This is the third audio test I share on 1PersonCrew.com
On the first test I tested 12 different mic configurations and the second test was about 3 different wireless systems for filmmakers. Since then I’ve received lot of different ideas and suggestions, mostly positive, that I’m adding to today’s test.
Mic 2 and Mic 4 are connected to an H4n Pro field recorder (newest model) via XLR Cables. Mic 2 is on the Left Channel and Mic 4 is on the Right Channel.
DISCLAIMER This article is not paid or sponsored by anyone. It reflects my own independent opinion. I only recommend companies and products that I trust. Some links might be affiliates, which means I may get a few pennies if you decide to purchase something. Thanks in advance for your support!
It’s great to talk about camera movement in the abstract: “the camera turns 360 like in “Gravity” and then we do a really slow long tracking shot like in “The Shinning.”
Sadly there’s also real life, and it comes with real people usually working in tiny and crowded spaces. Besides the actual physical challenges, we should consider the reasons to move the camera, in other words, it’s a good idea to think WHY are we moving the camera before we get into HOW to do it.
Watch the video below for a real life example:
And here’s a 90-second version of the Bookbinder’s story.
Today’s tip is about how to create sequence so you can edit multiple cameras in real time, with the click of your mouse (or using the number keys on your keyboard).
Like many people shooting documentaries and interviews, I often shoot with two (or even three) cameras, and record audio separately.
Syncing the footage with the clean audio source in Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve is relatively easy, but not always accurate. That is why for many years I’ve been using a plugin called PluralEyes.
Live editing is a great way to cut VERY quickly, but it involves a few “hidden” steps:
If you are serious about the craft of video editing, this new online course by Oscar-winning editor Tom Cross (Whiplash, La La Land and First Man) is pure gold. Highly recommended.
Do you find these tutorials and resources useful? Let me know!
The Coronavirus outbreak has forced a global lockdown. Most governments are enforcing travel restrictions with random checks on roads, highways, and bridges and are requiring justification for traveling anywhere, even within a city. Because of this (and other reasons) most shooting assignments have been canceled or at best rescheduled. But this does NOT mean we can’t continue looking for interesting spots for upcoming projects.
This short article covers the 1 Person Crew approach to legally scout locations during a lockdown in two steps:
Step 1: Google and Google Earth
A quick Google search for “the best viewpoints in Lisbon” offers 30,000,000 results in 0.87 seconds. Wow. Another option is to search for “melhores miradouros em Lisboa” (306,000 results in 0.61 seconds) which most likely offers better recommendations from locals.
Three viewpoints immediately get my attention: Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro das Portas do Sol, and Miradouro da Graça. I like these three spots for several reasons:
They are reachable by public transportation.
They are close to main roads so I can use a share-riding service like Uber to get there.
The three are within walking distance from each other, yet they offer different perspectives of the city.
They all seem to offer good shooting opportunities at sunrise, sunset and at night.
Not only the views, but the viewpoints themselves seem visually interesting.
Portugal is safe at all times, so I don’t have to worry about that, but that would be another consideration anywhere else.
Here’ s a screen recording of my research process using only Google and Google Earth.
OK. I now have three potential locations, without leaving my desk. What’s next?
Step 2: Exercise
We are being “asked” to stay at home,
with few exceptions, which usually include:
Buying food or other essential items
Going to work if unable to work from home
Going to hospitals or health centers
Going to care for someone
Returning to their primary residence
Walking pets
Exercising outdoors for short periods in groups smaller than 2 persons
Aha! This last exception is our salvation. Now that we have identified three interesting spots, close to each other, and at a reasonable distance from home, it’s time to go out and exercise.
Then we need to pack everything into the smallest possible bag to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
My lovely wife also enjoys working out while enjoying this incredible city, so I was lucky to have an assistant this time. =)
That’s it! You are ready to explore the world and
scout potential locations for your projects. But remember: Wash your hands,
don’t touch your face, maintain social distancing, and travel only for
essential tasks (including location scouting for upcoming shoots).
PS: I wanted a “spy movie” kind of soundtrack, and it took me about 3 minutes to search, find, download and cut the song “Ace of Spades” from Artlist.io by far the best music library I’ve used. And now they also offer sound effects! Highly recommended.
For obvious reasons everybody is spending a vast amount of time everyday on Zoom / Meet / Skype / Hangouts / FaceTime / fill in the blank.
And for obvious reasons I’ve been getting a lot of emails that roughly ask the same question “My lighting sucks, I look like a monkey (guys), I look fat (girls), what can I do?”
Well, here’s my 1 Person Crew approach in 5 steps:
Most people choose a spot next to, or worse, in front of a window. I’d suggest picking a location where you can control the amount and quality of the light, so it is the same for your 7AM meeting with Australia and the 10PM meeting with San Francisco. This is especially important for situations where lighting continuity is important, for example if you are creating educational content, webinars, or long interviews.
Under normal circumstances, people look better under soft light. “Soft” means that the light “wraps” around the contours of the subject, making the shadows indistinct and gradual in falloff. There are many ways to create soft light, but the easiest and quickest is to diffuse it using professional tools or an Ikea shower curtain for the unbeatable price of $1.99. Bonus Tip: Place the diffusion material as close as possible to the subject as possible, without getting in the frame. With a laptop this is not an issue.
My weapon of choice for very quick setups is a couple of NanLite PavoTube 15C. These beauties are incredible: Dimmable from 0% to 100%, adjustable color temperature from 6500-2700K, super light and durable AND they come with a built-in battery so I can use them on location. This handy “Gooseneck mount” allows you to have two lights on one stand, which saves set up time and space.
The lights come with all the necessary accessories, but we need a couple of light stands, a crossbar for the shower curtain (also at Ikea), and a super clamp to hold the crossbar.
To test your light and framing, simply open the app everybody has and nobody has ever used: Photo Booth. Add some props to the background, good headphones with a built-in mic, a glass of water (or depending of the time, an adult beverage) and you are all set to go!
Window light is great sometimes, but it changes all the time and can create too much contrast, especially for a webcam.
Closing a few windows kinda works during the day, but not at night.
Two lights, one shower curtain.
Increase the height of your laptop/camera with some books, and don’t forget the props!
Simple lighting techniques for web meetings.
An added benefit of this simple set up is that it’s very easy to move when not in used, or during meal times in our case. =)
Experience a post-production workflow that is far from traditional, but is extremely efficient and logical. Recommended hardware, software and apps, batch renaming, 4K Proxy workflow, GPS tagging, the correct steps to color correct and grade footage, and even how to safely back-up and archive your projects.
Learn the entire pre-production workflow, from brainstorming to asset allocation all the way to actually pre-shooting your project. This course is geared to filmmakers working with small crews, but it offers essential lessons and resources for all content creators.
This is your chance to join an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker on location! Get a unique view, from concept to delivery, and experience how to capture stills, video, and sounds to produce a commercial for a boutique winery in beautiful Oregon.
Expand your creative options and the range of services you can offer to clients by incorporating video and hybrid projects into your new 2020 skill set.
