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YOUR CHANCE TO BE ON T.V.
SEGMENT DESIGN .... CREW STYLE
At 'THE CREW we have developed our own method of designing our stories. This method is simple and can be applied across a wide range of application including final year, video based assessment tasks.
Our method is as follows:-
STEP 1 Get an idea of what you would like to do.
STEP 2 Grab a group of friends.
STEP 3 Research your topic widely.
STEP 4 Brainstorm the topic:- What would you like to include in your segment? Be adventurous even outrageous!!!. It often helps to create a mind map on a white board to keep track of your ideas.
STEP 5 Write down all the ideas no matter how small or ridiculous.
STEP 6 Work through each idea one by one and discuss how it could be achieved.
STEP 7 Make a new list of ideas that could actually work. Be creative but also realistic. ( You may need to let go of that chopper shot you really needed. ...... come on just let it go!!
STEP 8 Now sequence the new ideas list to give a roughly logical development to your segment. Remember a segment will need an intro, development and a logical conclusion.STEP 9 If your ideas require interviews or the use of special locations, inquire as to the possibilities of getting the access to what you need. Remember all of this will take time and most often more than you plan for!!
STEP 10 Design your interview questions. There are a range of different types of questions you can use. The main problem that most students encounter is the over use of closed questions. Start the interview as wide as possible. If needed probe and narrow down as the interview progresses. Run your questions by your English teacher before you embark on your shoot. They are generaly the Gu Rus of question design.
Just a hint When you are doing an interview dont 'try' too hard to make good television. Just have a natural conversation with your interviewee and let your camera operator capture the process. Use your questions as a guide only. If you need to look at them during the interview, make it obvious that that is what you are doing.
STEP 11 Check the availability of gear. Do you need lights? How about audio? Are you going to use a mic, Do you need a tripod or moving support? Are you going to use a computer system for editing or will you use in camera editing instead? What about transport?
STEP 12 Check crew availability, schedule shoot times and enjoy.
REMEMBER:- Look at the PRODUCTION COURSE lessons and the VIDEO TIPS sections for hints on how to shoot good video. Don't over shoot, a segment is only around 4 mins long. Typically you may end up with 60 mins of footage to reduce to the 4 min segment. For more info go to 'EXPANDED PRODUCTION NOTES' below:-)
EDITING:- Most people tend to underestimate the amount of time that editing takes. Generally editing will take up to 20 time longer than shooting!!
For a more detailed description on the issues, techniques and processes associated with producing a video segment click below.
Vox pops are one of the easiest segments to produce. They can also be alot of fun and fairly random. They can also be a great feature of an issues based story. Click heading for the instruction on how to shoot a vox pop.
OH&S Issues
Safety is really important!!! .... no really!!!
For every shoot that you do you should carefully analyze all the safety aspects. There are three main questions to ask yourself. They are:-
1) How will my shoot effect the public, will they be safe?
2) How will my shoot effect my crew and myself, will we all be safe?
3) What about my gear, will it be safe? Make a list of all issues. Actually write them down and get someone to check to make sure that you haven't missed anything. All issues that arise will need to be addressed. Don't take chances you can get the best shot in the world but if you die getting it..... well it could put a dampener on your day!!
Also consider the possible crew needs during your shoot e.g., drinking water, food, first aid kit, etc.