Things to Consider

Although the required Challenge video criteria will be published at the beginning of the 72 hour Challenge period, it is worthwhile to consider the following aspects of video production before the event:
 

Basics of filming with a video camera or mobile device

You are possibly filming with your own camera, school camera or perhaps with a tablet device. Take some time to know how to operate these devices - how to get a steady image, how to keep the camera still, how to follow a target, how to zoom and what kind of settings are available on the camera. You can also practice filming different picture sizes.

Basics of recording audio with a video camera or mobile device

Audio quality is sometimes difficult to ensure, especially if you are using a mobile device. In the worst case scenario, you don’t hear your performers speaking at all. Make sure you know your audio settings and perhaps you have to consider the use of a microphone. It is also possible to add a soundtrack and voice over in the editing phase so you should learn how to do perform these tasks.

Planning the production, writing a script and story boarding

You most likely will need to plan your video in a fast production since you will only have 72 hours to complete the video. However, it certainly saves time and puts the team on the same page if you know the order of the scenes happening in the story, the order in which the are to be filmed and so on. Perhaps some of the spoken lines can be rehearsed, bit but steer away from long rehearsals and long lines in the script. You might want to consider how you are moving around if you change locations, what kind of locations are available to you and are they affected by the weather, traffic, etc.

Story boarding is a great tool to plan and explain where the camera is set and what kind of action you will be trying to capture.

Acting

Try performing in front of the camera. Try talking to the camera and try an interview in front of a camera all before the event. Make some test shots and see, for example, how far away from a camera you need to be in order to reveal actions and facial expressions.

Directing

Directing the video requires information on all the topics above. The director needs to have a vision of the whole production. If you have a large team working on the video, the director will need to consider aspects such as being able to guide people, explaining your vision and knowing when it’s time to move on. This might be the hardest task to practice before the event.