Instruction manual

gradually disappears to Black. If your camcorder has the Fade from/to Black option, it’s
possible to create the Fades when shooting the first and last shots of the music video.
Some editing systems can generate the Black signal electronically, and allow the
speed of a Fade to be variable, from very slowly to very fast. (A very fast Fade will
simulate a Cut.)
HEADROOM - Maintain proper framing in a camcorder’s viewfinder by leaving a small
space between the top of a person’s head, and the top of the viewfinder screen.
TAKE - Each attempt at shooting a scene is called a Take.
CUTAWAY SHOTS - During editing, you may need a quick shot to cover up a
momentary problem, like a bad camera move. A cutaway shot is one that can be used
anywhere in the video. An example would be a 3-second shot of a non-singing guitarist
from the shoulders up, without showing the guitar. Plan to shoot some Cutaway Shots.
Also, shoot at least 3 different Takes of a lead solo. By using an audio playback machine
that has a counter, it’s easy to find the exact spot. Start the audio playback tape about 10
seconds before the solo each time, so that the musician can get into the “flow” of the
music.
Draw an OVERHEAD MAP for each shoot location. Indicate band or performer layout.
Draw camera positions on the overhead map. Give each position a number, starting with
1. Begin the shoot at position number 1. Under the map, list the types of shots that are
available from each position, and determine shots.
If you’ll be shooting at multiple locations, create an overhead map/list for each one.
Determine the order of shooting the locations. Let’s suppose that you’re going to shoot at
two locations. At the first one, there will be six camera positions. At the second location,
start with Camera Position 7, then 8, and so on.
During the shoot, each Take should be given a number. Every time you move to a new
Camera Position, start with Take 1. Due to mistakes or miscues, each Camcorder Position
may require multiple Takes.
Example: Here’s an overhead map of how a typical band would be positioned during a
performance shoot. Unless otherwise noted, use a tripod at each camera position, and all
Takes represent syncing to the entire song. The drummer is in the top circle. The circle
with the X represents the lead singer.