Lessons
​
1. Preproduction v
vp1-0. Opening
vp1-1. Five skills
vp1-2. Writing
vp1-3. Keeping track
vp1-4. First impression
vp1-5. Successful scouting
vp1-6. Words of wisdom
vp1-7. Conclusion

2. Production
vp2-0. Opening
vp2-1. Five production skills
vp2-2. Pep talk
vp2-3. Lighting
vp2-4. Camera
vp2-5. Sound
vp2-6. Words of wisdom
vp2-7. Closing

3. Postproduction
vp3-0. Opening
vp3-1. Five skills
vp3-2. Editing
vp3-3. Grading and graphics
vp3-4. Sound
vp3-5. Speaking
vp3-6. Words of wisdom

4. Equipment
4-0. Opening
4-1. Camera
4-2. Tripod
4-3. Sound
4-4. Lighting
4-5. Editing
4-6. Packing
4-7. Closing

​

Lesson

vp1-5. Successful scouting

Introduction
The best way to save time is to scout the location and create a shot list. Do this even if you'll be shooting right afterward. Here's a summary of items to look for. We'll cover them in more detail in Production.

What you will learn
You will learn the benefits of scouting before a shoot and specific issues to watch for. 

This includes knowing the subject's workflow, checking shot angles, studying lighting, understanding sound and electricity needs, preventing interference, and avoiding social conflicts.

You should thoroughly understand what you want to show in the video. For example, review with the artist their work process. Then shoot it step-by-step. If you can't show details, explain them or leave them out. 

Be careful not to overwhelm the viewer with too much information. What about the subjects speaking skills? Can they narrate, or should you? If you will narrate, record the creator explaining each step, then transcribe it.

As a cameraman, make sure you have clean shots.

• Is anything blocking your shot? Get it out of the way.
• Any distracting background items? Remove them.
• What is the subject's movement range? You don't want them walking out of the frame.

Luminate with Light
Study the light in the area. If extra light is needed, where would you put it? Lighting can 'clean up' the subject and remove distracting shadows.

Adding light to a specific detail can make it easier for the viewer to see. If shooting outdoors, note the light and if there's an ideal time of day to shoot. For example, it helps to know when the sun sets if you want a shot at sunset.

"Gee, I thought it would still be light," said the cameraman.

Sound Check
If there's street noise, can windows or doors be shut? If there's a noisy air conditioner, can it be turned off? Some problems are easy to fix.

Any Surprises?
You don't want interference when working. So ask about any possible 'surprises.'

Maybe the subject forgets to tell you that the movers are coming today. Double check. Got Electricity? Will you need electricity for lights or to recharge batteries? Check the socket locations to know if you need extension cords and a power strip.

Avoid Social Issues
Find out if anything is off-limits. You don't want the subject panicking because you're shooting inside an unkempt closet.

Make sure all involved know that you're shooting. Check that the word got out. You don't want to be surrounded by security guards who don't know you're cleared. 

In some places, a stranger - you - wandering around makes some locals nervous. Walk around with a local to show everyone you're connected to their community.

There's plenty of opportunity for things to go wrong on a shoot. We covered a number of them in this chapter. 

​The more potential problems you're aware of in preproduction, the more problems you can hopefully avoid during production.

Practice

Make a 1:00-2:00 video tell about a scouting story you had. It can be a story about how you did not scout and wish you did. Or a time you are glad you did scouting first. 

Sometimes when you do scouting you decide it is not a good place to amok video. Better to know before making the video, right?

Tell a story about scouting.