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DIY: filming conferences
Modern camcorders produce good quality pictures in almost any lighting situation, they are much the same as a broadcast cameraman uses, except that broadcast cameras don't have gizmos and gimmicks like steady shot, fader and effects. They don't need them as effects can be added later in the edit suite.
The biggest problem with camcorders is in recording the sound as they have a built in mike which is fine for picking up sounds close to the camera but useless for recording voices even a short distance away.
If possible use an external microphone or connect to the existing sound system (use the monitor feed out from the desk Not the speakers) and get advice if you are not sure. You may have to get a special lead made up so please check Before shooting that the microphone or sound system is matched to the camcorder as most camcorders do not have a record volume control and the sound may be too loud and distorted or too quiet and hissy, and you may pick up hum or buzzing.
Shooting for editing
You should shoot to a plan. Draw up a shooting script. Talk to people beforehand, and know in advance the timings of presentations coffee breaks etc.
Where possible each presentation will have been been worked out, timed, planned and rehearsed before you press the record button, and that's what you will need to do if you intend to get suitable footage for us to edit. So here are some rules.
1. Make sure that you have a clear and secure view of the action, bear in mind that audience members do move around, stand in front of the camera and bump into the tripod!
2. Make sure the time and date references are turned off. they record onto the tape and will cause continuity problems when editing as well as looking amateurish.
3. Check that the camera is set to SP (standard play) mode. Tape is cheap and picture quality is seriously reduced if you record on long play.
4. White balance the camera for each different lighting situation, eg. indoors, outdoors, fluorescent lights etc. This is important to make sure that the colours recorded are correct. Check the manual for details.
5. Set the camera on a tripod. Stable pictures make for better viewing and provide more options during editing. Avoid using zooms and pans unless they have a specific purpose and always rehearse them first so that you know where to start and stop. Don't rush. Let the action take place within the frame of the shot. Use the zoom button to adjust the frame for wide angle, mid or close up BEFORE you record the shot, then try to leave it alone!
6. Let the camera run for at least 10 seconds before any action starts and leave it running for a few seconds after the shot to allow for flexibility.
7. Do not talk or have radios or mobile phones on whilst shooting. Background sound is very important in a video but it needs to be consistent. When editing, you are cutting together shots taken at different times so any unwanted music or voices would be disjointed.
8. If possible film some audience shots with a second camera. They will come in very useful when editing to smooth over any problems you have during shooting. (see note 1.)
9. If the presenters are using audio visual aids such as slides, ohp transparancies or a Powerpoint Presentation arrange to take away or get sent to you copies of the material, we can add these in at the editing stage.
Good luck! - We look forward to editing it for you.
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