VIDEOTAPE
GUIDELINES
VIDEOTAPE
GUIDELINES
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It's time to send in your videotape for the 2003 project! Here
are some guidelines that may be helpful.
1)
Use a brand-new videotape. Used tapes, even when erased, can have artifacts
that reduce the quality of the video. Many
camera manuals recommend that you pre-record your tape with the lens covered
without stopping to establish a timecode for editing, then rewind and record
as usual. This is helpful for you if
you plan to edit your videotape before sending it. I learned a few days ago
that if you are recording to miniDV, you can disrupt the timecoding if you
record, view, then record again. It's best to do ALL of your recording before
you view anything.
2)
Tape on the speed that gives you the LEAST
shooting time for best quality.
3)
I can accept VHS, VHS-C, Hi-8 , and MiniDV tapes.
4)
If you are nervous about sending your original
and would rather send a copy, that’s ok – just keep in mind that every
generation away from the original video loses some quality. Best solution – make two original
videotapes. Keep one for your peace of
mind, and send me one.
1)
Take a few minutes to read the technical tips. I’m
not a very experienced videographer, but these have helped me with my own
filming.
2)
At the very beginning of your video, shoot
about fifteen seconds of black. My VCR
displays some info when a tape begins and I don’t want to force viewers to see
this at the beginning of every sequence.
3)
Shoot a title card (or a series of them)
before you shoot your village. I’d like
to see your name and the village(s) you collect at a minimum.
4)
Make it personal. We all know what the buildings look like so
don’t spend a lot of time focusing on individual buildings or accessories. Show
us what sets your village apart from everyone else’s – your layout, backgrounds,
how you use animation, sound, etc.
5)
Provide narration. If you have something special to show us,
tell us about it. If you’re camera shy,
as I am, put this in your title cards.
In the original group video, I used a series of title cards that I printed
on holiday notepaper and didn’t utter a word.
6)
Sound is important. In my first try, all you could hear was the
animated pieces in my village and my breathing.
If you’re not going to narrate, try playing Christmas music in the
background. See technical
tips on sound for more on this. I can replace your entire soundtrack with
holiday music if you like I think I may also be able to provide background
music behind your narration but I'm not 100% sure on that. Just let me know
when you send your tape if you want the sound left alone, replaced, or background
added -- and tell me what music you would prefer. I have a HUGE library of
holiday music so you can probably even specify an artist and I will be able
to provide the music.
7)
If you want to show us your non-village
holiday decorations, please do so – however, please limit it to no more than a
minute or two. Remember that the purpose
of the video is to share our villages.
8)
At the end of your film, shoot another ten
seconds or so of black. This will help
me make a clean transition to the next sequence.
9)
Mail your videotape to:
866 W. 4th. Street
(USA)
any time between now and ?. Don’t include any payment at this time – when
I have the final cost figured out, I will let everyone know. Make sure you include a note with the tape
giving me your name and address, and email address. I will email you to let you know when I
receive it.
I don’t think it’s necessary to say this because of the caliber
of our group members, but I will anyway.
I will reserve the privilege of editing out anything that I find
offensive or too ‘mature’ for children to see or hear. Many of our members use their villages as a
family activity and although I doubt most children would be willing to sit
through the video, it needs to be “G-rated.”