Own a video camera but not sure of its capabilities? This course will help you master the basics of using your own camera. Find out how everything works, and where the bells and whistles are. Students will combine classroom tutorials with practical exercises to figure out how to make the most of their own equipment. This course will help anyone from the home video maker to the budding filmmaker.

Students must bring a video camera. Tripods are also welcome but not essential. Cameras will ideally be digital video cameras. Please, no mobile phones.

Agenda

Day 1:

• Introductions: Tutor, students, cameras.
• Cameras: All about the different kinds of video camera, including storage.
• Batteries: How to take care of them, things to watch out for.
• Sound: How to record the best sounds, and what to look for in a microphone.
• Framing the Shot: How to create a wide range of different kinds of shots
• Moving the Shot: Panning, tilting and more.
• Focus: Keeping things sharp.
• Exposure: Making sure your shots are lit properly.
• Using the White Balance: Getting the colours right.
• Using the Shutter: Controlling the speed of the video.
• Lighting: Using natural light.
• Lighting: Using artificial light, including a DIY light kit.
• Trick Shots: Some final ideas for the practical.

Day 2:

Practical: The Single Camera Interview

• Students use what they have learned previously to film each other in an improvised interview situation.
• Teams of three (interviewer, interviewee, camera person) improvise an interview. This will teach students how to best film someone who is talking, in any scenario.
• Students then to watch back what they filmed and discuss.

LUNCH

Practical: The Drama or Doco sequence

• Students use what they have learned previously to film each other in either an improvised drama scene or a documentary style piece. Alternatively, students can pretend to be at a party or wedding and take turns filming each other, to highlight the home or hobby users’ needs.
• Students will be encouraged to include at least one close shot, one mid shot, one wide shot, one moving shot and one ‘trick’ shot. Lighting and sound must also be considered.
• Students then watch back what they filmed and discuss.

h3.Outcomes

By the end of the course the student will be able to:

• understand how video cameras work in general, and their own in particular;
• feel more skilled and competent when using their camera;
• take proper care of their camera and be informed for further purchases;
• create better looking videos for home or work purposes;
• feel confident that they can develop their new skills further if they choose.

Other Information

PLS NOTE: All classes need a minimum number of students to go ahead. If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled and you will be informed. Courses are usually cancelled, when necessary, 2 working days prior to the scheduled start date.***Please be aware that you may be informed of a cancellation &/or change via SMS or E-mail.