Videography Specialization: Filming Techniques and Visual Storytelling

Influences / Dana Campanello

In this lesson I am going to tell you what inspires me to create my audiovisual pieces.

Module 2

Discover how the way you film shapes the stories you tell. In this module, Yeray Perdomo—known for his work in advertising, television, and documentary film—shares his passion for audiovisual storytelling. You'll learn key filming techniques and how to give your videos a professional finish with DaVinci Resolve.

17 lessons (3h 1m)

Materials

Review and checklist of the materials that we are going to see and use in this course for the filming of our final project.

Basic video theory: camera body

Using a DSLR as an example, let's talk about the different filming qualities and how we can control the light in the camera through the iris, shutter speed, and ISO.

Basic video theory: lens and focus

In this second part, we'll focus on the different types of lenses available and the differences between them, as well as the cutoffs we experience depending on our camera's sensor, ND filters, and focus.

We're going to study the different types of shots, as well as camera movements and the rules we use for framing.

Audiovisual language

Formats and color

In this lesson, we'll discuss the different types of image capture formats. We'll cover white balance and different color curves. We'll also explore the logarithmic mode used in some cameras today, as well as what LUTs are.

Filming techniques

Let's do a quick rundown of the different techniques and tools we can use when filming an audiovisual piece Techniques like slow , or .

Filming Preparation

What and how we're going to shoot, we'll choose where and how we're going to film, we'll prepare the equipment and organize the material, as well as a short list of the shots we'll need.

DSLR filming

We'll shoot indoor shots with a DSLR camera, selecting lenses and framing, and putting into practice what we learned in the previous unit.

Time lapse and Hyperlapse technique

We will use a DSLR and a GoPro to capture several time lapses of movement and explain how we do it, we will do the same with the Hyperlapse technique with a DSLR.

Special techniques for creative plans

We'll use a drone to capture indoor tracking and crane shots to enhance the quality of the footage. The goal is to explain to the student that today, with different tools, there are thousands of ways to be creative in creating shots.

Organization of the material

We will organize the material into folders and create the project in Davinci.

We will edit a previously recorded 1-minute clip using Davinci.

Edition in Davinci 1

We continue editing the clip.

Edition in Davinci 2

We'll work on an edited clip to make the most of the recorded color and successfully complete this final step of post-production.

Color with Davinci 1

We continue refining the color.

Color with Davinci 2

20m

Color with Davinci 3

We finished the color process.

Let's see how to export with the H264 and Apple Pro Res compression formats, seeing the differences between them.

Outputs and formats

10m

Module 3

Delve into the world of filmmaking with César Pesquera, where music, visuals, and narrative merge. Starting with a written script, you'll discover how to bring a scene to life through acting, shots, sound, and color. You'll explore the entire process: from script to filming. Lights, camera, action!

19 lessons (4h 20m)

Cinematographic syntax: a director's abc

In this lesson, I'll explain the basic tools of a director in terms of cinematic language: shot values, angles, camera movements, composition, lighting, music... These are the basic elements you'll use to build your film.

The script: the germ of your film 1

Below, I'll explain how to approach a script for the first time, how to begin building your own vision of the story, and how to identify key elements such as the central concept, the conflict, the antagonist who generates that conflict, and the character's dramatic arc.

The script: the germ of your film 2

We continue reviewing the script's features and seeing how we can use them in our project.

Influences and references: visualize learning from others 1

Now I'm going to explain how your personal taste can or shouldn't influence your vision of a specific story. I'll also show you how to start building your vision from references, images, or other directors' work and organizing them into mood boards.

Influences and references: visualize learning from others 2

We continue to look at how to take references and organize and structure them to configure our own vision.

Treatment: the cornerstone of your vision

In this lesson, I'll teach you what a treatment is, what its function is, and what content it should have so that it becomes the document where you express your vision based on the mood boards and texts you write for each aspect of the production.

In this lesson, I'll teach you how to assemble a small crew for your production, how to get the most out of them, and how to communicate with them. We'll also cover how to find the ideal location and how to find your actors and get everything you need from them to tell your story.

Production gets underway

20m

The storyboard: your vision translated into film language 1

Next, I'll show you how to tackle the task of drawing a storyboard. It doesn't matter if you don't draw very well; a storyboard is the translation of your vision into cinematic syntax. The important thing is that it's useful to you.

The storyboard: your vision translated into cinematographic language 2

We continue to explore how to capture our vision in documents. In addition to the storyboard, another very useful tool is the camera layout. Let's see how to make it.

The pre-production dossier: your vision lowered into the real world

Now I'm going to show you how to compile all the information related to your production into a document that will act as a checklist of things you need to have finalized for the day of filming.

To learn more: Script reading and rehearsal with actors 1

Here's the script reading and the first rehearsals with the actors for filming my scene. First, the rehearsal with Julio.

To learn more: Script reading and rehearsal with actors 2

Now it's time to review the script and work on the scene with Monica.

26m

The shooting plan

In this lesson, I'll teach you how to design a shooting plan to optimize your on-set filming time and complete it with all the footage you need.

We got to the set: tips, experiences and materials

Below, I'll explain how to get a shoot off to a good start, including my basic tips and how you shouldn't feel limited by the technical equipment you have. I'll share what I've incorporated into my working method over the years.

The shoot: directing the crew and actors 1

Now I'm going to show you how to interact with key members of the crew on set, primarily the director of photography and the actors. I'll also show you how to empower the actors and get the most out of them.

Filming: Managing the Crew and Actors 2

We continue filming. We're still analyzing how to communicate with the rest of the crew and fine-tuning details.

How to structure your post production 1

In this lesson, I'll teach you how to organize editing and post-production in a simple way. I'll also show you how to give your film a more cinematic look.

How to structure your post production 2

We continue with the post-production of the project, in this case with the introduction of the music that closes the scene and with some color touch-ups.

Finally, I'll show you how to approach your finished film. Remember, it's just one more step on your path to becoming a great director.

Your vision before you

Module 4

Join Enrique Silguero to discover the fundamental role of the director of photography: bringing the director's vision to life through light. You'll learn basic lighting techniques that will help you create atmospheres and visual narratives using light, shadow, color, and composition. By the end, you'll be ready to define the aesthetics of your own projects.

12 lessons (2h 39m)

The keys of light

In this lesson, I'm going to explain the most important aspects you need to know about light, color, narrative, and framing.

Before starting any project, we must clearly define every parameter related to aesthetics. To do this, I recommend creating a Dossier or Style Book that defines the look of the project. I'll show you how I do it.

The style book

The narrative language of optics

Let's see how to choose a space and, above all, how to choose the frame and the lens we're going to work with; it completely changes the look of what we have in front of the lens.

17m

Light quality: Choosing the type of lights

The first thing we need to learn about light is to distinguish between hard and soft light. Here, I'll show you the differences and tricks to learn how to soften harsh light.

17m

Direction of light: The expressive power of light.

One of my favorite lessons: you'll see how you can change the personality of a face, just by changing the position of the light.

The contrast and the zonal key

And one of the most complex and important lessons. I'm going to teach you how to control exposure and vary the contrast level, so we can use whatever we want.

The classic lighting scheme with three lights and the use of color

This lesson is essential for understanding the keys to lighting, for knowing which light you want to be the main one and why. I'm also going to use this scheme to help you learn how to use color, both in the camera and in the lights.

10m

Creating your own style The expressive use of light and framing.

Let's break with what we've learned before and look for new forms of expression. Let's play around with the endless possibilities of light, color, and framing. It's about finding the aesthetic options you feel most at home with.

Lighting in a real setting

So far, everything has been done in a controlled environment, but how do we deal with a real-life scenario? Here are some simple tips to get the most out of the space.

Illuminating for fiction: cinematographic aesthetics and the continuity of light.

I'm going to teach you how to light a fiction project and ensure that our light maintains continuity between the different planes. You'll see that it's simpler than it seems (even with limited resources). As you'll see in this lesson, it's all about imagination, taste, and creativity.

To finish off the lighting lessons, I'm going to teach you the keys to controlling sunlight and using it to our advantage.

Outdoor lighting day

Keys to creative color grading

We'll learn some key tips for creating a cinematic pre-grade, how to create reference stills for our colorist (these are photos we'll take based on a color correction of the project), and some little tricks to work with if we need to grade our projects. But remind you that this isn't a color grading course. If you want to learn how to color grade and use DaVinci Resolve, I recommend the Domestika course, taught by my colorist, Sonia Abellán, who also uses two short films lit by me!

Types of audiovisual projects

Module 5

Explore audiovisual creation in the advertising world with Dana Campanello, a filmmaker who has collaborated with brands such as Nike and Adidas. In this module, you'll learn how to develop a complete project, from idea to filming, combining creativity, organization, and technique. You'll leave prepared to direct and produce pieces that communicate with power and style.

12 lessons (2h 36m)

In this lesson, we'll learn what types of projects exist and which ones we can work on as freelancers.

In this lesson, we'll cover the first steps to begin the process of transforming your brief into an audiovisual piece.

From brief to idea

Inspiration and the creative process

Let's move forward by exploring different tools and resources to shape our brief and finally work on how we'll present it to the client.

Presentation to the client

In this lesson we will see how to present a visual treatment to clients.

10m

How to assemble a film crew

In this lesson, we'll review the roles within a film crew and assemble our ideal team based on our needs.

Breakdown of production needs

In this lesson, we'll look at what needs our idea requires and finalize production details.

The time has come to learn how to budget for our project. Let's see how to allocate the available budget according to needs. Finally, to finalize the production details, we'll create a project schedule.

The budget and schedule

The Preproduction Meeting (PPM)

In this lesson we will learn how to put together a PPM to present.

From the idea to the technical script

In this lesson we will learn how to translate our idea into a technical script.

In this lesson we will learn how to put together a picstory to use as a reference during filming.

Picstory: a visual guide

In this lesson, we'll learn how to translate our storyboard and picstory into an ideal shooting plan.

The shooting plan

Analysis of the short film

In this lesson we are going to analyze the final piece.

Module 6

Do you have an idea for a film but don't know where to start? Sergio Castro San Martín guides you through the creation of a professional director's portfolio, using a specific feature film as an example. You'll learn how to structure your proposal according to industry standards, allowing you to clearly present your projects to festivals, markets, and investors.

13 lessons (2h 15m)

About Me

In this lesson, I'll tell you who I am, what my studies, influences and inspirations are, and how I got into film.

Below, I'll tell you about some of the influences that have accompanied me along my journey through film and photography. I hope they inspire you!

Influences

The Genesis of an Idea

How do I find inspiration to create an idea? Where do I look to generate ideas? What are the keys to finding them? How do I keep them moving toward the genesis of a project? In this lesson, I'll help you find these clues to help you navigate the foundations of your story and give it direction.

Transformation of the Original Idea

Your original idea is the beginning of all the guiding elements that will guide you through creating and designing your portfolio. I'll demonstrate this in this lesson.

Tagline and Storyline

After shaping your original idea, you need to refine it into a summary of your audiovisual work: the tagline and the storyline.

First Plot Synopsis

In this lesson, I'll teach you how to build your story by organizing certain narrative concepts that will help you generate a global vision of your project.

Now, you'll learn how to prioritize and take ownership of your story with the original idea that will help you complete the resources needed for your dossier.

Your Own Story

Characters

In this lesson, it's time to design your story's characters and worlds. This will help you complete the resources you need for your dossier.

Next, I'll show you how to select the worlds and environments that will flow into your story.

Environment and World

The Audiovisual Proposal

In this lesson, I'll show you how to create your audiovisual proposal. This will be your mission statement as the project manager.

Now, I'll show you how to choose images for your mood board and how I usually do it with my projects.

Mood Board

The Director's Dossier

In this lesson, I'll teach you how to format your management dossier. We'll use editing software to do this.