Essential Knowledge for the Aspiring Media Professional provides readers with the skillset needed to produce professional, high-quality video content in today’s competitive media landscape.
The author draws on over two decades of industry experience to offer strategies for how to develop a sense of design, adopt a holistic approach to the media production process, and craft a distinct idea for a project’s intent and form. In five in-depth chapters, the book delves into topics ranging from pre-production and planning processes to technical considerations and post-production methods. It concludes with an overview of career opportunities for aspiring media-makers.
This book is an invaluable resource for students and professionals alike looking to hone creative production techniques within a broad range of formats and environments, particularly those requiring effective marketing and advertising-oriented content.
Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements
Preface
1. Pre-Production and Planning
Part One: Assessing the Project
Part Two: Notes on the Creative Process
Part Three: Determining the Project Aesthetic
Historical/Cultural Influences
Film Influences
Popular Music
Design as Influenced by Technology
Detail, Design, Direction
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2. Technical Considerations
Frame Size
Frame Dimension
Frame Rates
Frame Characteristics
The Nature of Video Files
The Nature of Audio Files
The Nature of Still Images
Orders of Magnitude for Data
Scopes and Reference Devices
Storage Considerations
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3. Location ProductionSituational Awareness
Mechanical Competence
Sociability
Organization and Responsibility
Preparing for Location Production
Cameras and Camera Support Equipment
Lighting
Studio-Based Lighting
Location Audio
“Care and Feeding” of the Microphone
Showtime! Or, What Should Occur During and
Immediately Before Location Production
Location Selection and Preparation
Proximity to Civilization
Official Permissions and Courtesies
Working With What You Have
Location Hierarchy: Who’s in Charge?
Multitasking
Lights, Camera, and Other Stuff
After the Shoot
Notes on Studio Production
The Nature of Studio Production
Studio Elements and Personnel
Control Room Elements and Personnel
Communication
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4. Post-Production Procedures
Part One: The Pre-Edit
A Note About Music
Part Two: Planning the Edit
Part Three: The Editing Process
Leftovers: Saving the Edit for Later
Presentation and Evaluation
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5. Now What? Career Opportunities and Considerations
Final Thoughts
The Television Affiliate
The Film IndustryProduction Houses
Creative Boutiques and Agencies
Corporate Environments
Government and Education
Sports
Houses of Worship
Event Production
Hybrid and Hyperlocal Media
Self-employment
Emerging Technologies
Marketability: You Are Your Own Product
Make Getting a Job Your Job
Demo “Reels,” Social Media, and Online Promotion
Social Media and Maintaining an Online Presence
“Analog” Materials
Suggested Order of Resume Components
Maintaining a Career
Final Thoughts
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Index
About the Author :
John Stephen Zaffuto has worked in the motion media creation industry for over twenty-five years. In that time he has served in many roles, including broadcast production manager, chief editor, and post-production supervisor. He currently is both an instructor and television facility operations manager at Southeastern Louisiana University. He is also the recipient of three Suncoast Emmy awards as well as numerous other regional and national awards and recognitions.
