most famous camera shots are described below. Take a look at the image and read the description carefully.

Pan - side to side (commonly utilized to capture images of moving objects )

the camera is aimed sideways along a straight line
the camera itself does not move, it is often fixed on tripod
the operator turning it either left or right.

Tilt - up and down

the camera moves up and down
can be used to show the height of something like a building

Dolly - the camera is moved forward or backward

used when recording a subject that moves away or toward the camera
camera should be mounted on a wheeled-platform

Zoom - magnify the subject

use of the camera feature to magnify or get closer to the subject

Tutorials

Storyboarding

Storyboarding is an integral part of the design process when making a video. It acts as your 1st draft for how you think your video will end up. You can change it along the way, but it gives you a good idea of what to need to shoot. Check out this side-by-side comparison of the original storyboards from Monster's, Inc. and how they were realized in the film.

There are many different types of storyboards out there, but there the 4 elements below are usually outlined:

Sketch of basic idea of the story
Camera Shot (Framing)
Detail of what will happen in the shot
Camera Movements

Camera Shot (Framing) Example

Camera Movement Example

Basic Storyboarding Template

Storyboard Template: Basic

The basic storyboard template includes only some of the elements you should consider when planning your video.

Elements included:

Duration: MM:SS

Framing: ECU (Extreme Close-Up), CU (Close-Up), MS (Medium Shot), LS (Long Shot), ELS (Extreme Long Shot)

Content: This is where you describe what is happening in the scene in detail.

Script (if any): This is where you will write any script that needs to be read.

Advanced Storyboarding Template

Storyboard Template

The advanced storyboard template includes all of the elements you should consider when planning your video.

Elements included:

Duration: MM:SS

Framing: ECU (Extreme Close-Up), CU (Close-Up), MS (Medium Shot), LS (Long Shot), ELS (Extreme Long Shot)

Transition: Cross-dissolve, Fade to Black / white, screen wipe L / R, cut, etc.

Angle: High angle, Low angle, Eye level, Over the Shoulder

Camera Mounting: Hand-held, Tripod, Dollying, Trucking, Crane, Drone, etc

Content: This is where you describe what is happening in the scene in detail.

Spoken Text:

Written Text (if any):

Title:

Subtitles:

Music / Sounds (artist and credits): Any song you use and the composer

Visual FX: Ken Burns, Green Screen, Picture in Picture, etc.

Audio FX: Audio software sound effects

Video Shot List: Name

Video Shot list

The shot list is important when you are ready to begin rehearsing your shots with your actors. It allows you to plan out what needs to be done, who needs to be there and what information you will need in terms of blocking out the action!

A4 Template

Interview Rehearsals

If you require an interview with someone, it's important to have a script of questions ready to give them so they can prepare their answers. These interview will be a part of your A-roll. Create the questions and practice them on a peer before going into the actual interview. Also consider the use of a tripod, lighting and sound techniques before going into an interview.

Music Selection

If you are ready to go with your script and storyboard, think about what type of music you will have in the background of your video. Music can quite often make or break a video. Here are some things to consider when selecting or composing a piece of music:

Genre - Selecting classical music for a chase scene might not have the same effect as heavy metal.
Tempo / Pace - For slow scenes, think about how fast your music is going?
Lyrics - Do you need them? Are they age-appropriate for your target audience?
Licensing - Does your music belong to you? If not, your final video might be banned from the internet!

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