THE ART
Speaking as a person who has spent nearly thirty years making videos of all types, I absolutely consider video production to be both an art and a science.
The art comes through the creative process of choosing what story-telling elements to use and how to use them. The artistic video producer asks these kinds of questions:
- Will a voice-over narrative be effective, or should I rely on dialogue and natural sound?
- Which kind of music will be appropriate?
- What kind of lighting will create the mood I seek?
- What sound effects would increase viewer emotional response?
- Which camera angle and shot composition would best reveal what I wish to reveal?
- Should I use a hyper fast pace during dramatic sequences, and a slower pace for less dramatic sequences?
- Could I use the sound of one action happening yet show a different action happening to imply a connection not otherwise made?
- Do I want to hide faces for dramatic effect?
- Would graphics make my audience understand more easily?
A video of any complexity will require dozens, if not hundreds of artistically-minded decisions. It’s best, of course, to apply an artistic strategy to your entire show, and manifest that strategy in each individual section. That takes good pre-production planning.
THE SCIENCE
The science comes in when you must learn and master the technological aspects of the cameras, editing systems, sound systems and the other fun gadgets that make it possible to turn your vision into something tangible for others to see.
Fortunately, to produce quality video you don’t have to understand complex stuff like chroma enhancement waveforms, but it helps to not be afraid of cables and connectors and buttons on machines that make things blink.
In other words, unless you get into inventing or fixing video equipment, the science is for dummies!
Good thing, or I might not have lasted so long in the business. 🙂 I much preferred the artistic side of video making.
As you begin the process of learning how to make video, you will find yourself liking one or the other aspect better. Since most video production is done by a crew, you can choose to specialize in either the artistic or technical aspects.
If you do not feel technically inclined, do not worry. Concentrate on the creative aspects and choose simple equipment to work with. Today’s video equipment is designed to be so user-friendly, you never have to concern yourself with the technical stuff. If the plug doesn’t fit, it’s the wrong plug. That is about as technical as video production needs to be if you remember to keep it simple.
I hope this helps you make better videos!
Thanks for reading VPT
Lorraine Grula