Production ... when the camera rolls

• Camera
  What type of camera? Basically, if you can import the footage into your editing software then you can make a film with it but obviously the quality will vary a great deal. As well as the professional cameras you can borrow from VOMO you can also make a film using a simple camcorder. Mobile phones capture video footage too and there is nothing to stop you using a series of still images taken with a normal camera.
• Film
  The VOMO cameras, and most camcorders unless they use a memory card, use mini DV tapes. Take a good supply with you as you don't want to run out in the middle of your shoot.
• Microphone
  An external microphone is always better than relying on the one supplied as part of the camera. The sound quality will be far superior and will cut-out a lot of background noise. The VOMO kit includes a hand held mic and you can also book a boom mic and pole. Booms enable you to record sound close to the action but without the mic being in shot.
• Tripod
  It's always a good idea to have a sturdy tripod on-hand. This will ensure your film doesn't suffer from camera shake and spoil all your hard work.
• Batteries
  Ensure your camera battery is fully charged before your shoot and always take charged spares too. Also remember to take extra batteries for your external microphones.
• Other Essentials
  Headphones, gaffa tape, pens, notepads, instruction manuals, clean lens cloth, wet wipes, tissues and double check you have all your cables too.

Check out our helpful videos on the right.

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The Director
The director is in control of how the film will be shot and instructs the camera operator, actors, presenters and interviewees accordingly. There's a real art to good direction and it might take you a little practice to anticipate all the best shots. It is important to consider other people's ideas too as you never know, they may have seen something you haven't.

We've added lots of video tutorials about directing to help get you started.

Camera
Learn as much about your camera as possible, that way you will feel confident and shoot more creatively. Its best to use a tripod where possible to minimise shaking but if you don't have one then try to lean against a wall or a lamp post. Keep your legs apart to distribute your weight and bend your elbows. On professional shoots a "Dolly" would be used to help capture a moving shot but a wheelchair, skateboard or even a trolley will suffice.

Four Docs have produced some brilliant video guides for you to watch and learn from. There are also lots of camera tips and tricks too.

Lighting
If it's too light or too dark your shot could be ruined so think about your available light and plan your shoot accordingly. You will also need to keep an eye on the weather. Your film will look very odd if during one shot your actors are in brilliant sunshine and the next it's bleak and windy because you've filmed them on two different days. If filming inside you may need to organise some extra lighting. If this is the case talk to Scottish Borders Council's Artstore based in St Mary's Mill, Selkirk.

Its easier than it looks, watch the video guides to find out how.

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Sound
If your sound quality is poor it will ruin your film. If your audience can't understand what they are hearing or they are being distracted by annoying background noises their attention will wane. It is advisable not to use the microphone on your camera but to plug in an external one instead. This means you will be able to get close to the source of your sound and the quality will be vastly superior. Its also important to wear headphones so you can hear exactly what your camera is recording.

There is more on sound in our video guides.

Green Screen
The Green Screen effect is a type of chroma key which lets you replace the green background colour behind your subject with another image. So if you shoot an actor or presenter in front of a green screen, in post production, you can create the effect of having your subject standing in front of the Pyramids, on the moon or in a futuristic city; the possibilities are endless. You can buy a professional green screen kit but that will work out expensive. Instead, why not watch and read our selection of green screen tips to get you started on a budget.

Everything you need to know about green screen is contained in our brilliant video guides.

Special Effects
When you've gained more confidence using your and editing software why not introduce some special effects. They're fun to shoot and can add another dimension to your film. Take a look through some of the special effect tutorial videos we've discovered to see what you can do.

Check out our video guides to learn how to create everything from earthquakes to gun effects.

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Photographs
It's always a great idea to take photographs during your shoot as these can be used to promote your film later. Although you can create stills from your video footage the quality isn't as good as those taken from a high resolution camera.

Costume and Make-up
Make sure you remember to bring all the costumes and props you planned in the pre production stage and collect them in again at the end of each days shooting. Keep a check list of what goes with each character to prevent anything going astray. Anyone who is going to appear on camera will need a little face powder and that includes the boys. Don't go for a natural look as things look different of film so you will need to apply blusher and lipstick too.

Locations
Each and every location must be treated with respect and left in exactly the same way it was found. Remember, you need to get permission to film in public and private buildings as well as on private land. If filming on the street it is customary to inform the local authority and the Police.

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Contributor's Release Forms and Legalities
If you haven't organised them already do it now. Everyone who appears in your film must sign a consent form as without written permission they may demand you withdraw any footage which features them. For more information on the other legal issues you should consider check out the Get Legal guide from Four Docs.

Have you checked out our video on staying legal?

Planning Ahead
Filming involves an awful lot of hanging around as not everyone will be needed all of the time. Plan ahead for the next days shoot and keep everyone informed as to when they are needed and what they are to do via individual "call sheets". In addition try and provide a few boredom busters for those on the shoot who might be left standing around. Magazines, game consoles, MP3 players and refreshments will all help to pass the time.

Once you have finished your shoot and captured all your footage you're ready to move on to the Post Production stage.

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