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4 Basics of Video Field Production

July 11, 2017

Filming in remote locations can add great value to digital storytelling. However, filming outside in the field can prove challenging in terms of lighting and sound, which producers cannot control as much as inside locations. If you’re interested in learning about video field production, here are four basic tips that can help you get started.

  

1. Know the Shot Types

There are different types of shots that you may want to include in your video.

  • Extreme Long Shot (ELS) sets the tone or mood and usually shows a landscape or exterior building.
  • Long Shot (LS) shows the entire human body.
  • Medium Shot (MS) displays the waist to head.
  • Medium Close-up (MCU) highlights just below the person’s bust to the top of their head.
  • Close-up (CU) focuses on the person’s face or a specific detail of an object.
  • Extreme Close-up (ECU) is an extremely tight shot of an element of an object.
  • High Angle Shot is from a high position looking down.
  • Low Angle Shot is from below and makes the subject(s) look powerful and strong

Also See: The Importance of the Development Stage in Video Production 

2. Review the Lighting Basics

When shooting outside, the best day to film is on a cloudy day. The clouds essentially act as a filter over the sun, giving your shot a nice, even tone. If it’s sunny, put your subject in a shady area so they don’t need to squint at the camera.

3. Learn the Interview Techniques

Often, filmmakers shoot interviews at a certain location and there are a variety of ways to set up the camera.

  • Host and Guest On-Camera: Both the host and guest are on-camera and interact with one another.
  • On-Camera/Off-Camera: This is when the guest is on-camera answering questions and the host is off-camera asking them.
  • Over-the-Shoulder: This is when you show a portion of the interviewer’s shoulder and the camera will focus on the interviewee. The camera person may then switch sides and shoot the interviewer asking the questions so editing can cut back and forth between both subjects.

4. Always Monitor Audio

Audio can be incredibly tricky when shooting in the field, so it’s important to pay close attention. Audio should be monitored on camera by checking the audio level meters, as well as with your ears as you listen to what sound is picked up during shooting. Always wear headphones during shooting so can listen closely.

 

If you want to learn more about video field production, Manhattan Neighborhood Network has two courses: Field Production Sony NX5U and Field Production iPad Mini. Each course will teach you how to shoot outside with great results.

 

Download Factsheet: 7 Best Practices for Developing Your TV Production Plan