Summarize your story in three sentences
Who wants to achieve something? What gets in the way? What changes at the end? Then write which action the viewer needs to see to understand it. If the story only works with a long explanation, simplify the exercise. A clear moment of choice or change is enough to plan a first scene.
Create a short shot list
For each shot, record the subject, action and information it adds. You might plan a view establishing the space, a view of the main action and a detail that matters to the story. Decide which shots should follow one another in the edit. Avoid extra shots that demonstrate equipment without clarifying anything.
Plan sound before filming
Decide which words and environmental sounds you need. Visit the location first and listen for anything that could interfere. Agree who will monitor sound during recording. Make a short test, then watch and listen to it before continuing. Note any additional sounds you want to record so they are not forgotten during editing.
Assign tasks and time
Make a simple shoot schedule covering preparation, a test recording, required shots and cleanup. Assign responsibility for picture, sound, continuity and files. Check agreements and permission for the location, participants, music and material before publication. Keep the project small enough to finish with the people and time actually available.
Explore real student work
Watch Buskando Amor and Wegi Shushi in the project archive. Notice how picture and sound tell the story and which questions you have about the process. Several projects also include additional material and behind-the-scenes footage. Each project page shows what is actually available. Then explore the current cinematography modules if you want to develop these skills further.
Watch work made by our students
Visit the project pages to watch the films and the available behind-the-scenes material.