Danny Thomas - Version 2

This second version of the video has been reduced in length to three minutes in line for submission, I have edited out a section of the interview that didn't quite fit into the flow of the video, and that allowed the detail shots of that section to be used elsewhere in the sequence, meaning the transition of Interview / Detail shots was more balanced.

Storyboard

There are a number of shots that I will be planning for before shooting this video, I have drawn up a plan using a storyboard. First of all I have planned for an interview shot with some lighting from the right of the frame. I'd also like to capture a shot of the subject walking along the street at the camera, passing or walking into a local music venue. Detail shots of the instruments he uses will add tot the video with slow panning camera work. Shots of him playing the instruments should not be rushed in terms of moving the camera to follow the subject.

I have also planned the sequence of questions that I will be asking for the interview, which will define the beginning, middle and end sections of the video, starting with current relative projects, reflecting over past achievements & inspirations, ending with plans for the future, which I think over three minutes works well.

1. Name / Hometown / Location
2. Current Projects
3. Past Projects
4. Influences
5. First Guitar
6. Other Instruments
7. Ambitions

I think that the audience I should be shooting this video for would be younger people interested in music, so I think that I should use frequent transitions from interview to detail shots that including some high energy clips,m maybe from live performances so that interest is not lost early into the 3 minutes. 

Danny Thomas - Version 1

I have now shot everything for the moving image element of On Assignment, here is the first version of my video. I have used an interview as the basis of the video, and shot a number of detail clips to use as cutaways, including live shots of SPOILS. I know that for the next version of my video I will have to lower the duration to three minutes, and I think that my removing some clips it will actually make the whole sequence flow better. I have also used 'Glass Snake's from SPOILS during the intro to the video which I think sets the tone nicely and better than starting the interview straight away. I would have liked to use some ambient noises that I have recorded when shooting the interview and also at the gig but I couldn't find a section in the video where this felt suitable. I was sure to use varying focal lengths when shooting, using mostly the 35mm & 50mm lens. For the interview I was sure to use a tripod to steady the camera, I thought I did pretty well in my efforts to steady the hand held clips, naturally there was some shake within the other clips but I think the Steadyshot feature of the Sony Alpha assisted well also! It was also a great experience to use manual focus throughout the shoots, and got some great results through the pull focus technique. During some of the recordings made for the interview, there seems to be some distracting variations in exposure, which seems to be triggered by the movement from the subject, I corrected this by changing the exposure meter from Spot to multi segment, this has settled the exposure and is noticeable when spotting differences in interview shots. 

This was also the first time that I have properly had the chance to use Adobe Premiere Pro, It was great to use this video editing software as the interface is clearly separated into four sections for a smooth workflow. I liked trimming imported clips in the source window before being placed on the sequence, it allowed less space to be taken up on the timeline, however I also used the clip tool for finer trimming. Once on the timeline I have used fade to & from black transitions at the In & Out markers of the sequence. I have used Cross Dissolve twice to emphasise the change in subject during the interview. From an audio perspective I thought the RODE Shotgun Mic did a fine job of picking up Danny's voice, I didn't find the need to lower the volume on this audio but like the visual elements I have used audio transitions (Contstant Power & Exponential Face) at the start & end of the video for a smoother feel overall. For the Glass Snakes audio I was sure to lower the volume & add transitions. I did some research for exporting the video, I knew that it would be hosted on Vimeo, so I read up on the recommended settings which was H.264. 

Research

There are some items within this music related video. I like that some of the music & audio has been used before a transition between frames. With my video subject matter, I can take this technique forward, as well as ideas of composition for my video.

Even though it's a slideshow of still images, I like the use of audio in this 'One in a million' story from the New York Times, the clarity of his voice and I'd like to take care in the capture of audio for my video, using an external microphone for the DSLR. There is also ambient noise featured which adds to the atmosphere to the video, giving it more life.

In class we watched some of Jim Mortrams video work, and I liked the timing, sequencing and effect the compositions of the beginning of the video, that sets the pace & tone for the rest of the video well.

I enjoyed this video from Amrit Vatsa because it has a few qualities that work well given the subject matter, the use of slow motion images elongates the action that is taking place, putting into perspective the speed of this sport and also the enjoyment that can be had whilst playing it, which shows the signs of a great documentary video. The shots from above are also well used, provided a birds eye view of the scale of which these events take place.

This video from Panos Pictures shows various ways still images can effect a video, varying the ways that they can be incorporated along side a moving image, using transitions & other effects to enhancing the story that is being told.


I have noticed a number of videos that are well put together at Kickstarter, they are also fairly short so that they can share their story without their potential investors loosing interest. In this particular video documenting bringing back Italian film, it features a number of interesting techniques of creating a film, including timelapse sequences & interviews, their is also clever use of text & on screen graphics to assist the story's translation onto screen.

The Moving Image

I have not ventured much into shooting video, especially on a DSLR I have shot some things for friends but I need to learn more, All I know at the moment is to turn auto focus off & use a proper microphone!

When first finding out abut this assignment I wasn't quite sure on a subject that could maintain interest over 3 minutes, but after spending time in the lecture with Annie Bungeroth I realised fast paced transitions from an interview & cutaways should fill up time quickly. recording ambient noise can add to the interest when watching a video, even as important as the visual element. The interview is a basis for the video, and remember that the subject should be speaking in full sentences independently, and not directly answering my questions to deliver the information.

Having watched Jim Mortram's video work in class, I can see that an interview based video is the way forward, however he uses cutaways exclusively at the beginning, leaving the interview shot to run for the videos entirety.

I have an idea of shooting a video of a guitarist, as he could have an interesting story, inspirations & aspirations that could keep a certain audience interested, with footage of him playing the instrument & commuting to and from a studio/venue possibly.

Of course a sporting theme would also interest me, so I'd like to bring back an idea I had during the first year, where I'd shadow a football referee from before, during & after a match. An interview could also be included to highlight the enjoyment, perks or aspects that he dislikes of his job.