Learn everything you need to know about producing single-camera video, from preproduction planning to setting up, rehearsing, shooting, editing, and delivering. Master lighting, audio, and editing techniques that will enhance the quality of your video projects and captivate your audience.
Simple, elegant, and easy to use, Single-Camera Video Production, Sixth Edition is a staple in any video student or artist's library. Whether you're just learning the basics of video production or you're a veteran who needs a refresher, this book provides you with a toolkit for understanding and implementing single-camera workflows, as well as how to use the single-camera format to its best advantage by emphasizing the importance of goals, audience analysis, and technology. This new edition has been updated to include:
Expanded sections on digital workflows, field and studio production, preproduction planning, audio, lighting, distribution, and editing techniques
Detailed gear lists covering the latest camera, recorder, audio, lighting, and stabilization equipment used in the industry today
Fresh tips on creating video for your target audience and exhibition platform and shooting for the editing process
Insider career advice, including tips on how to get an internship, interviewing, finding a job, and earning a promotion
A companion website (www.focalpress.com/cw/singlecam) with video examples of the techniques discussed in the book, as well as evolving updates on key technological shifts
Introduction
Additional Comments on the Sixth Edition
Acknowledgments
CHAPTER ONE
Production Philosophy
The Production Process
Importance of Goal, Objectives, and Audience Analysis
Importance of Workflow
Difference between Studio and Field Production
Importance of Technology
CHAPTER TWO
Aesthetics in Media Production
Importance of Aesthetics
Criticism and Critics
Cultural Differences
Reality
Summary
CHAPTER THREE
The Technology
Connecting the Read World to the Digital World
Limitations of Equipment
Audio Signals
Frequency
Amplitude
Measuring Audio Signals
Compression
Video Signals
Changing Light into Electrons
Scanning Systems, Formats, and Frame Rates
Measuring Video Signals
Video Compression
CHAPTER FOUR
The Equipment
Equipment Development
Cameras
Camera Types
Consumer Cameras
"Prosumer" and Industrial Cameras
DSLR Cameras
Professional Broadcast Cameras
Digital Cinema Cameras
Specialized Digital Cameras
Image Sensors and Optics
CCD and CMOS Chips
Optics
Focal Length
Focus
Aperture
Depth of Field
Viewfinder and Camera Controls
Viewfinder
Camera Controls
Bars/Gain Selector
Color Temperature Control/Filter Selector
White Balance
Camera Supports
Tripods and Body Mounts
Cranes, Dollies, and Pedestals
Handholding the Camera
Digital Recording
Recording
Recorder Operation
Audio
Microphone Types
Electronic Impedance
Pickup Pattern
Mounting Devices
Non-microphone Audio Sources
Which Audio Track to Use
Connecting Equipment
Cable Coiling
Power Connectors and Plugs
Audio Connectors
Video Connectors
Digital Connectors
Lighting
Properties of Light
Light Intensity
Hard vs Soft Light
Color Temperature of Light
Light Instruments: Floodlights
Light Instruments: Focusing Spotlights
Light Instruments: Fixed-Focus
Controlling Light
Power Sources
Measuring Light Intensity
Lighting Ratio
Contrast Ratio
CHAPTER FIVE
The Production Process: Preproduction
Preliminary Forms
The Proposal
The Treatment
Legal Considerations
Script Formats
Scene Script
Shooting Script
Script Formats
Single Column Format
Dual Column Format
Organizing Forms
Storyboards
Location Scouting
Sire Survey
Organizing Equipment and Crew
CHAPTER SIX
The Production Process: Production
Setting Up
Field Equipment Considerations
Camera Setup
Audio Preparation
Prompting Devices
Sets and Properties
Lighting Preparation
Controlling Color Temperature
Controlling Light Intensity
Contrast Range
Basic Three-Point Lighting
Backlight
Key Light
Fill Light
Kicker ad Set Lights
Multiple or Moving Subjects
Creative Lighting
Mood Lighting
Lighting for Time, Date, and Location
Directing and Rehearsing
Directing Talent
Rehearsal
Shooting
Shooting and Faming
Standard Shot Names
Framing Principles
Aspect Ratio
Critical Area
Lead Room or Edge Attraction
The Rule of Thirds
Creating Movement
Subject Movement
Camera Movement
Movement through Zooms
Z-Axis Movement
Graphic Force Movement
The Third Movement: Editing
Shoot to Edit
Continuity of Action
Continuity of Direction
Continuity of Location
Cover Shots
In-Camera Effects
Iris Fades
Roll or Rack Focus
Swish Pans and Zooms
Reversing Polarity
Digital in-Camera Effects
Logging and Striking
Striking
CHAPTER SEVEN
The Production Process: Postproduction
The Soul of Production
The Mind of an Editor: Equipment, Technique, and Aesthetics
Editing Workflow and Interface
Process Background
Nonlinear Film
Linear Electronic
Digital Nonlinear
Editing Equipment and Interface
Hardware
Software
Accessories
Technical Choices and Editing Workflow
Choices and Decisions
Operational Interface
Editing Workflow
Basic Editing
Transitions
Titles
Adding audio
Rendering
Aesthetics od Editing
Finishing, Output and Distribution
Finishing Workflow
Output Process
Destination Choices
CHAPTER EIGHT
Your Future
Introduction
Internship
Resume Writing
Composing a Cover Letter
The Portfolio
The Interview
Summary
FURTHER READING
GLOSSARY
INDEX
