MED4114 TV Location Production Skills | Week 1 | Learning Diary

This week we had an introduction to the module, followed by an introduction into using and setting up a Sony HVR-Z5, and an insight into pre-production paperwork.

Firstly we were told that in this module we will learn how to shoot using an industry standard camera, how to record sound using a range of microphones, how to light a subject and how to edit rushes together to create a complete film. We would also learn how production is staged in the TV industry, who does what at which stage, the importance of time management and the importance of teamwork.

We then learned about the five basic elements, which are framing, focus, aperture, colour balance and steadiness. Other factors we looked at were horizontals and verticals (making sure horizontals are horizontal and verticals are vertical), frame (screen space used for presentation), composition (placement of objects within frame), screen direction (direction that objects appear to be facing), head room (amount of space between the top of a persons head and the top of the frame), periphery (viewer looks at the centre of the screen and then is led to other areas) and fields of view (different shots to convey meaning).

We then looked at different shot types:

• XLS – Wide shot of all of a person and some of their surroundings
• LS – Long shot of head to the feet
• MLS – Medium long shot of head to the knees
• MS – Mid shot head to waist
• MCU – Medium close up of head to chest
• CU – Close up of head
• BCU – Big close up of part of the face, usually eyes.

We also talked about how different shot techniques called panning, tilting, zooming, crab, track and crane can change the composition as the shot progresses. To further this I could read up more on these techniques and shot types, because using the right ones is important to telling the story.  When in a professional environment, it would be very good to know and remember the names of the shot types and techniques, so that communication is easy between the team. This also covers learning outcome 2*.

We then set up a Sony HVR-Z5 and a Hyper Deck Shuttle 2, and mount it onto a tripod. I found mounting the camera onto the shoulder mount and then onto the tripod fairly easy. What can be difficult and time consuming is setting the horizontals and verticals correctly, which is done by moving the spirit level on the tripod. Also time consuming and confusing, is changing the camera settings so that it is ready to film. This includes setting the camera to manual, changing the gain, shutter speed, exposure and white balance. To make sure I’ve done it correctly, I will always follow the quick start guide. Connecting the Hyper Deck is fairly straightforward, I just have to remember to put the HDMI cable into the ‘HDMI IN’ hole, so that it actually records footage.

I liked being shown how to set up the camera whilst also setting it up myself at the same time. I would have found it better however if I could of set it up on my own rather than in a group, as I prefer to work independently – perhaps this would have allowed me to learn more effectively. However in my spare time and in any assessments I will have a chance to do this. I also liked having a quick start guide, as I also like reading through instructions to learn. Learning how to set up the camera is an important part of the module as 60% of it is about filming – and it also covers learning outcome 1*.

We were then set a directed study task, which was the shoot “The Journey”. In a group we had to individually shoot the rushes for a 90 second silent film, showing a journey from The Parkside Building to Millennium Point. We had to get 6 different types of shots, and this showed me how difficult it can be to think on your feet and choose what to film. The directed study task also showed me how important teamwork is. This is because in our group we had to rotate our roles, so that everyone could complete their film.

To develop my learning further, I would consider reading more on television location production, and how to make the most effective films. I would also like to learn about sound and lighting, as using this correctly will add to the effectiveness of the film. My goals are to learn completely how to set up the camera, tripod and Hyper Deck, and to remember the different shot types – so that I can complete my future assessments.

                                                                                                                                                   

*Module learning objectives:

1. Use key technical equipment on location to originate televisual material and use non-linear digital editing equipment to organise and manipulate televisual material
2. Exercise editorial judgment and an awareness of the professional practices, and the language and grammar of the medium to produce a short television package
3. Taking a specialised production role, work as a team to research, originate and organise televisual material, organise technical facilities, work to deadlines, produce professional documentation where appropriate and respond creatively to a brief
4. To be able to critically evaluate the relative success of their practical work, and role within the production