Shooting an Instructional Video

[Mr.V]

Hello Folks

I am about to start planing on the production of an instructional video for a painter in his studio (gonna be shooting with my Canon Hv20).
This will be my first time producing/shooting a professional thing.
The script is ready so much for the start....now i have to start thinking about lighting, sound recording and editing part.

Now i would really aprittiate tipps or suggestion on things a noobie like me would easily overlook when making a professional vid.
Maybe someone knows lecture that would help me out.
I recon amazon has thousands of those but maybe u guys know exactly or roughly the books or similar that could help me out or instruct me.

Many thanks in advance
Mr.V

[rjfiske]

Any chance you have access to a 2nd camera? I noticed when I used to watch Bob Ross (remember him???!!!!) that leaving aside the quality of the video and his haircut, they'd show a close-up of the paint strokes and occasionally show a wide shot of the painting. They'd also show what the paint brush looked like up close when he loaded it. Really helped me out personally to see the effects and technique he was utilizing.

[kafeero]

30 dollar film school
by michael dean
http://www.amazon.com/30-Film-School-distribute-no-budget/dp/1592000673
great book. down to earth. motivational.
Twas this book that pushed me to shoot a documentary.

[Mr.V]

Thanks guys!!
That was the feedback i was looking for!!

I checked out the "30 dollar film school" book on amazon but the masses are devided on it.:hv20-smilie51:
Some rave about it other comment it as useless.
Have u read or heard about this book http://www.amazon.de/Digital-Filmmaking-101-Low-Budget-Low-budget/dp/1932907238/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1F7WJCNHLW81N&colid=3H5WFLVWRDT5M
I know its aimed at making features but maybe there is some wisdom in it!

And yes i was planning on some multiangle shots, i might have to rent an extra cam.So thanks for the bob ross tipp

Read you later

[kafeero]

I guess people are divided on "30 dollar film school" cause it goes for a DIY approach.
As for digital filmaking 101, the people seem to be even more divided on it.

For "30 dollar film school" there is only one 1-star with no 2-stars
for digital filmmaking 101 there are two 1-stars and two 2-stars. there are also less 5-star than "30 dollar film school".

http://www.amazon.com/30-Film-School-Second/dp/1598631896/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206049036&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Filmmaking-101-Essential-Producing/dp/0941188337

[Erik Bien]

It's also possible to mimic a third camera angle with a strategically placed mirror (http://www.markertek.com/SearchProduct.asp?item=TE%2D360&off=19&sort=prod&skuonly=0&search=mirror&pagesize=20).

[Erik Bien]

As I recall, Bob Ross would shoot an entire season of shows in one day, just enough time to clean the brushes and change his shirt then on to the next painting! :eek:

[MithrilFox]

You really need two cameras to do it well. The reason is simple: both cameras are running all the time, and the first (main) camera gives you the static wide-angle (or medium) shot along with consistent audio (no breaks in the audio).

The secondary camera allows you to change positions, which mainly means lots of close-ups, like the painting itself, the color palette, the brushes, the stroke technique, etc.

Also, for the most consistency, it's easiest to use two of the same camera.

Without two cameras, you'll have to move the camera around, and without breaking up the audio, you'll be forced to show them your movements.

[Mr.V]

Thanks Fox! very logical advice and good arguments.

I guess i will need a different camera set after all or improvise.
Filming indoors is the achilles heel of the hv20 so i will probably have a hard time mixing it with footage of the EX1 (i was planning on renting that cam).
I have seen indoors footage shot with the EX1 and it just floors you!!!

About the book i guess i will keep looking for a specific one. you know about docus or instructional videos. Keep the good feedback up!!!

Thanks folks

[Mr.V]

bump*

[guy]

...i have to start thinking about lighting, sound recording and editing part.

Lighting: A large light source will give you even, diffused lighting without a lot of deep shadows. I use a 24" x 32" softbox. I use a grid with my softbox to control the light even further. Softboxes are generally available as rentals. If your budget is tight, an umbrella will also work, though it's harder to control the light (tends to spill everywhere). You could make a light diffuser or softbox on the cheap, but I advise against it -- you will have your hands more than full without having to worry about your equipment.

Audio: A clip-on lavaliere mic will minimize the excessive echo or reverberation that's often found in spaces with hard surfaces. Wireless is less hassle for both you and your talent. I occasionally use an inexpensive Azden at work, and it's acceptable. My personal system is a Sennheiser G2 and it's much better.

In general, do everything you can possibly do to simplify your equipment wrangling so that you can focus on the content.

Also, be sure to let the camera roll for a few seconds before and after each shot -- makes things easier when editing.

Good luck!

[Rikki]

Use decent light and the HV20 will be fine, most camcorders are sh1t in low light.

[tcindie]

As I recall, Bob Ross would shoot an entire season of shows in one day, just enough time to clean the brushes and change his shirt then on to the next painting! :eek:

That's just one of the reasons that Bob Ross is so great.

[Mr.V]

Thanks so much! great advices so far...