COM 3210 CAMERA EXERCISE 1

Print and bring a copy of this document to the next class.

Print and bring a copy of Tips for Better Shooting to the next class.

Read the CAMERA OPERATIONS section of the TV Terminology page linked on the homepage. Be sure to click the hyperlinks regarding shots and shot composition and study the examples. These descriptions are critical to your understanding of proper camera shot aesthetics.

In this activity, each student in the group will take turns acting as TALENT, CAMERA OPERATOR, or DIRECTOR.

MATERIALS NEEDED: 1 miniDV tape, headphones, camcorder, tripod, and battery for camera, microphone kit.

PROCEDURE: 1. Mount camcorder on tripod. 2. Load battery and miniDV tape. 3. Plug in mic and headphones. (the camera op wears the headphones). 4. Talent holds the mic and stands approx 7-10 ft. from the camera. 5. Director calls ROLL TAPE. Camera Op starts recording, waits 3 seconds and says SPEED. 6. Director says ACTION. 7. Talent says the following into the camera (memorization is not necessary):

I AM NOW BEING FRAMED IN A CLOSE UP SHOT, WHICH IS FROM THE MIDDLE OF MY NECK AREA TO JUST ABOVE MY FOREHEAD. THE CLOSE UP SHOT REVEALS MANY PSYCHOLOGICAL OR PHYSICAL DETAILS ABOUT THE TALENT. THIS SHOT IS OFTEN USED IN DRAMATIC PRESENTATIONS.

8. The Director waits 3 seconds and says CUT. The Camera Op stops the recording.

Repeat steps 1 -8 and substitute the following monologue:

I AM NOW BEING FRAMED IN A MEDIUM CLOSE UP SHOT, WHICH IS FROM THE MID CHEST TO THE TOP OF MY HEAD. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR SHOTS USED IN TELEVISION AND FILM. IT IS ALSO KNOWN AS A TALKING HEAD. AND PLEASE, WATCH THAT HEAD ROOM.

Repeat steps 1-8 and substitute the following monologue:

I AM NOW BEING FRAMED IN A MEDIUM SHOT, WHICH IS FROM AROUND MY WAIST TO THE TOP OF MY HEAD. THIS SHOT NEARLY IMITATES THE NORMAL PERSONAL SPACE BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE FACING EACH OTHER IN CONVERSATION. THIS SHOT IS OFTEN USED BY HOSTS DURING SHOWS. AND OF COURSE, WATCH THAT HEADROOM.

Repeat steps 1-8 and substitute the following:

I AM NOW BEING FRAMED IN A LONG SHOT, WHICH IS FROM MY FEET TO THE TOP OF MY HEAD. THIS SHOT IS USUALLY USED TO PRESENT TALENT IN RELATION TO THEIR SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT. THE HEADROOM ON A LONG SHOT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE AS TIGHT AS WITH OTHER SHOTS WE’VE DISCUSSED.

The members of the group will now switch places and repeat all of the above steps. Your completed tape will include each group member seen on camera describing the four basic shots used in class.

When the group has completed the activity, the group should review the tape together to ensure that everything looks and sounds good. If the tape meets everyone’s satisfaction, eject the tape, unplug the mic and cable, dismount the camcorder from the tripod, and pack everything up. Give the instructor your tape. Make sure the spine label is marked SP05-00x-x (semester, section, and group#)