Introduction
In my college years at City-Tech, I have studied various aspects of video production processes in the classes. For the culmination project, I created a short documentary film, called “The Process”. The 9 minutes long film mainly focuses on rare vinyl record collections, sampling based music production, and underground music scenes. It features a matured music producer/record dealer, Gregg Lorenzo, and consisting of his interviews as well as music production performances. The film conveys his passion for music, inspirations, methods of music production, and information about the vinyl record business.
Link to the film: https://vimeo.com/218444226
Location/Storyboard
The majority of the clips were shot in various places in Poconos, Pennsylvania such as thrift shops, record stores, waterfall, forests, music production studio, record storages, and so on. Additionally, some of the clips of the nightclubs, record stores, and restaurants from New York City are included in the film.
Methods
All the still/video footages were captured on Panasonic GH-4 mirror-less camera and Nokia Lumia 1020 camera phone. Additionally, I operated a camera track slider for some of the camera work such as introduction/b-roll and Ikan EC-1 Gimbal Stabilizer for the tracking shots. For the audio recording of the interviews, I used a Sony ECM 44-B lavalier microphone and zoom H-5 Field Sound Recorder. They were mixed in Avid Media Composer by using fx such as Compressor and Equalizer. The tasks of video editing, color corrections, and time-remapping, were also processed in Avid Media Composer. In addition to the basic video editing, I incorporated, parallax movement, ken burns effects, Text animations, and photo Montages by using Adobe Creative Clouds.
Production Review Note
Due to the small sensor size, Panasonic GH-4 creates great DOF, therefore, it was very effective for the run and gun style situations to maintain the focus of the subject. However, it suffered in low light situations. Also, using Ikan EC-1 was a great way to capture steady footages in the tight spaces, however, it was difficult to maintain horizon levels. I realized that we need to be careful when we use a lavalier mic for the interviews; it catches the noises of the body contact.
Poster Link
Schedule
As the shooting sessions had been canceled by the talent many times, I started the project by creating motion graphics and text animation. On week six, I finally accrued a chance to meet with him and shot B-Rolls in many different locations in Poconos, Pennsylvania. The next shooting sessions were held in week nine, I have captured the footages of his interviews and additional B-Rolls as well as night scenes in New York City. After the completion of the production works, I moved on to the video editing processes.
Badget
Planned Budget
Avid Media Composer $30 ($10 monthly subscription)
Adobe Creative Cloud $60 ($20 monthly subscription)
China Balls Lighting Kits $20
Total Amount: $110
Actual Budget
Avid Media Composer $30 ($10 monthly subscription)
Adobe Creative Cloud $60 ($20 monthly subscription)
Glyph Technology Blackbox Hard Drive – 119.95
Zoom H5 Field Recorder – $269.99
Sony ECM44-B Lavalier – $156.16
Transportation – Approx. $200.00
Food – Approx. $100
Total Amount: $936.10
Bibliographies
Mary Plummer. (February 10, 2012). Media Composer 6: part 1 – Editing Essentials. Cengage Learning PTR
Sheila Curran Bernard. (2016). Documentary Storytelling: Creative Notification on Screen. Focal Press
Trish Meyer. (February 19, 2016). After Effects Apprentice. Focal Press
Conclusion
Because of the first experience for me to create a documentary style film, I have encountered many different challenging situations. Throughout the project, I have learned many aspects of the film production procedures such as content creation, shooting techniques, post-production works from the advisements and own studies. Also, I have realized the importance of directing and communication with the talents. I believe that it was the great opportunities for me to gain technical knowledge and expand understanding of the film production procedures. I would like to make a great use of this study for the future projects.
