media studies 2009-2011

Microphones are thought to be the most critical part of the audio chain and need careful attention when they are used. People often make the mistake of asuming setting up the microphone is easy when it isn’t and choosing the incorrect microphone. A good quality microphone is the key for excellent audio.

There are several different types of microphones, each suited for different purposes and choosing the correct one is very important. Things to consider -

• Directionality
• Frequency Response
• Impedance
• Handling Noise

It is best to try the different microphones first, to show which one creates the sound you are wanting.

The most important part of microphone placement is distance. This usually means putting the microphone as close as possible to the subject without introducing unwanted effects. The audio becoming bassy, distorted and popping would usually mean the microphone is too close. Using more than one microphone can also cause problems with phasing or cancellation such as in an interview. You need to be wary of this.

Microphones can cause many problems if they are not mounted or held properly. They should always be positioned correctly so it won’t fall over, get wet, shielded from unwanted noise and cables safe. You can use stands, clamps, clothing clips and head sets to mount microphones, however, some are more suited than others.

You must never blow into a microphone or tap the head. Also, if the performance of a mic deteriorates over time, it will possibly have to have the diaphragm cleaned.

Audio Monitoring & Metering

Audio metering is the visual display used to monitor audio levels. There are two common types of meter which are used to measure audio levels:

• VU meter (volume unit) – used to measure the loudness of an audio signal. It is developed to represent the way the human ear hears the volume.
• PPM meter (peak program) – Similar to a VU meter but is faster, which makes it easier to measure. Useful for when pops and distortion exist.

Both types of meter are available in various forms including stand-alone units, components in larger systems, and software applications. Whatever the type of meter, two characteristics are important:

• The scale
• The ballistics

In every film or program a different range of camera shots are used to frame the subject, charcters and emotion that require specific attention. This includes:

Extreme Wide Shot (EWS) – Filming a very large area, subject isn’t visible because its so far away. Used mainly as an establihing shot.

Very Wide Shot (VWS) – Subject is visible but from very far away. Shows the surroundings.

Wide Shot (WS) – The subject takes up the entire frame.

Mid Shot (MS) – Shows some part of the subject in more detail.

Medium Close Up (MCU) – Half way between a mid shot and a close up.

Close Up (CU) – A particular part of the subject takes up the space of the frame.

Extreme Close Up (ECU) – Shows part of the subject in extreme detail.

Cutaway (CA) – A shot of something other than the current action.

Cut In – Shows some part of the subject in detail.

Two Shot – A shot of two people, similar to mid shot.

Over The Shoulder Shot (OSS) – Looking from behind the person at the subject.

Noddy Shot – Usually of an interviewer reacting to the subject.

Point Of View Shot (POV) – Shows a view from the subjects perspective.

Weather Shot – Subject is weather, usually sky. Can be other.

Most cameras now have automatic settings but to get the best results you should set the camera up manually. the most common features that need to be set are:

Zoom-This is where the view is moved closer or further away from the subject of the shot. Zoom should be used in moderation whilst shooting because it is hard to control the camera and looks unprofessional. The zoom can be used by the zoom ring or the zoom lever.

Iris-This controls the amount of light entering the lens. The more you open the iris the brighter the shot becomes.

Focus-Auto focus should never be used for video cameras. Professional cameras usually have a focus ring at the front of the lens.

White balance-This function controls the colour. To get a true white reference, point the camera at something white (matt) and press the “white balance” button, White balances should be done regularly, especially if the lighting changes.

 Audio-Most cameras come with built in microphones which are fine but you could get better results with and external microphone that might be more suited to the type of work you are producing. You have to be careful that you are on the correct level of audio and trying to keep the background noise to a minimum.

Shutter-The main advantage of a shutter is to make single shots look sharper but can make motion look jerky. Using the shutter isn’t completely necessary for a beginner.

Effects-Most cameras have built in effects such as mix and strobe. Effects should only be used after a lot of experimentation because they can appear tacky and unprofessional.

A number of different steps need to be completed before actually filming. This a very important part of the development of producing a film or program. The first step is to make a storyboard of the ideas and concepts of the film, after this a recce report has to be produced. This is when you go to the chosen location which you plan to film and take still images of the surroundings. The third stage is casting, where you find the right actors and actresses for each role, followed by the scripts and dialogue. After all of this the shooting of the script is done.

Storyboards are used in the planning of a film. They are usually a sequence of small drawings and some dialogue and captions to plan each shot. Storyboarding is an important part of making a film as it allows the director to visually see the different ideas and shots before the actually production. Also, storyboards allow the director to edit and change any part of the scenes before they are made.