Blog: Mike McGillivray

In a previous post I said that to save time editing it's best to shoot less video. Now I will tell you the exact opposite and encourage you to over shoot. It really will depend on the project you're working on. In cases where you know you won't stray from the script you will know exactly what to shoot. With other projects you'll find that there are still some questions about the final project. When that's the case it's important to shoot extra video. And because most cameras are shooting digital files and they're no longer consuming tapes or discs it's easy to overshoot without using up your budget on tape stock.

Even when I know exactly what needs to be shot and I know I have my best take in the can I still shoot extra. I shoot the same scene several times more and I'll even shoot video that hasn't been scripted. It's these kinds of shots that often make a nice addition to a project. A lot of times there are shots that you may not think of until you're on scene and you'll realize there's something you hadn't considered so you shoot it. The worst that can happen is you'll take a few extra minutes shooting and bring it back to the office and decide you don't need it afterall. But if you don't shoot it and you get back to the office and decide you need it then you'll be taking a lot more time to go back out and shoot again. So save yourself the frustration and money of having to reshoot by shooting a bit extra the first time around.

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Take a typical shot and make it more interesting by using the rule of thirds. Artists and photographers use the rule of thirds when composing their work and so do videographers. If you divide your viewfinder into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and you shoot your video so that your subject is framed where the lines intersect instead of centered in the frame you’ll have a better shot. Of course with every good rule there comes a time and a reason for it to be broken. Framing your shots against the rule of thirds can help bring an element to your shot that is out of the ordinary. Because we’re so used to seeing things framed using the rule of thirds, going against it can give viewers something they aren’t used to seeing. So frame your subject a few different ways and see what you like best.

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Trimble Mobile Computing Solutions wanted a video that would demonstrate the ruggedness of its products and catch attention at tradeshows. This video was shot over the course of one day in a variety of locations and captures the extremely rigorous conditions Trimble MCS computers endure. The video was paced with a grungy, attention-getting music track to accentuate the toughness of Trimble Mobile Computing Solutions products.

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I enjoy a good TV commercial, and I think you do, too. Television specials often show the "Best Commercials You've Never Seen," and many of them are from other countries. Well, here are a few that you may not have seen; they were recently honored by the Inaugural British Arrow Awards.  Watch this one for John Lewis. Can you tell what they do or do you have to go to the website? Here's one for Match.com that is cute and sweet. And finally, a commercial for Thinkbox is almost certain to make you laugh.

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Don't shoot too much video and your editing job will become easier. There are times when shooting more makes sense, maybe you want to capture an entire event from beginning to end or you want to make sure you don't miss the money shot. But if you know what shots you need to tell your story, things will be much simpler when you go to edit. Shoot clips that are short and sweet. Look for the can't miss moments and capture them but once you have them, stop recording. Repeat the process until you have a series of clips to tell your story. When you go to edit, you'll see how easy it is to put your clips together. The video will almost edit itself if you shoot it properly.

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