Resources

On this page you’ll find tips on how to shoot a video, things you should think about as you plan and some technical things you need to keep in mind.

• Tips for shooting your video
• Resources from the National Film Board

Tips for shooting your video

Planning

The first step is to decide what you want to say. What is your story? What is your message?

Next, think about how you want to get your message across. What’s your filmmaking style? Experimental? Animation? High tech? Documentary? Will you use interviews, music (make sure it’s original music), comedy, dance or theatre?

Sometimes it helps to have an outline or an action plan or even a full script with shot descriptions. On the other hand, you might decide to work spontaneously. It’s up to you—get creative and have fun!

Using the camera

Before you start recording, use the viewfinder to make sure you have the image you want. Watch out for distracting backgrounds (like trees or flagpoles) that might interfere with your shot. Practice with the camera to make sure you know how to use its features such as auto-focus and manual focus. Experiment with different camera angles.

Get “in your face”

Close-ups can be very expressive and effective, so don’t be afraid to go face-to-face. Keep it interesting and try to vary your close-ups with a mix of medium and long shots.

Let there be light

You can create great effects by using light. Think of the effect you want and then think about the light source and how you can achieve that effect. Natural light can be a great choice particularly at the beginning and end of the day (professionals call these times the “magic hours”). If you shoot at midday on a sunny day, the shadows will be very harsh. On overcast days, you might not have any shadows at all.

Take time to identify your light source. If it’s behind your subject, their face may be in the shadow. This technique is called “backlighting”. If you want less shadow, turn the shot around by repositioning your subject and the camera. If you’re using an artificial light source, and you don’t want to reposition your shot because you like the background, try repositioning the light.

The key is to experiment to make sure you’re getting the effect you want.

Sound and sound F/X

The quality of the sound on your video is just as important as the quality of the pictures. If you’re too close to the microphone, the sound can be distorted. If you’re too far away, it may not be heard. Remember, if you use music, use ONLY original music (music you and your team composed and performed).

It’s a wrap

Remember, you only have 45 to 60 seconds for your video. Things like special effects or clever transitions can take up time and get in the way of your message. Keep it simple and have fun!

Resources from the National Film Board

The National Film Board of Canada developed a facilitator’s guide in partnership with the Multiculturalism Program. The guide is a means to discuss racism and to help students recognize how it negatively affects individuals and communities. The guide also helps students to develop ideas for action at a local level (within their school, neighbourhood and community) and at a national level (through video messages).

The facilitator’s guide includes teaching materials that should make it easy for teachers of all levels of familiarity with film to participate in this initiative. The teaching materials will also help teachers motivate students to become involved in the competition and provide clear instructions on how to produce an entry in the competition. For more information, please refer to the National Film Board of Canada.