Planning

After looking at storyboards I looked at planning and the things I should consider before actually filming my documentary.


Below is a list of elements that will be essential to include in my documentary:

• Title
• Names
• Credits
• Copyright
• Graphics
• Video footage- long shot, close up's etc...
• Lighting- 3 point lighting, bcd light etc...
• Audio- voice over's, sound effects, music, different microphone techniques

Tips when filming 

Below I have displayed tips and methods I found which will guide me in making my documentary look more interesting and appealing to viewers. 

Camera Focusing

Focusing on several aspects of the subject matter will make your documentary look more interesting to the audience. Areas with a lot of detail (i.e. eyes) should be focused on using the zoom option. Avoid using the auto focus in cameras as it gives you less control on what you would like to focus on as instead on focusing on your subject the auto focus seems to focus on other areas of the shot. Macro setting in cameras are useful for focusing on objects up close or even small objects or areas. Also shooting out of focus will cause a blurry effect and this can result in the subject coming across as mysterious as you can't see the full detail of the caption (i.e. facial features). 

White Balance

White balance is important as it analyses the colour temperature of the light and then finds the right balance for producing the best result. If a caption, image etc has not been white balanced properly will result in an image not having the right shade of colour and light. 

Keeping your camera steady

Avoiding movements in the camera (i.e.shaking) is essential as movements in footage will distort images and make it seem unprofessional and amateur. A tripod is an ideal method for placing a camera and producing a steady shot throughout. 

Resources

http://www.sotherden.com/video101/storyboard.htm