In-Camera feature

For: Groups of Two
Difficulty: Advanced

Objective
Upon completion of this lesson, students will demonstrate the ability to shoot sequences, conduct interviews, frame/record soundbites, and write/deliver an on-camera stand-up.

Points to emphasize

  • No editing is allowed! So, videographers should be reminded to hold shots for 6-10 seconds. There is no penalty for letting shots go a bit past the point they would normally be shortened by editing.

  • A little padding is suggested. Students should record three or four seconds before and after the actual shot they want. This will help prevent taping over an important shot.

  • It is okay to hear the reporter ask the question before the person being interviewed responds.

  • Sequences should relate to the focus of the piece and to the soundbites.

Equipment: One camera, tripod, headphones, and external microphone per group

Assignment

Each team will shoot an in-camera feature, containing the following required elements:

  • Two sequences (wide/medium/tight) that relate to the story, to be shot after soundbites are recorded

  • A reporter’s opening stand-up -  memorized and delivered facing the camera introducing the focus of the feature that follows

  • At least two soundbites addressing the topic, from two different people (preferably with different points of view)

  • A closing shot that brings closure to the segment

Final order of elements in the In-Camera Feature:

1. Opening stand-up
2. Soundbite #1
3. Sequence #1
4. Soundbite#2
5. Sequence #3
6. Closing shot

Possible topics for the In-Camera Feature:

  • What the cooks, custodians, or secretaries mean to your school

  • What’s new at your school this year?

  • Historical fact about the school that might surprise you

Suggestions:

  • Allow students to set up their shoots the first day, and then give them the next class period for shooting.

  • Allow teams to incorporate a third or fourth soundbite if they want, each followed by a sequence, but give them a maximum length for the final story.

 

Relevant Lessons:

Volume 1, Chapter 3: “Sequences”

Volume 2, Chapter 2: “Run & Gun Interviews”

 

Volume 3, Chapter 1: “Shoot for the Edit”