Video production in Studio 275 utilizes a Newtek TriCaster system to record broadcast quality video with or without blue/green screen and Live Set technology.
Studio 275 is located in the “Production Zone” area of the CET, on level 2 of Sawyer Library.
Recent Studio 275 curricular video projects include:
- “Live” talk show format topical discussions for language learning
- Reporting on scientific research (for grants and as learning modules)
- Interviews for documentary style video projects
- Live plays (recorded with green screen and alternate scenic backgrounds)
- Feature film scene recreations
Prepping for a LiveSet Video Session in Studio 275:
- If filming green screen you can not wear anything green or containing a green hue. Ditto for blue screen, no blue. Note: All Tricaster LiveSets require green screen filming. In general, avoid large, busy prints/plaids in clothing choice. They don’t film well.
- Script & storyboard: This is broadcast filming (live mix), meaning everyone concerned needs to know exactly what is going to happen and when. It is not good enough for you to have it planned in your mind only. A script and storyboard that indicates all scene changes, media inserts and timing is required for the director/engineer to follow. Each studio session will begin by going through the storyboard and blocking the action, BEFORE filming.
- If you are not comfortable enough memorizing your script please create a Powerpoint for script to be used as a teleprompter (see prep guidelines below).
- Consider media to use for opening shot(title screen), closing shot and any other titles. These must be created in advance to certain specs (see below) and brought to the production session on a thumb drive. Please clearly name these files!
- Any video footage used (for insert) must be a self contained file, preferable HD (1920×1080, NTSC) pre-edited (length, etc.) and brought to the production session on athumb drive.
- You will need an external drive large enough to copy your final videos to from the studio workstation at the end of your session. You will probably do more than one take of your scene and may want to have all of the footage to take away.
Creating / Using PowerPoint with LiveSets:
There are three ways a Powerpoint presentation can be used /mixed with a LiveSet or green screen session in Studio 275.
Full screen, as background. The powerpoint runs behind the performer, self advanced for timing. The performer is filmed greenscreen and is visible in front of the powerpoint in final video. This method allows for the powerpoint to be fed to the teleprompter as well so that the performer can look directly at the camera for cues/notes.
Design considerations:
- Leave a blank “space” on each slide for the performer(s) to be “in”.
- Avoid using small and/or full text, you do not want to simply be reading the entire presentation off the slides!
- Consider the use of additional props/models (handheld) that may add greater understanding to your presentation.
Media insert in a LiveSet. Tricaster LiveSets typically include a “monitor” that can be fed Powerpoint, video and/or images. The set options include seated (desk) or standing.
Design considerations:
- Since the monitor is only a portion of the full screen image, fonts used in the powerpoint should be larger.
- External video/audio clips should be edited down to the exact duration needed (see specs below)
- Youtube videos (without audio) can be broadcast into a Live set as well
3. As script / teleprompter Create a Powerpoint (black background slide, with white text, 54 pt minimum suggested) on your laptop. We will supply a remote for advancing your slides and should practice ahead of time. As you make your slides create breaks (visual) between sentences for ease of reading/pace.
Design considerations:
- Individual PP slides may be saved out and used as Image inserts instead. Thiswill require a thorough storyboard.
- Leave a healthy margin on all slides for easy viewing/reading. Practice advancingslide while reading.Specs for Images (to be inserted):Preferably landscape with a resolutions as close a possible to HD (1920×1080). When searching for images via Google limit to Large for best choices. Bring all images on a thumb drive to your studio session and name them according to their storyboard reference. NOTE: Images that are oddly shaped will not scale well. Try to keep everything in the 16:9 ratio (standard HD screen)Specs for Titles (to be overlayed):Titles need to be created as .png files with a transparent background (use Photoshop, video document setting 1920×1080). Creating a “lower third” title still requires the image to be full screen size (192×1080) with the title itself created on layers placed approximately where required, in the “lower third” section. Bring all titles on a thumb drive to your studio session and name them according to their storyboard reference.Specs for Video/Audio (to be inserted):Video segments should be edited down to their required size ahead of time. Prefered formats are .mov, .mp4. Any additional titles required to make the piece understandable should be edited in ahead of time. Sources for video include Internet, dvd, vhs, lightboard and self filmed. Student Media Consultants can help capture/edit video during their “drop-in” shifts. Bring all video segments on a drive to your studio session and name them according to their storyboard reference.
- Lightboard recording technology is also available for complex diagram instruction.