Lecture 3. Audio and Video For the Web

Audio for the WebDigital Journalism Workshop

Saturday, February 21, 2009

When to go with audio

What are the advantages of audio over video, text and photo?

What are situations when audio would be appropriate and useful?



Not a lot of visuals

Interesting interviews

Can broaden up your text story

full-length interviews and comments

links to full audio in the text story



Can take it with you and listen in a gym or in a car

Can do something else while listening


Introducing audio

Your audience should know what the audio is about and why it can be interesting

short paragraph describing audio

maybe photo (if relevant)


Shooting video for the Web


Video structure


Video structure Films

scenes

shots

static moving


extreme close-up


static shots

long

medium

close-up

extreme close-up


Shots

Bust shot

Two-shot (or three-shot)

Over-the-shoulder shot


What is closure?

our minds fill in information that we cannot actually see on-screen


moving

tilt pan

zoom


Tips for Great Video

Planning is a key (what shots will you need?)

Let’s brainstorm a story on sustainability in Ithaca

Use a tripod (even when moving around)



You need four shots for everything you want/need to record

wide shot (10 sec)

medium shot (10 sec)

two close-ups (face and hands)(5-10 sec)

medium and close-ups work well with interviews

You will have enough footage to work with and it is easier to edit



Mind the Light!

Avoid shooting against the sources of light

Beware of shadows



Remember the rules of photo composition

The Rule of Thirds

Patterns

Natural frame

Leading lines



Change your point of view (it always works)

put your camera on the ground

put your camera up



Subject perspective shots

follow the feet of a mailman

try to go beyond eye-level (practice and experiment)



Experiment with shifting focus

from background to foreground

need to have a tripod


Opening your video

Avoid starting your video with a talking head

use visuals to introduce a story

One way to start is to use a series of quick sound bites


Opening your video

Open with your strongest shot

Define your story within first 15-20 seconds

Or don’t define your story


Opening your video

You can open with a black screen and sounds

Change your shots to keep viewers interested


Video InterviewAsk your source to look at you instead of looking at camera (leave enough nose room)

Avoid making comments and sounds during an interview

Beware of distracting sounds (AC, car, washing machine)

Don’t be afraid to ask the same question several times


Video Interview

Use a clip on mic

Take some shots of the person walking around the office, sitting, talking to someone, etc.


Lecture 3. Audio and Video For the Web

Education

Transcript of Lecture 3. Audio and Video For the Web