Audio Basics
Your video is 50% what you see and 50% what you hear. Each should be equally important.
The 50% Rule
Voice Over
VO
Where the subject's eyes should be placed in the frame
On the top horizontal third
line.
“What if …” Propose a
scenario and ask your source to respond.
Hypothetical
Abbreviation for "Close Up."
CU
Your camera should never be more than three feet away if you are using an in-camera mic.
The Three Foot Rule
Natural Sound
Nat Sound
Describe the grid that should be used for "The Rule of Thirds."
Three vertical lines and three horizontal lines-like a tic-tac-toe board
Ask your source to respond to
statistical information, especially if the
statistics are surprising or out-of-whack.
Statistical
Abbreviation for "Extreme Close Up"
ECU
Background noise that you can get rid of.
Controllable Noise
Sound Effects
SFX
Where the subject of your framed shot should be placed
Either the left or right
vertical third line.
Even when you know,
act like you don’t. Your source will explain it
to you and you’ll have a great quote.
From Outer Space
Abbreviation for "Over the shoulder."
OTS
Background noise that is beyond your control.
Uncontrollable noise
Wide shot
WS
Space in front of where the subject is looking.
Lead Room
Take a position you know
your source does not agree with, and ask
your source to react.
Devil's Advocate
Tell me about
a time when … Describe what happened
when … Tell me more about that.
Type of interview question called "Not a Question but a Request."
Sound that is echo-filled and difficult to hear and understand.
Bouncy sound
Medium Shot
MS
The space above the subject's head that is minimal
Proper headroom
Ask your source for
examples of his or her own personal
experience with your topic. Or, tell your
personal experience and ask your source to
react.
Personal Experience
If the subject looks camera right:
Place them on the _____ third of the frame
Left