Video Production: Filming a Story



Joanna Duchesne, with additional writing by Liz Miller,
Sukanya Pillay and Yvette Cheesman



This chapter invites you to start fi lming with your camera as soon as
you can—the more you practice, the easier it will become.
You will learn about technical aspects of your camera and
equipment, different types of shots, and tips on how to fi lm stable,
well-composed, and compelling images. The chapter will steer you
towards preparing your own video project, and show you how to
film sequences and interviews, develop characters, and build a story.
There are also exercises designed to help you try out what you have
learned. Don’t wait until you are confident—your skills will develop
as you work.



In some cases we talk about the grammar of film and video, and
conventions that are used, for example, in framing shots. Think of
these as a writer would grammar—in general you should abide by
them, but once you know them, you will also be able to break the
rules effectively.



To produce social advocacy video, you must play many roles. As
you prepare to shoot, you must think accurately and objectively
like a human rights monitor, technically like a camera and sound
technician, sequentially like an editor, as well as like an advocacydriven
storyteller. However, you don’t need to do all these
jobs—remember that most films are made with a team, and are not
completely individual efforts. When you are filming, if possible have
people to help you with logistics, sound, and camera (and translation
if necessary), and consider hiring an editor to bring a fresh eye to
the project.

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