Production

In the production phase, you capture audio and video to videotape or a digital media file. You follow the production plan and shoot or create elements that will be assembled in editing. Everything must eventually be digitized into files, including video of the four presentations and other shots that support the presentation, like graphics and video from other sources. PowerPoint slides are also created during production.

A production session, as well as the process of recording with a camera, is often referred to as a “shoot” or “shooting.” In the Fabrikam production, the producer allotted four hours to shoot each one-hour class. On the day of the shoot, the two-person crew arrives one hour before the class and sets up the following components:

• Camera. The producer gave the crew a plan describing where the instructor would be, and where the camera should be to shoot the best angle of the presenter. The camera operator places the tripod at that location, mounts the camera, and runs cables to a power strip and the VTR.

• VTR. The crew places the VTR near the camera, and runs cables for the power, camera, external video monitor, and microphone. The crew can now view the camera output on the monitor.

• Lighting. Typically, video production lights are used to boost and even out the light level so the image captured by the camera is clear and pleasing to the eye. The Fabrikam crew will simply add a backlight so the image of the presenter does not blend in with the background. To set up the lights, a crew person stands in as the presenter, while the other crew person checks the image on the monitor and adjusts the lighting. For more information about backlighting, see chapter 19.

• Audio. The wireless lavalier microphone system consists of the microphone, the transmitter pack, and the receiver, which is plugged into the VTR. Prior to production, transmitter batteries are tested, the system is set up, and the receiver antenna is positioned for best reception.

All systems are tested prior to shooting, including the camera, VTR, and audio. During the shoot, the camera operator focuses the presenter in the video frame, and pivots (or pans) the camera horizontally to keep the presenter framed as he moves. The camera operator does not need to focus on the projected slides because they will be added later using Microsoft Producer. The VTR operator monitors the recording and adjusts the audio.