Copying existing video

Our version: https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B0DnGj06WOfoNGUyYjRmYTUtZGFmZC00NGJiLWIzM2MtNGYxODBhOTJjNDE3&hl=en&pli=1
Official Wheatus video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jJVRcCdvyY
Before starting our own project, we decided to copy an existing video. This is so we could get used to the recording and editing equipment, and also become familiar with directing and constructing shots. The video we chose to replicate was 'Teenage Dirtbag' by Wheatus because of its college setting, which suited us as we were able to copy eveything that happened in the video.

One of the most important things we learnt from this was the basic use of the camera.
This involved the initial set up, with the shutter speed needing to be at 24 frames per second and the mode in PAL.

Before starting to shoot the video, we had to learn how to adapt the cameras lighting to suit the conditions, whether you're inside or outside. There are many different settings for the white balance such as 'daytime filming', for outside, and 'artifical light' for filming inside where there may not be natural light available. We also learnt how to change the depth of field on the shot which enabled us to bring people in and out of focus and give more layers to the scene. This was a skill that we needed in certain parts of the 'Teenage Dirtbag' video.

We then went through the different ways of using the camera in terms of its placement and movement. A tripod is always needed when the camera is still as it prevents unsteady shooting and allows small intricut movements horizontally or vertically. We learnt how to attach the camera to the tripod 'plate' properly so there was no risk of the camera becoming loose and getting damaged.

Communication on set was shown to be important as the cameraman and director needed to make sure actors were placed correctly, and then make them aware when the shot was about to start and when it was finished. Organisation was also important, for example, shooting scripts and clapperboards. This made it easier when it came to editing the video as seperate the clips easily and decide which was the best.

The editing process was very complex, we used Final Cut for this. This involved setting the linear structure and then uploading our footage onto the software. We went through the different types of edit:

Assembly edit: pick out good shots, put them in correct order
Rough edit: add soundtrack, make sure shots flow into each other
Final edit: add effects, transitions etc, complete video

For my group's section I was mainly an 'extra' in the shots we filmed as many were needed to create the school atmosphere that the 'teenage dirtbag' video has. However, in some shots I did direct actors and placed them where they were needed to re-create each shots as best as we could.