Camera Angles & Techniques
What tool is typically used to make sure that a camera stays steady and stationary during a shot?
A Tripod, duh!
(see also - monopod and stabilizing gimble)
What is the "Score" in a film production?
The musical additions or soundtrack.
What time of day is know as "Golden Hour?"
Sunset!
What does "FPS" mean? (No, it is not First Person Shooter....)
Frames per Second
Define what a "Project Scope" is.
A Master Schedule used in production that is essentially a Master Schedule to keep all components and people on track.
Explain "Rule of Thirds."
The human eye is naturally drawn to the points on a screen or in a picture where the image is divided into thirds. Placing your subject matter here can help draw the viewer's eye to that subject.
What kind of microphone is usually very cost effective, versatile, and durable?
A dynamic microphone!
What does it mean to have "3 Point Lighting?"
Key Light - main light that is focused on the subject. Usually is positioned slightly to the side of the subject at a 45 degree angle.
Fill Light - Another light that is focused on the subject from the opposite angle to help eliminate shadows. This light is typically not quite as bright as the Key Light.
Back Light - shines light from behind the subject to help separate them from the background.
Define "Saturation."
The intensity of a color in an image or video.
What is a "Copyright?"
The exclusive legal right, given to an originator or assignee to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material, and to authorize others to do the same.
Define "Framing."
Using a naturally occurring frame, such as a window, tree branches, etc. to frame the subject in a shot, which helps draw the viewer's eye to the subject.
What kind of microphone is very expensive, very fragile, and is typically only found in a studio environment?
Describe the Kelvin Scale as it relates to Color Temperature.
As the Kelvin Scale increases, the lighting loses Warmth. Essentially, the higher on the Kelvin Scale, the whiter the whites!
What is "B-Roll" footage?
Supplemental footage that is used to help reinforce the main footage, or A-Roll. This is typically shown while other, main audio is playing.
What is a "Project Deliverable?"
Any completed, tangible task that you can deliver to the client or person in charge of production. This should show a completed task that exemplifies progress towards the final product.
What is "Headroom?"
The space between the top of a subject's head and the top of the frame.
What kind of microphone is used in a variety of applications, and is considered to be a "middle of the road" option?
A condenser microphone!
Explain the difference between Front, Side, and Back lighting. Include how it affects tone or emotion.
Front - subject is lit from the front, no shadows. Usually bright and cheery.
Side - subject is lit from the side, creating hard shadows. Usually more serious, dark, or emotional.
Back - subject is lit from the back, creating a "Halo Effect" around the subject. Usually invokes a heroic or angelic emotion.
What is a "Jump Cut?"
An abrupt transition from one scene to another.
Define "Target Audience."
A certain group, demographic, culture, age, etc. that is used to help determine the message, tone,, style, and more of a production so that it speaks directly to that target audience.
Explain "Depth of Field" and how it relates to focus on drawers the viewer's eye.
Depth of Field essentially means how much of the image or video is in focus. By focusing only on a part of the frame or on a certain subject in the frame, you can help draw the viewer's eye to that specific section or subject.
Name the 3 audio pickup patterns that microphones use.
Omnidirectional - picks up audio in only 1 direction
Bidirectional - picks up audio in 2 opposite directions
Omnidirectional - picks up audio in all directions.
What are some techniques to represent time passing in a video produciton?
Time-lapse
Montage
Showing aging of people or items
Establishing shots that show time/setting
What is a "Chroma-Key" or "Ultra-Key" effect?
A technique where you eliminate a certain color in a video to be replaced by another picture or video that shows through that color.
Name the 7 Art Elements used in Design and Production.
Color
Shape
Form
Texture
Space
Value
Line