presentation for Knowledge Sharing + Capacity Development training, Integrated Seed Sector Development Programme in Ethiopia, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, July 2012

1. Video + Photo Shooting Tips
Mirjam Schaap
Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation (CDI)
Knowledge Sharing + Capacity Development training
Integrated Seed Sector Development Programme in Ethiopia,
Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, July 2012

2. Before you start: get your camera ready
 Study the manual
 Know all camera functions
 Charge batteries
 Check memory space / empty tapes / cards
 Try to get a tripod (esp. for filming)

3. Before you start video: make a plan
 What do you want to tell / achieve
 Who will watch
 Where will video be shown ?
 Internet: short (<5 minutes, aim at 2-3 minutes);
 Internet: NO mid shot, NO long shot, NO wide shot
 Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How
 Make a storyboard

4. Make a storyboard – on cards or sheet
1. the drawings fill the whole
“frame”
2. everything drawn in the “frame”
is there for a good reason – they
add to the story
3. they use a variety of “close-
ups”, “mid shots”, and “wide

5. Storyboard : 10-25 frames for < 5 min. movie
Draw what you will see in
the shot.
Fill the whole “frame” with
the drawing
everything drawn is there
for a good reason – they
add to the story
use a variety of shot types
describe the shot - everything
that you will see
describe what you will hear
write comments (if needed)
For photo’s
use modified storyboard to
list photo’s you need
no audio
In the “frame” Next to the “frame”

6. Types of shots - examples
 Close-up (CU) Medium Close Up (MCU)
 Mid shot (MS) Long Shot (LS)

7. To tell story with film / photo’s
 Use the “5 shot method – 10 seconds method”
 always shoot at least 5 shots for a sequence
 of every situation at least 5 shots
 Close up face
 Close up hands
 Medium shot hands + face
 Over the shoulder
 Something else over the shoulder
 Always hold each shot for at least 10 seconds (film only)
 Try to capture sound to use in editing later

8. Shooting video/photo: Location and Light
 Make sure you have enough light;
 Try to shoot outside in natural light, not inside;
 Try to avoid too much light (avoid mid-day);
 Try to avoid too much contrast (f.i white cloth – dark face);
 Avoid shooting into the sun or backlighting :
 keep the sun in your back or from the side
 Try to find a location that will illustrate the story;
 Film: Avoid moving backgrounds (no waving leaves)

9. Sound is most important part of video
 Use external microphone + headset if possible
 Find a quiet place to do the interview
 avoid background noise + wind
 If no external microphone available :
 be aware of the position of the built in microphone
 Get close to the person to get better sound
 Record extra sound to use later

10. Control camera movement (video)
 Avoid camera movement (use tri-pod !!!)
 Avoid panning (=moving camera left or right)
 Avoid zooming (better stop/pause – move – start}
 180 degree rule (don’t cross line)

11. Composition (photo + film)
 Internet: Use close ups (CU)
or medium close ups (MCU)
 Photo +Film: Rule of thirds!
 Position yourself next to camera
 Ask interviewee to maintain eye contact with you
 Do not film the front but a little bit the side
 Keep space in direction the person is talking (lead)
 When using a photo camera/ mobile phone: landscape !

12. Shooting (Film)
 Use shotlist (+ protect it with your life)
 Also use to write down names / phonenumbers
 If you are going to edit afterwards:
 Shot length 10-15 seconds (minimum)
 Shoot fat (start before action, keep rolling after)
 If you are not going to edit afterwards:
 Plan your storyboard very well
 use pause button to stop/restart (if possible)
Title
What’s happening
Quality notes
Use/throw
Time code
Start/end

13. Enjoy your filming !
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