In-Camera Edit

Estimated time to complete: 60 Minutes

Use this classroom presentation: IN-CAMERA EDIT: Shooting Sequences SLIDES

WHAT IS A SEQUENCE? A sequence is a series of shots of an action or scene. A classic action sequence consists of a combination of at least three shots of an action in sequential order.

COMMONLY USED SHOTS IN A SEQUENCE:

1. ELS: Extreme Long Shot, commonly used as an establishing shot.
2. LS/WS: Long Shot/Wide Shot of the person or location. Full body.
3. MS: Medium Shot. Half body, normally from the waist up.
4. CU: Close Up of the face including neck and shoulders in the shot. Also used for objects.
5. ECU: Extreme Close Up shows parts of a person or object in detail.
6. OTS: Over-the-Shoulder, shows a person’s back of head and shoulder looking at someone or something.
7. Creative shots such as low/high angles, dollies, POVs (point-of-views), rack focus, etc.

TYPES OF SEQUENCES (more visual examples found in the presentation)

1. Step-by-step action
2. Shots capturing an intimate moment
3. Shots sweeping the big and small details of a larger scene space

Example: Capturing an intimate moment - College essay.

Notice that the combination of shots does not follow a specific order. Choosing angles should be intentional and help the story move forward.

WHAT IS A SHOT LIST? A shot list is a document with the details of each shot of the scene or action sequence you plan to record. It contains the Shot Number, Composition/Angle, and Description.

Estimated time to complete: 60 Minutes

IN-CAMERA EDIT: Record an action in sequential order using a camera or phone. The idea of the In-Camera Edit exercise is to learn how to think through and build a sequence around an activity.

• Film a story in sequence. In this case, you’ll have to figure out how to film a person with a talent or skill in sequence, one shot at a time. It may be painting a picture, playing a sport, making a salad, playing an instrument, etc.
• Use a minimum of one SOT (Sound On Tape) SOUNDBITE
• There has to be at least 2 sequences in your story
• Something with a start, middle, and end that you can use your creative skills to cover using a variety of shots and techniques.
• The trick is, for this in-camera edit, once you are done shooting one shot, you can not go back and re-shoot the shot you are working on. Once you move to the next shot, you cannot go back.

You can build a story around your activity or skill if you want, but any VO (voice over) or dialogue has to be done as you shoot it. There is no editing, so you will have to think your story through in advance by creating a shot list. The goal is to tell your story through visual sequences in a minute or two.

Watch Example: IN-CAMERA EDIT: Quidditch (video example in presentation)

• You must use a TRIPOD or phone mount when recording each shot.
• Use your shot list to follow the order of your action sequence.**
• Record each shot for at least 5 seconds.
• You may delete and re-shoot the shot you are on, but once you move to the next shot, there is no going back and changing anything on your card or in your photo library.

** In the field, you may find that some shots work better than others. You may modify your shot list as long as you and your team agree that the change helps move the story forward.

“Editing” Rules:

• When you’re done, transfer all your clips to the computer for editing or import them to your mobile video editor.
• Place all videos on the timeline in the order they were recorded.
• Export your final video sequence. The story should be 1 to 2 minutes long.
• Share your story by email or air-drop, receive feedback from your teacher and peers.

1. PLAN: Create a SHOT LIST. Share the SHOT LIST TEMPLATE with students, they can make a digital copy and add their own shot descriptions. You may also print it for students to write.
2. RECORD: Have students use their cameras or phones to record their sequences. They should record a minimum of 3 shots for at least 5 seconds each for each sequence. Follow the IN-CAMERA EDIT RULES below.
3. “EDIT”: Students will not be editing their sequences but will require editing software to place their clips in the order and export the final story. Alternatively, students can use an editing app on their phones and place the shots in order.
4. SHARE: Students will send you their stories by email or air-drop, and receive feedback from you and other students. It is best to practice the feedback sandwich (warm, cool, warm) and we recommend doing it as a class.