Cohort #2, Session 3: Framing and Composition

ASSIGNMENT

Set up “interviews” with three people. Of course, do what you can - one person is better than none. It also doesn’t have to be an official person you would normally interview for work. It can be a family member or friend, just get them set up and snap a photo (you don’t even have to interview them, unless you just want to). Do a medium/wide shot and a tight shot. You can post the images in a post on our Facebook Group page.

Here are a couple stills from a documentary I’m working on. A medium would be somewhere in the middle. There’s no set distance that makes something wide, medium, or tight, you just have to feel it out.

Wide shot

Tight shot

HELPFUL LINKS

Tutorial for Filmic Pro settings.

Artgrid is a great resource for stock footage as b-roll.

IMDB for Dermot Mulroney.

TOOLS YOU CAN USE

Estimate-maker for working with a videographer.

IF YOU MISSED IT: Here is the Zoom recording of the first session. The password is in your email.

Cohort #2, Session 2: Getting started

ASSIGNMENT

Come up with an idea and fill out a questionnaire. I said in the video to post it in the Facebook Group, but that doesn’t really make sense. Just email it to me. You can find a questionnaire here (this is a Google doc, so just copy it and edit in your own file). Also, you can put it in a PDF or include it in the body of an email - whatever way is easiest for you.

IF YOU MISSED IT: Here is the Zoom recording of the first session. The password is in your email.

Cohort #2, Session 1: What makes a good video, anyway?

ASSIGNMENT

Find one video that you think does what you’re trying to do very effectively. It’s always good to have heroes. I would pay special attention to videos you think you could - one day - actually pull off. Look for the simple ones. Just post the video in a new post in our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/262261749124652

HELPFUL LINKS

Here’s the $3-short film Mark Duplass talks about in his remarks to SXSW. Please enjoy This is John. Here’s a link to the whole talk.

A scene from Don’t Look Back.

GEAR I SUGGEST YOU GET

Smartphone mount for monopod (Make sure you check the measurements and get one that will open as wide as the width of your phone + case).

Monopod

Slightly cheaper monopod (I don’t know why this one wouldn’t work for you).

All-in-one grip + monopod with feet (I HAVE NOT PERSONALLY TESTED this one or anything from this brand, but if you’re going to be recording yourself, this would probably stand on it’s own if you’re indoors).

The grip + monopod combo is going to allow you to get STEADY shots/interviews. This will go so far in making your stuff look professional.

General tip on gear: I don’t ever get the cheapest or the most expensive thing and always read a review or two. This has never lead me astray.

IF YOU MISSED IT: Here is the Zoom recording of the first session. The password is in your email.