🎥Filmmaking for Journalists Unit 10 – Field Production: Shooting on Location

What's This Unit About?

• Covers the essential skills and knowledge for shooting video on location outside of a controlled studio environment
• Focuses on the unique challenges and considerations that come with field production work such as unpredictable lighting, audio, and weather conditions
• Teaches how to plan effectively for a field shoot including scouting locations, creating shot lists, and gathering the necessary equipment
• Explores various camera techniques that are particularly useful in field work such as handheld shooting, using a monopod or tripod, and capturing establishing shots
• Emphasizes the importance of capturing high-quality audio in the field using external microphones and monitoring levels closely
• Discusses how to adapt to and make the most of available lighting conditions when shooting outside of a controlled studio setting
• Prepares students for troubleshooting common issues that may arise during field production such as equipment malfunctions, background noise, and unexpected weather changes

Key Equipment for Field Production

• A reliable, portable camera with manual controls for exposure, focus, and audio levels (DSLR, mirrorless, or professional camcorder)
• Sturdy tripod for stable shots and smooth pans or tilts
  • Fluid head tripod is ideal for smooth camera movements
  • Ensure tripod can support the weight of your camera and any attachments
• Monopod for added stability when a tripod is not practical or allowed
• External microphone options for capturing better audio than the built-in camera microphone
  • Shotgun microphone is highly directional and great for isolating dialogue
  • Lavalier microphone can be clipped to subject's clothing for hands-free recording
• Headphones for monitoring audio levels and quality while recording
• Extra batteries and memory cards to ensure you don't run out during a shoot
• Portable lighting options (LED light panels, reflectors) for supplementing available light when needed
• Weather protection gear for your camera and equipment (rain cover, lens hood, UV filter)

Planning Your Shoot

• Begin by defining the goals and purpose of your video to guide your planning and shooting decisions
• Scout potential locations in advance to assess lighting conditions, ambient sound, and any logistical challenges or restrictions
• Create a shot list that outlines each shot you need to capture, including framing, camera movement, and audio requirements
  • Organize shots based on location and time of day to optimize your shooting schedule
  • Leave some room for flexibility and unexpected opportunities that may arise in the field
• Develop a realistic schedule that accounts for travel time, setup, and any potential delays or issues
• Coordinate with any interview subjects or stakeholders to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding timing, location, and expectations
• Gather and test all necessary equipment before heading out to the shoot
• Have a backup plan in case of equipment failure, weather changes, or other unforeseen circumstances
• Obtain any necessary permits or permissions for shooting in specific locations

Setting Up on Location

• Arrive early to give yourself plenty of time for setup and to address any unexpected issues
• Assess the location for the best camera angles, lighting, and audio conditions
• Set up your tripod or monopod on stable ground, ensuring it is level and secure
  • Adjust the tripod height and position to frame your shot as desired
  • Use sandbags or weights to provide extra stability if shooting in windy conditions
• Mount your camera and attach any necessary accessories (microphone, light panels, etc.)
• Frame your shot, considering the rule of thirds and any leading lines or other compositional elements
• Adjust camera settings based on the available light and desired depth of field
  • Use manual focus for more control and precision, especially when shooting with a shallow depth of field
• Test audio levels and quality, making adjustments as needed (microphone placement, input levels)
• Record a test clip to check framing, focus, exposure, and audio before beginning your actual recording
• Be prepared to adapt your setup as conditions change (sun goes behind clouds, wind picks up, etc.)

Camera Techniques for Field Work

• Handheld shooting can add a sense of immediacy and energy, but use it sparingly to avoid excessive shakiness
  • Keep your elbows close to your body for added stability
  • Use a camera strap or stabilizing rig for extra support during handheld shots
• Use a tripod or monopod for stable, static shots and smooth pans or tilts
• Vary your shot types and angles to add visual interest and storytelling depth
  • Establish the scene with a wide shot before moving in for closer angles
  • Use medium shots for interviews or capturing action
  • Close-ups can highlight details and emotions
• Employ camera movement techniques purposefully to enhance the story or guide viewer attention
  • Pan to follow action or reveal new information
  • Tilt to emphasize height or depth
  • Zoom for a dramatic reveal or to focus on a specific detail
• Adjust white balance settings to accurately capture colors based on the lighting conditions (daylight, cloudy, indoor)
• Use exposure compensation or manual exposure settings to achieve the desired brightness and mood
• Experiment with different shutter speeds to control motion blur (faster for crisp action, slower for artistic blur)

Capturing Quality Audio

• Invest in a high-quality external microphone for your camera, as built-in mics often produce poor results
• Choose the appropriate microphone type for your situation
  • Shotgun mics are ideal for isolating dialogue and minimizing background noise
  • Lavalier mics are great for interviews or hands-free recording
  • Handheld mics can be useful for man-on-the-street interviews or standups
• Position the microphone as close to the subject as possible without being in the frame
• Use a windscreen or furry cover on your microphone to reduce wind noise when shooting outdoors
• Monitor audio levels using headphones to ensure consistent, clear sound without clipping or distortion
  • Aim for peaks around -6dB to -3dB to allow for some headroom
  • Adjust input levels on your camera or external recorder as needed
• Record a wild track (ambient sound) of each location for at least 30 seconds to use in post-production if needed
• Be aware of any potential background noises that may interfere with your audio (traffic, construction, crowds)
  • Attempt to minimize or eliminate these sounds when possible (wait for a break in traffic, ask bystanders to be quiet)
• Use a slate or verbal cue to synchronize audio and video in post-production, especially if recording audio separately from the camera

Lighting in Unpredictable Environments

• Assess the available natural light at your location and plan your shots accordingly
  • Soft, diffused light (overcast sky, shade) is often more flattering for interviews and close-ups
  • Hard, direct light (midday sun) can create harsh shadows and contrast
• Use reflectors to bounce light into shadowed areas or soften harsh sunlight
  • White reflectors provide a neutral fill light
  • Silver reflectors can add a brighter, more specular highlight
  • Gold reflectors can warm up the light and add a golden glow
• Employ portable LED light panels to supplement available light or create a specific mood
  • Daylight-balanced LEDs can help match the color temperature of sunlight
  • Bi-color LEDs allow you to adjust the color temperature to match various lighting conditions
• Diffuse strong sunlight using a scrim or translucent fabric to soften shadows and reduce contrast
• Position your subject strategically in relation to the available light
  • Have the sun at your back for even, frontal lighting
  • Use sidelight for added depth and dimension
  • Backlight can create a rim light effect and separate your subject from the background
• Be prepared to adapt your lighting setup as conditions change throughout the day
• Avoid mixing different color temperatures (daylight and tungsten) in the same shot, as this can lead to color balance issues

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Inconsistent lighting conditions due to changing weather or moving between indoor and outdoor locations
  • Use a light meter or your camera's histogram to monitor exposure and make adjustments as needed
  • Employ reflectors, diffusers, or portable lights to control the lighting
• Audio interference from wind, traffic, or other background noise
  • Use a windscreen or furry cover on your microphone
  • Reposition the microphone or your subject to minimize unwanted noise
  • Record a wild track to use for noise reduction in post-production
• Limited space or obstacles that restrict camera placement or movement
  • Use a wide-angle lens to capture more of the scene in tight spaces
  • Employ a monopod for added stability when a tripod is not practical
  • Get creative with camera angles and positions to work around obstacles
• Equipment malfunctions or failures in the field
  • Carry backup equipment (extra batteries, memory cards, microphones) whenever possible
  • Have a contingency plan in case of major equipment failure
  • Know your equipment well and perform regular maintenance to minimize the risk of malfunctions
• Unpredictable subject behavior or actions during interviews or live events
  • Communicate clearly with your subjects about expectations and guidelines before shooting
  • Anticipate potential issues and have a plan for addressing them
  • Be prepared to adapt and think on your feet when unexpected situations arise

Post-Production Considerations

• Organize and label your footage and audio files clearly for easy access during editing
• Synchronize audio and video files using slates, timecode, or other markers
• Adjust color balance and exposure as needed to create a consistent look throughout your project
  • Use white balance tools to correct for any color cast
  • Employ exposure and contrast adjustments to achieve the desired mood and style
• Reduce background noise or wind interference in your audio using noise reduction tools or EQ
• Supplement your field footage with additional B-roll, stock footage, or graphics as needed to enhance the story
• Create a smooth, logical flow by using appropriate transitions and varying shot types and angles
• Use color grading techniques to further refine the look and feel of your video
  • Adjust individual color channels to create a specific aesthetic
  • Apply LUTs (lookup tables) for a cinematic or stylized look
• Add music, sound effects, and voiceover as needed to create a more engaging and polished final product
• Export your final video in the appropriate format and resolution for your intended distribution platform (web, broadcast, etc.)