Formal and Technical Considerations
Organization:
Breakdown your entire project into a schedule. Work backward from the deadline.
Keep a daily planner/appointment book.
Story Boards:
Choose music early in the process, because music sets the tone.
Work from the soundtrack if it is available.
Solve as many problems as you can at this stage.
Draw enough so that any client can understand what you plan to do.
Pay close attention to composition, continuity, timing, transitions,
Get critiques from several sources.
Camera
Black the tape (record with lense cap on) completely before you shoot anything,
insuring that your timecode will be consistent from beginning to end on
your tape. If you only have a few shots, this may not be necessary.
Always set your white balance whnever the lighting changes.
Lock you exposure when you have it set correctly.
Handle the camera and use all functions slowly and with thought.
Shooting:
Compose your shots thoughtfully. Don't just take "snapshots" of things.
Utilize the storyboard.
Work logically, not chronologically.
Use a tripod for steady shots.
Keep your background simple.
Don't put anything in the shot that will distract from the main action.
Use highest resolution for video and sound.
Watch your light, use lamps, overhead lighting and keep the filmed area bright.
Acting:
.
Editing:
Only have one project open at a time.
Bring in only the footage that you will be using.
Remember that music sets the tone/feeling.
Edit to the music.
Base your cuts solely on whether they enhance the project. Have a good reason
for everything.
Use sound effects judiciously.
Use visual effects judiciously.
Critique often during the process.
Critiques:
Listen and weigh input thoughtfully.
Be willing to make
changes.
Don't make excuses.
Computer:
Name everything logically, and put it in the appropriate place.
Create a group folder in the documents folder.
Create a folder for all of your projects inside your group's folder.
Have a consistent, logical filing system, and stick with it.
Have all the files
for one project in one folder only.
Keep the hard drives as clean as possible.