Reality Skewed...
Work Samples
Work Samples
Video production comes in many forms and the effective style and communication ability of each has its own unique flavor. An understanding of all its forms allows a producer to utilize the best techniques with which to communicate an intended idea. Whether executed as a dramatic presentation, an industrial tape, documentary exploration or any of a myriad of other presentation styles, it is the delivery of an effective message that is the goal and key to the success of a video production. Below are just a few examples of the variety of communication styles available within the umbrella of video production.
![An image from a more or less traditional theatrical video setup.](javascript:popimage("snapshots/vdate.jpg",320,240); "A popup window showing a dramatic scene using traditional lighting and setup.")
![A black and white image of another theatrical video using wide angle lens for mood and effect.](javascript:popimage("snapshots/vfinger.jpg",320,240); "A popup window showing a dramatic use of black and white and a wide angle lens to set mood and impact.")
Approaches to dramatic presentation can include the comic and the absurd as well as standard drama. No matter the form of the content, the delivery is still a highly polished and well produced piece of video arts. The stylings of a dramatic piece follow more closely to the traditional theatrical elements of presentation than most other forms of video. The lighting, choreography, sense of space and continuity all form a cohesive launching point for the imagination of the audience to envelop itself within the performance. The technologies and techniques employed by the producers must therefore restrict itself to the highest production values and restrain its impact just shy of drawing attention away from the drama on the screen. A well planned and executed dramatic presentation executes the technical tasks involved without jarring the viewing experience. Dramatic presentation requires a high degree of subtle skill in production.
![](javascript:popimage("snapshots/vlaser.jpg",315,240); "A popup window showing a laser in action. Using properly chosen, visually interesting b-roll livens up the presentation of material in an industrial video piece.")
![](javascript:popimage("snapshots/vhead.jpg",315,240); "A popup window showing a typical talking head interview. Attention to detail in the lighting and framing of the interview keeps from detracting from the important information being conveyed.")
For typical industrial production the greatest emphasis is on delivery of the message. Whatever techniques that enhance the efficiency of the message delivery are to be utilized. There are a myriad of tried and proven approaches to audience retention of the intended message. Knowing which of these would be best to use with given situations and budget constraints is the job of the production staff. Quite often, keeping an audience interested in the subject matter requires a similar approach to dramatic presentation in order to hold their attention while the message is driven home. Knowing what works and when breaking the rules will make an experience memorable are key skills in an commercial producer's repertoire. In this kind of production it is less of the telling a story and more of giving an interesting lecture but in reality most times it is a combination of both that most effectively communicates the message.
![](javascript:popimage("snapshots/vdoc.jpg",320,240); "A popup window showing Milos Forman from a documentary of the Telluride Film Festival. The visual style of a documentary allows a raw approach, even allowing guerilla-style shooting, because the target of a documentary is keenly focused on the message.")
When working on documentaries the main emphasis is in providing a point of view. Documentaries quite often deal with controversial or lesser known subject matter. A documentary approach, when best executed, allows the audience to experience the event or discussion as if they are a participant. The more objectively a documentarian can present a view the more involved the audience can become in choosing sides and investing themselves in the story. Documentaries can also be powerfully told when a particular side is advocated within the presentation style. These less objective, emotional ploys can be an effective means of rallying more members to the cause the documentary espouses. Because of this direct manipulation, a documentary film maker must be most aware of the affect the chosen production styles and approaches will have in telling the story. A documentary can be technically the most banal of the forms of production, but, at the same time the techniques of telling a documentary can be the most powerful tools used to move the audience toward a desired feeling.
In all of the above forms of video production and others it is evident that a thorough knowledge of the techniques available for storytelling and production will allow a video maker the most latitude when attempting to convey a message. Understanding how elements behind the camera will impact the effectiveness of the intended communication will allow a producer's efforts to succeed.
