Camera Skills

Before we attempt to go out and start the filming for our music video, it is very important that we learn and master a few basic skills of the camera before hand. Not only will this give us more experience, but it will save time when we are actually shooting, to know exactly what to do, and what things we need to check for before we begin. This is also important, because we are using actors in our video, and we need to ensure they are not simply hanging around, and loose interest in the process, therefore not making the video the best it can be.

When picking up the camera from the technician it is important that we check:

* always check when using a tripod that you have the tripod plate.
* check you have a fully charged battery, and a spare in case this runs out.
* make sure you have a head cleaning tape, which can be used to clean the camera before filming.
* carry lint free material to clean the screen, or to wipe the screen in certain conditions.
* shoot test footage before heading out, and to check the overall quality of this.

Handheld Techniques:

There are many techniques which can be used when trying to film some of the shots using a handheld camera. It can be very hard to keep the camera still, especially when zooming in or out of the subject and so these things need to be done to ensure the filming is at its best quality.

* use the equipment around you to help balance the camera when producing a zoomed shot. For example, a chair or a table.
* if there is no equipment, use a body part, such as knees and shoulders to steady the camera, and allow you to film and see what you are doing at the same time.

White Balance:

When setting out to film it is important that you take into consideration the amount of lighting used, and whether the light used is natural or artificial. To make sure the camera picks up everything you are seeing, it is crucial that the white balance is altered. This can be done through 'auto settings' on the camera and set to either:

* artificial = filming under a fluorescent lights (if this is not changed the footage will appear blue)

* natural = filming under natural light from the sun (if this is not changed the footage will appear orange)