Tips for this Film Festival
USE A TRIPOD. Unless you have to be moving alongside the action, you should ALWAYS use a tripod. If you need to roll along the action, try to devise a rolling cart to place the tripod on. Here's an example: http://phototipspro.com/video-tools/movers-dolly/
USE A MICROPHONE. Sound quality is important. You may capture great video, but if the audience cannot hear the dialogue or sound effects, the overall effect diminishes greatly. Audio can be a mix of student narration, interviews, and music. Narrators will be more successful if they enunciate and speak in measured tones. Soundtracks are best when relevant to content, and volume does not distract from the voiceover. When using interviews that are hard to understand, students may consider subtitles. Ask different people to listen to the video to make sure all types of people can understand the audio so that adjustments may be made before the final version. Audacity is a free audio editing software that can help with adding multiple layers of sound. We recommend downloading the beta version http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ . You can then search on YouTube for "how to use audacity" tutorials such as this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rQr5YVNqI0&feature=related
STAY WITHIN THE TIME LIMIT. There is no penalty for videos under 2 minutes in length. Points will be deducted for every 10 seconds over the 2 minute maximum. Video exceeding by 30 seconds will be disqualified.
STORY-BOARD. Sketch, write and plan out all the details of your video before you start filming or assembling clips and photos. This includes writing and PRACTICING the dialogue. If you rehearse the lines ahead of time, you'll save a lot of time in the recording and editing.
WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE? Decide and clearly define the one message or point you want to convey to your audience in your video. You only have two minutes. You'll be most convincing if you stay focused on a specific point.
General suggestions:
Spend time watching and analyzing the types of documentaries or public service announcements such as this one on the use of water bottles: http://vimeo.com/1855327 . Pay attention to the elements, narrative, and structure of these documentaries to see how ideas are successfully communicated.
Student videos may include visual evidence such as still photographs, maps, film clips, interviews and other graphic images. Text should be used minimally--subtitles, quotes, and other highlights are appropriate. Well written narration is important. While technical and creative quality is important, it does not outweigh the need for solid historical knowledge, facts and analysis.
Clips from existing documentaries should be used sparingly; overuse or long segments of footage from a professional productions is discouraged. Most importantly, student videos should present student interpretations.
The Fair Use Doctrine will allow use of materials in student productions shown at educational events (such as this middle school festival), therefore, students need not seek formal permissions. However, if the documentary is shown in non-educational settings, then permissions should be sought.
Powerpoint presentations are not considered video/films appropriate for this film festival.