Description Long

Filming is the production phase in which the actual footage is created with all involved parties (crew and actors). The scenes may be documentary, staged, or spontaneous. There are virtually no limits to the creativity in what is filmed and how it is filmed.

Illustration

Preparation

Checking your equipment is essential. Minimum gear checklist:

• Camera
• Fully charged batteries
• Power supply and possibly an extension lead
• SD cards with sufficient storage capacity
• Tripod
• External microphone – depending on the recording situation, this could be a lavalier microphone with transmitter/receiver, a handheld microphone with phantom power, or a shotgun microphone with battery power
• XLR to mini-jack microphone cable
• Possibly a microphone stand or gooseneck
• Shock mount for the camera or microphone stand
• Headphones

Execution

1. The filming location should be determined and a camera angle selected.
2. Set up the tripod and determine the approximate height; if needed, level the tripod head using a spirit level.
3. Mount the camera, connect the microphone to the camera, and – if applicable – switch on the battery power for the mic.
4. Plug in the headphones, switch on the camera, check the audio levels and adjust them accordingly.
5. Select a suitable frame and focus the image.
6. For documentary-style shoots using a handheld camera, elaborate preparations are unnecessary – the emphasis is on effective interaction at the location.
7. Spontaneity and an instinct for interesting statements and scenes are key.

Hints from experience

• Tips for connecting external microphones to smartphones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWIPsnNscfk

References

Anita Holdener, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts: Video technology basics

Widukind Zenker, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts: Notes on filmmaking