Tips for Filming

Essential Equipment

MiniDV or Hard Drive Camcorder: Your school may already have one you can use. Just buy a MiniDV tape for each class (or ask a parent to donate one). It helps to keep the same class on the same tape when it comes time to edit it into the end of year DVD. Alternatively, a hard drive camcorder stores the video clips as files like a computer does.
Green Screen: When you film in front of a solid green color it become easy to later replace the green with a picture of Teotihuacán or Bora Bora. A professional pop-up green screen costs about $100, but you can also use a solid green or blue sheet. Make sure to choose a color that nobody is wearing.
Lighting: Buy lighting at the hardware store and you will save hundreds of dollars. Shop lights on a stand work great. Compliment this with a white sheet in front to soften the light.
Editing Software: You’ll need a midlevel video editing program if you plan to use green screen or a simple one for just cutting and pasting. I use the Adobe Production Premium CS3, but Pinnacle Studio Deluxe is a great option for novices. Make sure you pay the academic price (AcademicSuperStore.) If you are just editing together simple video clips without any fancy green screen effects, you may be able to use the simple video editing program that came with your computer.

Even lighting: The more uniform the lighting, the better the result
Clear sound: This is the hard to get in a classroom. The built-in microphone picks up the cameraman’s voice much better than the subjects being filmed. Some camcorders let you plug in a directional mic to focus on the subjects. Or you can use the old TV anchor technique with a handheld mic.
Let the Camera roll: If students start talking right when you push the button the first few seconds may be lost. Give the camera a second to roll and then silently cue the students to start talking. When they finish, they need to stay put for a few seconds.
Assign jobs to the students: Train your students to take on jobs that will make the filming run smoothly. You can assign the roles of camera operator, door guard, lighting tech, boom operator, script prompter, special effects specialist. They will enjoy it and it frees you up to manage the project.