On this assignment, you will use your basic skills of camcorder operation. You will be the camera operator at a press conference. You will set up the camera on a tripod and shoot the spokesperson as they make their statement. You will want to frame them so we can only see them from them from about the elbows up. After the statement, they will take one question apiece from two people. You need to be prepared to pan and re-adjust framing for the questioners. You need to pan back to the spokesperson to get the response to the questions. Here are some tips:
-Keep in mind that you want to be able to pan to the audience/press corps, so setup the tripod so you can easily pan between both.
-You need to set white balance
-Check the exposure. You don't wan't it too dark or too bright.
-Make sure it is in focus. Manual focus if you're up to it. If you rely on auto focus it may let you down. It can also be distracting if it's not quick.
-You need to make sure you have power(batteries) and of course tape that is cued up and ready to go.
-You need to make sure you're getting good audio. Most camcorders have a headphone jack. This will let you know the sounds you are recording.
We will pick one person to operate the camera first and one to go last. The person going last will be the first to speak. The rest of the class will serve as press corps/audience. Following is a list of speaking ideas. Use these or make up your own. The spokesperson will enter the room and go to the podium. There they will make a statement. After the statement, members of the press corps will raise their hands to ask questions and be chosen by the speaker. This will give the camera operator a cue to pan to the questioner. After the questions the speaker will thank the audience/press corps and leave. Remember this is about getting used to operating the camera. As camera operator you need to focus on what you are recording.
Press conference speaking ideas:
You are introducing your company's latest product. It can be a new soft drink, a car, or perhaps a new long distance service. Be creative.
You are announcing your clients new film/fashion/art project. Let people know what the project is about.
You are announcing your candidacy for public office. This is a time to let people know where you stand and how you will serve them.
You are spokesperson for the police and you are giving details about a bank robbery that was stopped earlier today.
You work for NASA and you are announcing the next mission. It can be a mission to mars, studying plants in weightlessness, pigs in space, whatever.
Your team has just won or lost a big game. As coach or team leader you have to make a statement.
You are a real estate developer announcing the plans to build a new shopping center/hospital/housing project. Make it interesting by locating it in an unlikely place, or an unpopular place.
These are some basic ideas. Feel free to use your own. Obviously, this could be a lot of fun, but keep the material appropriate. Also, the questions need to be relevent.
Press Conference
On this assignment, you will use your basic skills of camcorder operation. You will be the camera operator at a press conference. You will set up the camera on a tripod and shoot the spokesperson as they make their statement. You will want to frame them so we can only see them from them from about the elbows up. After the statement, they will take one question apiece from two people. You need to be prepared to pan and re-adjust framing for the questioners. You need to pan back to the spokesperson to get the response to the questions. Here are some tips:
-Keep in mind that you want to be able to pan to the audience/press corps, so setup the tripod so you can easily pan between both.
-You need to set white balance
-Check the exposure. You don't wan't it too dark or too bright.
-Make sure it is in focus. Manual focus if you're up to it. If you rely on auto focus it may let you down. It can also be distracting if it's not quick.
-You need to make sure you have power(batteries) and of course tape that is cued up and ready to go.
-You need to make sure you're getting good audio. Most camcorders have a headphone jack. This will let you know the sounds you are recording.
We will pick one person to operate the camera first and one to go last. The person going last will be the first to speak. The rest of the class will serve as press corps/audience. Following is a list of speaking ideas. Use these or make up your own. The spokesperson will enter the room and go to the podium. There they will make a statement. After the statement, members of the press corps will raise their hands to ask questions and be chosen by the speaker. This will give the camera operator a cue to pan to the questioner. After the questions the speaker will thank the audience/press corps and leave. Remember this is about getting used to operating the camera. As camera operator you need to focus on what you are recording.
Press conference speaking ideas:
You are introducing your company's latest product. It can be a new soft drink, a car, or perhaps a new long distance service. Be creative.
You are announcing your clients new film/fashion/art project. Let people know what the project is about.
You are announcing your candidacy for public office. This is a time to let people know where you stand and how you will serve them.
You are spokesperson for the police and you are giving details about a bank robbery that was stopped earlier today.
You work for NASA and you are announcing the next mission. It can be a mission to mars, studying plants in weightlessness, pigs in space, whatever.
Your team has just won or lost a big game. As coach or team leader you have to make a statement.
You are a real estate developer announcing the plans to build a new shopping center/hospital/housing project. Make it interesting by locating it in an unlikely place, or an unpopular place.
These are some basic ideas. Feel free to use your own. Obviously, this could be a lot of fun, but keep the material appropriate. Also, the questions need to be relevent.