Video Intro
Project Purpose
This project is designed to test my abilities in end to end video production and showcase for future employers my abilities. I specifically wanted to prove myself as a camera operator and editor. My passions are video and theatre so I combined both to feature BYU-Idaho’s theatre program. My idea was to showcase in this short documentary film why BYU-I Theatre is special and encourage prospective students to be a part of it.
The Project:
Challenges:
The overall project went smoothly however no project is without a few roadblocks before the final product. My first roadblock was losing all my footage on the first theatre practice I attended. I didn’t save it in the correct folder and I had already formatted the camera before I realized. The good thing is I already planned another day to attend practice and now had a better idea what to film for broll.
Setting up for the interviews was stressful due to the amount of equipment to set up. I don’t usually do productions completely by myself so it took longer than I anticipated. I had a tech rehearsal, but if I was able to do it on the exact location that would’ve helped. I learned how to set up the lighting, but struggled to find the right soft lighting. The goal was to be well lit but not overly dramatic. I did my best to address my technical issues, but still move forward with the production.
My last interview recorded too low on set, I almost was not able to save it, but I managed to pull up the audio and put it through Adobe Podcast. I know it is not ideal, but due to the time constraints I decided to work with it. I am grateful for how I was able to problem solve that issue.
Project Processes (pre to post)
Pre-production
This project involved hours of planning, emailing, and coordinating to really nail down before I even started filming. I created a contract plan and worked with my mentor to find objectives of this project and expected results. I coordinated with the BYU-I filming location agreements, theatre department head, professors, and students to help arrange filming days. I planned out my questions, equipment, interview days, and other shoots to get the footage I needed. I appreciated the effort and help I received from the professors and students I worked with. I was able to schedule a day for the interviews as well as a day for shooting the dress rehearsal of the play in production.
My rented out equipment: Sony FX6, shotgun boom mic, c-stand, 2 300X aperture lights/stands, bounce card, grip bag, stinger bag, mini light dome, and batteries.
Production
I had 4 shoots of my production (2 interview days and 2 broll days). I came for two “Esther” rehearsals where I was able to capture footage from all angles (it is in the round which means the stage is in the center). This was probably one of the perfect productions because I could be so close to the stage and actors. I could take really nice closeups. I got some interesting broll because there is alway so much detail in a production, I was excited to use it in post production. I worked with the FX6 Sony camera, I enjoyed becoming more familiar with it and learning to use it as a tool. I used handheld as well as tripod shots to capture my footage. It was exciting to capture behind the scenes and see a play in action.
My two interviews days went mostly smooth. I planned well the interviews so they staggered nicely. I am proud of that! The interviews were the highlight of production because the students and professor brought the enthusiasm and powerful answers. I really enjoyed hearing their thoughts.
Post-Production
I enjoy filming, but editing really pushed me in storytelling and piecing together a beatific piece of art. To start editing, I listened and cut the interviews. I color-coded ideas that stood out. Things worth putting in the documentary, that focused on my goal. I familiarized myself with DaVinci Resolve, learned how to use it better. I really appreciate and love DaVinci, it has a lot of strengths. My biggest challenge was putting it together, I enjoyed too much of what the interviewees said, it was hard to cut anything out.
After cutting the interviews, my mentor brought up the idea to create a voiceover script to connect the soundbites, this would bring everything together. This brought my goal back into the film and helped me focus the documentary more. This required more time, but it solidified the voice of the story. It was easier to put b-roll on top with a script in place. After the voiceover and professor perspective in place. I added a few more b-roll still images, music, and colored. I spent a lot of time fine tuning the details of the sound, flow, and look of the video.
Overview of Experiences
This experience as a whole was rewarding because it turned a simple idea I had into a physical art form. It taught me to appreciate every aspect of film and my capabilities in every aspect. Despite my challenges, I am proud of the film, as it can be a resource to promote the BYU-I Theatre program. Spending time doing this project, I was able to work with many individuals from the theatre program. I hope this film captures what I saw. I enjoyed the creation process of this film and I think I learned more of my strengths in filming as well as work on my skills I’m developing.
Insights
This film really helped me understand the important of planning and adding details. Throughout the process I needed to schedule and meet with so many individuals, it was important that I prepared questions and made them comfortable in the filming process. I also think it is valuable to use your resources. When you film b-roll to show your audience what the speaker is talking about. Look for multiple ways to capture your audience, b-roll needs variety.
Feedback is an excellent piece of the filming process, I made a better film because of the feedback I got as well as talking to people in the Theatre program. Look for every perspective to capture whatever your subject is.
Learning new skills takes time. I am not an expert, but I was able to improve my abilities in filming and editing. I think it is important to spend time doing the thing you want to develop. Talk to experts, research, watching videos, and ask your peers. I learned to rely not only on my ability but the ability of others.