Video theory can mean quite a lot of things, covering a lot of areas. This section is dedicated to simplifying the theory behind video production, and the steps to follow to create a short video production.
VIDEO THEORY 101 CRASH COURSE
Video is simply the electrical recording of still images, that when scanned at a faster rate creates the illusion of moving images. (Sounds an awful lot like animation...doesn't it?) Video cameras electrically record the images onto a magnetic tape, much in the way that sound is recorded onto a tape. As a matter of fact, sound is almost always recorded along with the video.
There are several recording and erase heads in a video recording device, however, for simplicity's sake, let's just say that there are two heads. The video recording head is turned on an angle. It therefore records images in lines on the tape like an italicized letter on a page. Each "helical-scanned" line is the equivalent of a single picture. (That is how we can capture still video pictures!)The video head does not contact the base portion of the tape. The audio recording head records the sound portion of the tape in one long line along the base of the tape. It is illustrated in the diagram below:
"Video editing" is the process of taking the shorter video recordings made, and placing them together (assembling) them onto another tape. Video tape editing is not like the old film editing where the film was actually cut and spliced together. Video editing is the electronic assembly (re-recording) of the segments onto a new tape. It is done by attaching two decks together with cables. Often, an "editing console" is used in between and controls the editing process.
"Transitions" can be made between the segments using "special effects generators" or software on a computer. This can create "dissolves" or "wipes". A dissolve is when one scene slowly disappears into another. A wipe is when a new scene appears from one direction, "wiping" away or replacing the first scene. These transitions add a more professional look to a video production.
"Character generators" are special consoles used when editing that allow the recording of titles and credits. They also have features that allow titles to be placed on top of actual video scenes. This is called "superimposing" one image over another.
"Audio dubbing" is altering the sound track of the newly edited tape. This can be accomplished easily, since, as was mentioned before, there are two separate heads. As the tape is played, the video head can play the tape while the audio head can record music or narration onto the edited tape. When the tape has been edited, it may contain unwanted talking or background noise. Audio dubbing allows the creation of a new, more polished soundtrack.
NON-LINEAR EDITING 101 CRASH COURSE
Non-linear editing (NLE) is the use of special software and digital video files to assemble a digital video production. This can only be accomplished with a computer, video capture card, and special editing software.
"Video capture" is done by attaching a camcorder or VCR to special inputs on the card in the computer. The video is then "captured" or "digitized". That means that the video is transformed into a computer file and saved onto the computer's hard disk or a large storage device like a Zip drive, CD drive, or Jaz drive.
Editing, transitions, titling, and audio is all created and controlled using the NLE software. Once the production has been assembled, the tape is "rendered". That means that a whole new computer file is created that contains all of the video, effects, transitions, titling and audio become one large file with all the information. The production is then output to tape, stored for use in multimedia, or displayed on the Internet.
VIDEO PRODUCTION 101 CRASH COURSE
You've had your crash courses on video theory and non-linear editing, now here's your really short, crash course in video production!
HERE YOU HAVE IT..."TEN COMMANDMENTS" FOR BECOMING A VIDEO PRODUCER:
1) Create a script for your video project and try to outline all the camera shots and angles. This script should contain any dialogue, narration, or music notations.
2) "Storyboard" your production, like a comic book, to help others visualize what you wish to record.
3) Arrange your talent, props, lighting and locations to determine your shooting schedule.
4) Record your raw footage onto videotape with a camera and deck, or a camcorder.
5) Create an "edit decision list" while recording, or review your video and create an editing list.
6) Use editing equipment, or capture and digitize your scenes and use NLE software to assemble your best shots.
7) Use a "special effects generator" or non-linear software to create transitions between scenes.
8) Use a "character generator" or non-linear software to create titles and credits.
9) Audio dub your soundtrack to add narration and/or music.
10) "Render" or record a "Master tape".
WAH-LAH!! You are now on your way to becoming a video producer!!!
Although this is done in a light-hearted way, this page contains some very important information for getting started in video production. If you use this information wisely, and refer to your "Ten Commandments", you should be able to start putting something together soon.
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