Video is a powerful medium for storytelling, capable of capturing movement, emotion, and atmosphere in ways that static images cannot. Whether creating documentaries, interviews, or advocacy content, understanding the fundamentals of video production ensures that stories are compelling, visually engaging, and ethically responsible.
This lesson will explore the core principles of video storytelling, including framing, lighting, depth of field, and camera movement, drawing insights from the “Storytelling through the Lens” presentation and the video tutorial on interview techniques. Participants will learn how to plan and execute high-quality video content, ensuring that their narratives are both visually and ethically sound.
1. The Illusion of Motion in Video
Unlike photography, video creates the illusion of movement through frames per second (fps). This effect, known as persistence of vision, tricks the human brain into perceiving continuous motion. The first films, such as the works of the Lumière Brothers, were simple recordings of daily life, but as storytelling evolved, so did the use of cinematic techniques to enhance narrative depth.
Key elements that shape the quality of a video include:
- Frame Rate – Determines how smooth the motion appears (e.g., 24 fps for cinematic look, 30 fps for TV, 60 fps for high-action shots).
- Duration – A good video must balance visual engagement while maintaining clarity, often needing more than 15 seconds to establish a meaningful story.
2. Camera Movements and Composition
Framing and camera movement are essential in guiding the audience’s attention and shaping the narrative. The video tutorial emphasizes key techniques:
- Depth of Field – Placing the subject at the right distance from the background helps create a sense of depth, making the subject stand out more clearly.
- Framing and Composition – Subjects should be positioned using the rule of thirds, avoiding centering unless necessary for artistic effect.
- Camera Stability – A stable camera improves visual clarity. Handheld footage creates a raw, dynamic effect but should be used intentionally.
A-Roll vs. B-Roll
B-Roll consists of additional footage that enhances the narrative, such as environmental shots or action sequences.
A-Roll refers to the primary footage, typically interviews or main storytelling moments.
3. Conducting Effective Video Interviews
Interviews are a fundamental component of video storytelling. The video tutorial highlights the most common mistakes and best practices for setting up an effective interview scene:
- Choosing the Right Location – The setting should reflect the context of the interviewee, avoiding empty or distracting backgrounds.
- Framing the Subject – The interviewee should not be centered but rather positioned to allow natural eye movement toward the interviewer.
- Eye Contact and Subject Placement – The eyes should align with the top third of the frame, ensuring a natural and engaging presence.
- Lighting Considerations – Using both ambient and artificial light sources ensures consistency in the video, reducing shadows and enhancing clarity.
Participants from Erasmus+ seminar Reperage have created this tutorial to help you understand the fundamentals of video production, be able to conduct visually engaging interviews, and apply cinematic techniques to enhance your digital storytelling.