Video Production - Summer Semester 2022
Choosing to focus my one of my degree emphases on multimedia felt like a no brainer, because I really have had an interest in photography and videography for a long time, and having recently started a YouTube channel before I started this class, I knew I’d learn some things that were likely going to help me take my YouTube videos to the next level.
This class focused on the basic principles of creating videos.
Editing
Audio and Volume
Shot Composition
Planning and Pre-Production
Editing Organization and Tools
Shooting with a DSLR Camera
Microphones, Voice Audio, and B-Roll
Camera Movement
Three-Point Lighting
Sound Effects and NAT Sound
L-Cuts, J-Cuts, and Transitions
Color Correction
One of the most effective ways used for students to really learn and demonstrate their understanding was that the professor assigned a video journal to be submitted each week using the concepts learned. One requirement of these video journals was that they were supposed to be under 30 seconds long. I found that to be incredibly challenging with some of the videos, and made strategic decisions within the grading rubric to go over the 30 seconds allotted.
I’ve opted to put my video journals into a YouTube playlist so that I could see all of them in one place once I had finished the class.
This class gave me insight into professionals in this industry through guest speaker presentations that were always helpful and enlightening. I think one of the biggest takeaways I had that I feel would really take my videos to the next level is in my storytelling capabilities and planning out the story in the beginning. But then also spending more time practicing editing together multiple takes of the same shot to get different angles. One of the presenters demonstrated how to do this and it was probably the most simple tip I learned that stuck with me across the entire semester.
For the final project, we were asked to consider what we wanted to do early in the semester and submit a proposal. I wanted to put together a video talking about my journey back to school and into a career in design. I knew early on that I wanted this video to feel like an interview, and I was able to apply a lot of the skills I learned in the semester to this final video.
“Having seen clips in your weekly video journal assignments, it is wonderful to see this finished piece. Your video storytelling is captivating and you did a great job maintaining a strong timeline that keeps viewers engaged. Your audio mixing is awesome, the airy music track adds a subtle style to the tone of the video. Modern glamour shots sound like a fun idea! Overall, great editing in these transitions and steady camera work. Your journey is amazing and I wish you all the best in the future of your career and life surrounded by wonderful Australian cattle dogs!”
