Shooting Made Easy or Not?

Our first session this morning at the institute was about shooting video with several simple steps. Throughout the whole session Brain Synder made several comments that we were supposed to make sure to remember since he told us that our students would forget them. In my group we forgot them. It was not on purpose, we just got busy with everything and it slipped our minds. We did a great job of making sure to get lots of B Roll but often we were talking during that B Roll or we would get a fabulous wide shot but then not get close enough. I am beginning to think that the first couple of video assignments I make my students do I am going to have to make sure that they shoot and watch and then go out and shoot again.

Right now when my students go and get footage I make them practice how to use the equipment tons before I send them out but after this experience I am thinking that I will have to make them practice planning out the different shots in their head or write them down before they go and do a ton of coverage.

I also love the total physical response Brian gave us for remembering the shots we needed to take with the hand recall. My students learn the best through physical response so that will be perfect. He also gave me great insight into how to discuss panning and zooming with students because it is one of their favorite tools to use when creating their PSA's.

With this knowledge in hand I hope to go back and revamp my video story techniques with my students to have them create more in depth stories with the equipment we have. I also can not wait to see how the other groups did with their footage-I am very proud of my team as well and look forward to all the editing ahead!

Heather Jancoski
Desert Sands Middle School
Phoenix, AZ