There’s Videos and Shooting and Editing...Oh My!

Watching videos can be mesmerizing. The curiosity that strikes when seeing what people can do with just a camera on a phone is inspiring. Has anyone ever done something like this? Well, it can get even more difficult when it comes to filming about a certain topic, like communication, and doing so in a group collaboration. Communication is such a broad topic that it can be frustrating to think about how to display it in video format and when it is with a group, there can be even more positives and negatives. In addition,there were struggles that were encountered when it came to shooting and editing as well. Overall, trying to figure out an idea after being assigned a certain topic is much more difficult when the video has no audio to explain what is actually happening. It is like a silent film in the 21st century.

There were a few struggles the group ran into when shooting and editing, but it all started with the topic. First, the topic which was assigned was a broad topic. Communication has multiple topics and subtopics within itself. There is verbal communication, non verbal communication, emotions, photographs and many others. After discussing for about 15 minutes, and coming up with multiple ideas, there was one solid idea that grasped the communication concept. There was a unanimous vote. The topic of the group video would be, “The Five Stages of Grief within a Semester.” This is a relatable topic. It is based in a college setting and within the five emotions, every student crosses at least two of them. There would be the topic of communication based on the use of emotions. The emotions were given to the four members of the group with the acceptance emotion being the ending of the group video.

Now started the recording process. The struggles the group as a whole had to overcome was how the emotions would demonstrate what the video is trying to communicate and how there was suppose to be a “self portrait” that represented the individual as well. It was difficult. Anger, acceptance and depression would be the simplest to record because there would be exaggerated facial expressions where denial and bargaining were more about actions to describe the emotions. However, each topic was tough to show a self portrait. There were numerous amounts of adjustments and reshooting to reach the criteria that was assigned for each video. Which led to the editing process. There were not many bumps that were faced, but the time constraint was the number one priority. There had to be a 15 second teaser of the self-portrait, a one minute self-portrait and then a four minute group video where everyone includes the self-portrait of their emotion along with a recorded portion of group members. Each one had to be the exact time, no one could be over a few seconds or under a few seconds. It had to be perfect. In addition, there had to be transitions, so the video would not look choppy, as well as effects, but not so many that it would make the video look reckless and messy. When it came to editing the group video, everyone had to agree on what should be kept, cut, sped up, slowed down etc. There had to be agreement because, if not, then no one would feel 100 percent confident in the video that is supposed to be a collaboration of everyone’s ideas.  

Why use video as a communication tool instead of writing and photographs? Well, with the sign of the times, video has been able to reach more audiences than writing and photography. Although writing and photographs can display a message, people can relate to and enjoy videos better. Watching a movie with multiple factors demonstrating a message can be a stronger communication tool than a simple photograph. Not everyone can relate to or understand art work or writing, but it is simple knowing what a videos true meaning can be. It also goes hand and hand with which is more entertaining. For most people nowadays, they will choose going to see a movie than going to an art gallery or a poetry reading. Video sequences are more pleasurable and engaging to audiences than writing or pictures.

The public nature of the video had an impact on the subject matter that was discussed. Since nature of the video was just scenes from homes and places at school, it was easier to communicate the aspect of emotional communication with the places the group was at. It was clear as well that the video about stages of grief were about being at school in a semester since the campus, homework, and grades were included.

The self-portrait experience was unlike any other. It was not just about showing certain things that someone enjoys, but also communicating a certain topic within the video sequence as well. For example, even though one may drink a lot of coffee, how would someone show the topic of communication within the video of pouring and drinking coffee? This video really needed all the brain power and creativity it could access. An idea may come to mind, but then when breaking the event down, it’s obvious that it would not be able to work. Furthermore, if someone may be on the private or secretive side, then having to shoot videos of their environment or the people in one’s life can be more complicated; however, that is another video that can be shot. Showing what a private person does or how much of the life they let people see. Self-portraits are difficult, but after focusing and planning, it can be really easy to make it enjoyable and engaging to an audience

In conclusion, creating videos have their challenges that come in all different shapes and sizes. Not all complications are frustrating, but there can be a few steps that take more time than others. Shooting and editing, as long as there is planning beforehand, is simple; however, editors need to be aware of time limits and the factors that must be included based on criteria set forth in the beginning of the assignments. Videos have to be engaging or relatable for most audiences to enjoy or pay attention too, no matter how long a video is; therefore, make sure there are levels within the video. Add some highs, some lows, close ups, distances shots, or anything that gives a video some depth. Go beneath the surface and do not leave the audience guessing.

Here are the links to the videos:
Happiness- Self Portrait
The "Due Date Club"- Group Video
Depression- Self Portrait
15 second teaser