Work Based Learning Unit: Post-production

Using my own Manfrotto tripod for DSLR, it was very useful in getting the close-ups in the grass as it's a special kind of tripod. It's very flexible so it can get right low to the ground and even shoot portrait. And I'd highly recommend it for any filmmaker shooting on DSLR's. Mine is a Manfrotto 190XPROB with a 701HDV head. 

And I know from past experience, I wouldn't normally shoot on the Canon without proper stabilisation, so I always shoot with a tripod, using my tripod as a steadi-cam, or monopod, upside down, anyway I can. Even though you may try and "fix" shakey-cam in the edit, it doesn't always work. And I always set up and focus the shot then let it roll for a good length of time, as this has proven very useful in the edit. Especially when filming nature and bugs, I always filmed them for a long time, usually until they flew out of the shot. 

I may not of mentioned before about shooting on the 7d. I prefer the look, flexibility and depth of field. I did test a Sony from the campus store but the quality of the 7d was by far the best choice. I've now bought an adapter so I can also use my Nikon lenses with the Canon, so I have more choice in future as I have my own prime and telephoto lenses. 

Using a sound recorder and the radio mic was very useful, you can control manually all sorts of settings to exclude wind noise etc., and I had no issues with my sound, there were even plenty of planes going by during filming and you can barely hear them even at all. I conveniently had this over my shoulder and clipped onto my pocket. And I had headphones, so it was about multi-tasking: I set up the shot and I would leave it (I had to be very sure of my framing), then do a quick sound check for every location to get the levels, and whilst filming I was listening out for any noises, rustling against clothing or faults (which only happened in the beginning due to a loose connection with the antenna - problem solved, had to stop the interview and start again, but it's best to spot these things and fix them than carry on with interrupted sound). I would also be listening to the expert, Dave, to make sure he was saying all that he needed to. So it was about watching the camera, listening to the sound, and controlling the content all at the same time.