Surrey Border Film & Video Makers

Woolmer's wisdom - 'Think Edit'

Any person with a video camcorder (and there are so many now) takes it on holiday or on a day trip, to record Christmas Day or a friend’s wedding. We all recognise the typical ‘hosepiper’! Well, we don’t do that of course, ‘WE THINK EDIT.’

This is what I try to do every time I use the video camera, but I must admit, it’s quite difficult sometimes and I still find I have missed an important cut away and have to resort to a still or look for a suitable shot from some other video!

So I thought about a prompt list, (a memory jogger), no matter how obvious they may seem. It might even be a good idea to print a list on a card and keep it in your pocket. It’s so easy to be distracted when one is enjoying oneself. Many moons ago, I had a little card which read:

Video Checklist

1.  Back light compensation
    (meaning aperture)

2.  Focus (automatic or manual)

3.  White balance (daylight,
    artificial, automatic etc.)

4.  Filter (if required)

5.  Check batteries

6.  Think edit.

7.  Remember cut aways!

Continuity is the main thing to have in mind. If for instance you are videoing a brass band, it is important to keep the camera running at least during the whole of one number. But, while doing so, take shots of different musicians and move around as necessary. The rubbish in the camera taken while moving to different positions can be covered by insert editing shots of the audience etc - mostly close ups. And don’t forget the conductor!

When I get home, I get down to making a shot list, which I find time consuming -but there is no quick way. I have made up various designs of forms for this purpose and have come up with the example below. The columns are:

Shot
It is useful to have sheets with shots 1 to 18.
Timing
Hours, minutes and seconds

Picture/Action
Description of the shot.

Sy. (Symbol)
This is to denote whether the shot is any good-eg:
x      bad
*      good,
**    very good,
*** excellent and
?      not sure
But some use numbers eg 1 to 5

Sketches
I like to make a little sketch to show the beginning and end of the shot. A story board in reverse!

John and his wife Joan joined Surrey Borders circa 1991, bringing a strong new talent and expertise to the club that resulted in an enthusiasm for making club films and entering competitions as never before. John was a great writer and his stories became great films, winning Gold awards for The Gold Medallion and Paula, and others. John was energetic, painting for art exhibitions, making props for the next project, writing his book and gleaning data to eventually finalise the book of his family tree, and last but not least, operating the “confounded” computer that held it all together. He was a very talented fun loving man, who will always be remembered by the club and his family.

Who are we in this film/movie/video club? We make films, videos and movies and meet on the first Friday of the month to answer members questions and to discuss ongoing club projects. Well known film makers, judges and film professionals are often our speakers for the evening. We welcome visitors and new members interested in film and video, and there is no need to own digital cameras or camcorders and no need for previous experience, as we happily provide mentors for beginners. Surrey Border meetings start at 7:45pm and end just after 10:00pm with a refreshment break at around 9:00pm. Visitors and new members are warmly welcomed to the monthly meetings which are on the first Friday of each month (and the first visit is free). Our meetings are held in our new contemporary hall in St Joan's Centre which is in the grounds of St Joan's church in Tilford Road, near the station in Farnham. The hall has a large car park and is within easy reach of Guildford, Farnborough, Fleet, Bordon etc. In Surrey and Hampshire. Read more about us here.

Our interests We have a good mix of interests amongst members include script writing, acting, directing, technical and artistic and all agree that ideas and skills are more important than equipment as shown by there being fewer cameras and camcorders than members. Some get more enjoyment in viewing and discussing the films produced by others and just being part of the community. There are those who wouldn't wish to ever hold a camera or camcorder while some like to help in filming but don't own their own camcorder. Of course there are always those with the latest high definition wizz bang up to date cameras, camcorders, microphones and gadgets and the lovely thing is that they are always happy to demonstrate both equipment and techniques to others. For anyone thinking of buying a camera or camcorder advice is always on hand. We have almost equal numbers of members with PC and Mac computers. We regularly put on courses, tutorials and training sessions in the light of the current interests and needs of members. Individuals with particular problems typically have one to one help.

Site updated 07 September 2010 . To comment on this website email: