Cinematic Lighting Part 1

Language of Editing - Basic Cuts

This video has a great way of explaining types of cuts in editing.

There are two basic categories of cuts:

1) Mechanical: How the film is assembled. Form. 

2) Narrative: What the cut says (i.e. what meaning lies behind the cut). Function. Intent. 

Mechanical:

• The straight cut. Just a simple cut from one viewpoint to another. 
• The split cut. There are two types: The L-cut and J-cut. With this cut, the audio of the next scene either leads or trails the previous clip. This usually works best in scene transitions.
• The jump cut. A clip cuts into itself or a cut into two very similar clips. YouTubers use it all the time. 
• Transitions. Fades, wipes, dissolve, cross zoom, etc.

Narrative: 

• Match cut. Some visual element is present that makes two clips looks continuous. ex. the arm raises in a long cut and continues to raise in a tight cut. 
• Graphic match cut: A similar visual element is present as you transitions from one shot to another. ex. someone gets up from the couch and the shot transitions to someone getting out of their chair at work. Bone/space station in 2001. Lost World Jurrasic Park has a scream on the beach that transitions another character yawning (audio match cuts as well).
• Contrast cut: Two completely different feelings are juxtaposed, ex. Jurassic Park cut above with terrified woman to bored man. For example, flock of sheep compared to crowd of people. 
• The cross cut. Also parallel cutting. Not a single cut, but a series of cuts between two actions to indicate they are happening simultaneously. For example, Hannibal lecture when SWAT team is heading towards the house with the killer as we see the killer getting ready for someone to arrive (used misleadingly in the movie). In Bruges where three actions are happening at the same time in three places. In can also be used in the same setting where there is not necessarily continuity in action, like fight scenes for example. 
• The insert. A cut from the main action to a detail of interest. For example, in movies when anyone does something with their hands, like look at their phone. In documentaries they are used to add interest or illustrate a point. Also referred to as B-roll. 

YoloLiv: Stream Live Video from Your DSLR

I have avoided live streaming because it just seems complicated. This new device, currently on Kickstarter, appears to make the process much easier. And it's cheap!!

http://www.yololiv.com/

Alternative Slider Design - Andoer

Here is a slider alternative for less than $200. It is compact and has some nice features, but probably not sturdy enough for larger DSLRs.

Produced by: https://www.andoer.com

How to plug multiple mics into your camera...

Here's a great device for inputting more than one mic into your camera and monitor audio without an output jack.

5 Basic Principles of Video Editing

There are five editing principles outlined in this video:
1) No jump cuts: They draw attention to themselves and take the viewer out of the experience.
2) Use B-Roll: Supplemental footage that is cut into your shot. It is a great way to hide jump cuts and can provide more context or meaning to the shot.
3) Cut on motion: Cutting on motion hides the cut. You can cut on motion in the same scene or as a transition to move from one scene to another (nice example at 3:17).
4) Use the 180 degree rule: This is not so much an editing rule as it is a shooting rule.
5) Make sure the cut is motivated: There should be a reason for cutting rather than simply cutting randomly.
6) Direction of Movement: Movement to the right usually indicates moving forward in a positive direction. Movement to the left usually indicates regression or danger. 

Buying Camera Gear - Suggestions

Here are a couple of no nonsense videos that outline some of the things you need a filmmaker.

When your starting out as a filmmaker it can be tough to figure out what you should invest in. Usually the best things to invest in are accessories like variable ND filters, microphones, lenses and stabilizers.



Here is another video with some recommendations...

For the most part, the equipment and gear you buy will depend on your needs. If you are shooting mostly interviews indoors, then your needs will be very different from someone shooting travel videos. And that will be very different from someone shooting narrative film or shooting weddings.

One thing is clear is that the camera doesn't really matter all that much. The quality of most cameras and even phones are more than adequate for most filmmakers.

In my opinion, DSLRs are a relatively low cost and provide excellent quality and the functionality that most of us need. I shoot on the Canon 80D and usually just use the kit lens.