CAMERA TECHNIQUES and COMPOSITION

Having a camera is one thing; choosing framerate, resolution, LUT, sLOG, compression format, lens, preview, movement, and so much more go into the pre-production planning per project, and production on location. Virtually all of our programs address this at some level, whether on the surface or deep dives. Even highly experienced professionals learn new techniques and tips from camera set up and operational seminars.

Shot composition is the beginning and end of a great frame. Understanding how to fill the frame for broadcast vs web, and compose the proper angle of the frame for storytelling flow is the most important component of telling a great story that flows well. The SMG Shot Composition class has been a long time, dynamic favorite at National Association of Broadcaster (NAB) conferences, IBC, DV Expo, Streaming Media, WEVA, LEVA, Government Expo, CES, NAPTE, SMPTE, ProFusion, and many other conferences and private instructional seminars.

Although shot composition is critical for all story tellers, it is of particular importance in today’s world of mobile and small-screen delivery.  We’ll dive into great examples of shot composition and not-so-great examples, and dialog the SMG “guaranteed” workflow that ensures every photographer/videographer captures angles necessary for storytelling in all situations.

AUDIO CAPTURE

“Good sound is the absence of bad sound; GREAT sound is good sound that has been planned” (Douglas Spotted Eagle). Our audio training offerings range from choosing microphones to treating an uncontrolled room, including best recording practices for redundant and trusted capture of everything on the set.

We have half-day and full day classes available.

Our “NOW HEAR THIS” session has been an exceptionally popular training program since 2000, having been taught at many government, production, and convention institutions over the years.  Attendees experience a variety of microphone types, and an understanding of which mic type to use in various situations. Learn why shotgun mics are the most misunderstood and mis-used microphones in the industry, and learn to capture the audio perfectly the first time, regardless of budget or mic brand.

SMG also offers deep-dives into specific subjects for on-set excellence, such as focus on how to best use booms, lavalier vs stick vs boundary, evaluating/tuning a room, managing outside interference, wireless systems, recording in stereo vs mono, capturing nats, best equipment for the available budget, and much more. With our training, corporate, interview, industrial, training, and sales-focused audio can be its very best without breaking the bank (one of our Emmy nominated projects used a $5.00 computer microphone when nothing else was available).

“Audio is 70% of what the audience SEES” (douglas spotted eagle 1996)

A PLETHORA OF PRODUCTION INSTRUCTION

Here is a complete listing of the many SMG production-related training programs. All classes may be broken down into half-day to three-day programs, or mixed/matched with other production or post-production training.

NOW HEAR THIS! – Audio capture on-set. Microphones, placement, booms, difficult environments, recording equipment, wired/wireless, capture techniques and more…

12 LINKS IN THE AUDIO CHAIN – There are 12 points in the audio chain where if any link is broken, the entire program may suffer damage that will be very difficult to repair. This session also highlights the top 10 things that cannot be “fixed in the mix.”  Get it right from start to finish in this full-day seminar of audio goodness.

COACHING THE INTERVIEW –  One of our most popular training programs, this half or full day training consists of not only the standard lighting, sound, camera setups, but also how to set the scene for inexperienced talent ranging from the C-Suite to line workers and everyone in between.  Real-world examples will be demonstrated with live setups and group practices that benefit everyone on the team from Audio to Makeup.

GREENSCREEN/CHROMAKEY– Lighting the screen/key, lighting talent, lighting setups, talent clothing, best practices, compression schemes for best key, keying in difficult situations…

PACKABLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS – For those trips where weight and size require compromise, but the production value cannot reflect the size of your kit. Lighting, Audio kits, camera, and accessories for those on the go are the topic of this half-day seminar.

MICRO-LIGHTING SET UPS – When flexibility, weight, space, and heat are ‘avoidables,’ this seminar provides information for a “lunchbox,”  5-instrument lighting kit that may be carried in an overhead, backpack, or other small carrying container. Perfect for rapid-setup corporate gigs, interviews, product lighting, or similar setups where speed matters. This is one of the most popular sessions at NAB, DV Expo, LEVA, Government Expo, and other conferences. Combine with other half-day seminars for impactful production training.

POV CAMERAS FOR BROADCAST – As cameras go smaller and smaller, so does selection and compression, while lenses grow wider and create exciting new angles with not-so-exciting new challenges. In this POV for Broadcast session, we’ll examine many different types of POV (think GoPro) cameras, their codecs, bitrates, lenses, color formats, and how to not only use them, but embrace them as a part of a powerful production package.

BEYOND THE FULL HD – This half-day session is designed for those wanting to understand 4K, 8K, compression schemes, color formats, best capture to edit practices

SHOT COMPOSITION FOR SOCIAL MEDIA AND MOBILE – With so much content aimed at mobile in today’s world, get the most out of the small display device for maximum impact. This also benefits compression schemes, increases audience engagement and retention, all while managing to offer the best image imaginable over wifi and LTE without buffering or image hesitation.