Prepping the merry go round cam in a music video for the Dead Americans

Under Story Productioins provides a wide array of video production services. While many diferent types of video projects have similar stages of developement, some have their own unique stages. All stages of production from beginning to end are referred to as the production pipeline The separate stages of the production pipeline are Prep, Production and Post.

Production

There many things that need to go right on a set to get the shots your looking for in the amount of time you have to get it done. A well managed set can move quickly getting several different shots from many different angles per hour. Actors with a clear understanding of the project and their roles can deliver great performances with very little prep time when the right techniques are utilized. The crew can set up shots well without wasting the directors time managing this step. This also helps speed up production and improve quality.

 

Narrative Form Productions

Narrative form is a project that has a script and actors that takes place on a set of some sort.

The following is a list of Crew Members on a narrative production, there roles and what they do. To get maximum efficiency from the crew, Under Story Productions uses the following chain of command on a production set. When the crew shrinks the chain is condensed. The Director works off of the script and a shot list. The AD works off of a shot list, script and storyboards.

Director

The Director connects with the Cast before taping and conveys the theme of the production. They will go over each scene one section at a time over and over a few times to let it feel natural. We then usually tape the entire scene with one master shot for a few takes. By then the actors usually have their groove going with the character. This is when the camera moves into position to cover the rest of the scene. As simple as this technique sounds, it has produced some impressive performances with very little scripting and even through unscripted performances. Not only do the actors get very comfortable with their characters before taping, but it also helps speed up the taping process, an added benefit.

The Director also designs the taping plan, approves the storyboards (if not self drawn) and creates a lighting design. After all the aspects of taping are thought through and written down they are conveyed to the AD who oversees the Camera and Audio Operators. When the director is ready to tape, the AD is consulted and the shot is approved or adjusted by the Director before taping.

AD

The AD takes the directors shooting plans (story boards, blocking, lighting etc) and conveys them to the crew. Camera and Audio both take direction from the AD. This position is often overlooked as it allows the Director to be freed up from the Production Crew and allows for more quality time directing the Cast.

Camera

Using an HDV 24p camera, the Camera Operator carries out the shot discussed with the AD. In a pinch, the AD can double as the Camera Operator. Again, allowing the director to direct just the Cast and not the entire crew will benefit the acting in the production.

Audio

Audio is recorded with either a boom mic or lavalieres. It passes through an audio mixer worn by the Sound Engineer, and into the camera. The Sound Engineer also monitors the recording through headphones. When audio is an important part of a piece, a Sound Engineer is crucial.

Tech Assistant

The Tech Assistant is responsible for set design, moving Dollies and Cranes, setting up the Lights holding up bounce boards and any other odd tasks.

 

When taping, all shots are marked on the clap board as Project Name, Date, Scene Name, Shot No. and take. These notes will be converted into shot names when they become clips for editing. This attention to detail while taping, makes editing much easier and quicker.

 

Documentary Form

Documentary Form projects are still scripted but may consists of Interview and narrations mixed with live action footage or B Roll. Many of the aspects of production in the narrative form also apply to documentaries. Here are a few more production roles to consider for the documentary form.

Interviews

Staged interviews are very similar to the narrative taping form. Attention still needs to be given to lighting, background. blocking audio and direction. They also require the addition of an interviewer. This role can either be done on camera or off.

Questions and direction are also approached differently. Whether interviews are scripted, rehearsed or ad-libbed, they still need to be carefully planned out and arranged. If the interviewer is to be on camera (either audio or video) they should be skilled for the task at hand.

Narration

Narration is a three part process consisting of story research, script writing and narration. Research on the subject at hand would be the responsibility of the client but we can come in on the last two. A well written script for narration is crucial for a successful production. It should be clear and concise and have control of the overall tempo of the piece.

The narrator's performance is very important. They should be clear speaker who's personality should match the subject being narrated. We have several narrators that we have worked with in the passed that understand the process and have professional delivery.

Good Direction of the narration is equally important to achieve an even, steady recording.

B Roll

Most documentaries use footage taken of a subject mixed with narration. B Roll is a term for footage used for this purpose. It can be shot specifically for the project or can brought in from outside sources. We can tape footage from around the Northwest from the Canadian Border to Northern California. B Roll can also consist of photos, art work and graphics.

 

If you are interested in contacting us about a video project, email us and we'll start talking.