GENERAL

• Use storyboards to keep the production on schedule and all parties involved on the same page.
• Keep media format and settings consistent throughout production.
• Be intentional with your frame rate.
  • 23.976 fps (24fps) or 29.97 fps (30fps) for standard speed playback.
  • 59.97 fps (60fps) or 119.98 fps (120fps) for a more cinematic look and greater speed control while editing.
• Make sure to double the shutter speed of the fps.
  • This makes sure the footage doesn’t appear choppy or stuttery.
• The ideal resolution is 4K, with 1080p as a minimum.
  • Allows cropping and position changing in post-production if the final deliverable is in 1080p.
• Match picture profiles between cameras.
  • If shooting in LOG or HLG, have a LUT prepared for post-production.
• Back up the media in two separate locations, such as hard drives, computers, or cloud storage locations.
  • Keep a folder structure organized and consistent between all the locations for easier post-production linking.

INTERVIEWS

• Avoid elements that might distract the viewer or negatively impact the text on screen.
  • Overly cluttered backgrounds.
  • Drastic shadows on a face or background.
• Keep lighting and exposure settings consistent while avoiding mixed lighting (natural and kit) unless properly color-balanced.
• If the interviewee is standing, tape should be used on the floor to create a boundary box for the subject to stay in the frame.
• Frame shots wider than you may think. Text can be added in post-production, so the ability to crop and reframe a wider image is key.
  • Leave some headroom for adjustments in post-production, but keep in mind to have the framing showing more of the instructor’s lower half, rather than too much head-room.
  • Cam A can either have the interviewee centered looking at the camera or facing in the same direction as Cam B (into the majority of the frame).
  • Cam B should have the interviewee in one of the thirds (left or right) facing into the majority of the frame (same direction as Cam A).
• Keep the frame rate consistent between cameras.
  • 23.976 fps (24 fps) or 29.97 fps (30 fps) for standard speed playback.
• At the beginning of each clip, visually slate in front of the subject with the name of the interviewee and take number so all cameras have visibility.
  • An app can be used in place of a physical slate as long as it’s visible on-screen.
  • These slates can be used for any pickups later during production.
  • When possible, start and stop camera recordings per take.
• Pause long enough between takes so content can be properly edited.
  • If the subject makes a mistake, have them restart from the beginning of that thought, or at the start of the previous sentence.
• Keep autofocus off so that the lens doesn’t “hunt” for focus while the interviewee is moving.
• For candid interviews:
  • Make sure interviewees answer in complete sentences.
  • Redo earlier sections after they’ve had a chance to warm up and relax.
• For teleprompter footage:
  • Test the teleprompter’s speed before recording to match the interviewee’s natural delivery.
  • Reshoot sections earlier than where the interviewee made their mistake. Ideally, a complete phrase before.

AUDIO

• Record scratch audio into the camera for syncing in post-production.
  • If shooting with 2 cameras, both cameras should have scratch audio.
• Record with a high-quality microphone, in order of preference:
  • A boom-mounted shotgun microphone, positioned out of the camera’s frame and pointed at the subject’s mouth. Most commonly above the subject.
  • A lapel microphone attached near the subject’s shirt collar, away from any clothing elements or hair that could cause friction or muffle the mic. The ideal distance would be around 4 inches away from the mouth.
  • A camera-mounted shotgun microphone.
• Monitor the audio on set and be aware of background noises or echoey spaces while
• filming.
• Record audio at 48kHz, ideally 32-bit float, but at least 24-bit.
• Unless using 32-bit float, avoid clipping the audio and keep your gain set so that the maximum peaks are around -10dB.
• Make a test recording first to ensure the audio is clean and levels are correct.

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Incorporating these production best practices will significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of your video projects. By maintaining consistency in media formats, frame rates, and resolutions, you’ll ensure a smooth post-production process. Remember, the key to successful production lies in meticulous planning, thorough execution, and ongoing adaptability. Happy filming!