Technical Report RP/1981-1983/3/6.C/03 DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA Action for disadvantaged young people Video Productions for Youth by Ahmad Faroughy Serial No. FMR/SS/YTH/83/180 11 United Nations Educational, Scientific ^^^=. and Cultural Organization Paris, 1983
DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI IANKA VIDEO PRODUCTIONS FOR TOOTH by Ahmad Farougby Report prepared for the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka by the united Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) UNESCO
Technical Report RP/1981-1983/3/6.C/03 m/ss/tth/83/l80(farotlgtay) 19 November 1983 Unesco 1983 Printed in France
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction 1 Elaboration of programme 1 Presentation of programme 2 Application of programme 2 Recommendations for future action 5 ANNEX I - List of technical materials 6 ANNEX II - Brief synopsis of courses 7 ANNEX III - NYSCO video staff 10
Introduction 1. The mission described in the present report was carried out from 1 July to 14 August 1983 at the request of the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and was funded by Unesco under its regular programme for 1981-1983. The terms, of reference of the mission were to: evaluate programmes which have already been produced by the Ministry's National Youth Service Council Video Unit (NYSCO-Video); advise the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Employment on the ways and means by which the optimum benefit could be gained from NYSCO- Video' s production for youth (i.e. use of video for the technical and vocational training programmes of the Ministry and production of video tapes in these fields). Elaboration of programme 2. This was undertaken after viewing some of NYSCO-Video's existing productions (4 July), and a meeting with Mr S.M. Weerasena, Deputy Director of NYSCO-Video (5 July). Evaluation of existing programme 3. Most of these tapes reveal serious shortcomings, both in content and technique. 4. As far as content is concerned, although most of the existing programmes centre only around musical entertainment singing and dancing the purpose being to highlight this particular aspect of the artistic talent of Sri Lankan youth, no effort has been made to explore this field thoroughly. Neither the musical score (mostly original compositions), nor the choreography (original as well), nor the costume designing etc., are the object of attention. In other words, the absence of interviews of composers, choreographers, singers and dancers makes these programmes a mere extension of the variety programmes produced by Sri Lankan television. Such omissions deprive these tapes of all educational content, thus defeating the purpose of NYSCO-Video. 5. The same observation also applies to other subjects previously taped, especially news items, straightforward recording of events having been preferred to short in-depth studies of educational value. 6. Regarding technique, the existing productions reveal imperfections, including faulty lighting, absence of colour composition, wobbly camera movements, an exaggerated use of superimposition. 7. The meeting with Mr S.M. Weerasena, in so far as it clarified NYSCO-Video's main objectives, was a fundamental factor in the elaboration of the consultant * s programme. 8. In short, NYSCO-Video was set up in August 1982, its first productions being shown in December of the same year, its main objectives being: to train young people in video production; to produce educational television programmes; to produce short programmes (entertainment and documentaries); and to bring complementary support to Sri Lanka's national television channel (mostly news items).
- 2-9. The actual staff numbers nine persons, five of which are technicians (1 director, 2 cameramen, 1 sound recordist and 1 technical officer who is also an editor). Ten trainees are at present assisting the production unit; they are to be integrated into the unit at the end of their training programme in September 1984. 10. An agreement passed between NYSCO-Video and Sri Lanka's national television channel allows the former to produce a half-hour programme on the latter's broadcasting time every Thursday between 6,30 p.m. and 7 p.m. 11. A list of technical material actually at the disposal of NYSCO-Video is shown in Annex I. Presentation of programme 12. This was done during the course of a meeting held on 6 July between the consultant Mr C. Ratwatte Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Employment and Chairman of the National Youth Service Council and Mr S.M. Weerasena. 13. Mr Ratwatte approved the programme which, in fact, amounted to an intense training course stressing the point that correct use of the expensive equipment purchased was of vital importance to the future of NYSCO's video unit. 14. The Chairman' also requested that a visit be made to NYSCO's youth training centres around the island in order to advise on the best ways to promote these centres by audio-visual means. This visit however had to be cancelled because of the events that occurred in Sri Lanka, and the ensuing curfew. 15. The problem of having to present a half-hour programme each week to Sri Lanka's national television was also discussed. The consultant suggested to the Chairman that he stop these programmes for a time the strain of production being evident in order to allow NYSCO-Video to build up a sufficient number of programmes to use as stock. This 'break' would allow NYSCO-Video not to be pressed by weekly deadlines, thus to do better work, and also to do advance publicity for the key programmes it wished to broadcast. The consultant suggested that the period chosen for temporarily interrupting the youth programmes be the school holidays (August and first part of September). Mr Ratwatte agreed to this suggestion, deciding that he would forward this proposal to national television. Application of programma 16. The training programmes elaborated contained two main chapters: theory and practice (see Annex II). 17. In the theoretical field seven courses were held: general philosophy, grammar, rules, lighting, the use of colour, interview technique and editing. Three other courses the technique of scriptwriting, how to elaborate a shooting script and the technique of sound recording had to be forsaken because of lack of time due to the events. 18. The courses on general philosophy, grammar, rules, and interview technique were held on 14 July and 15 July, and were attended by staff members and trainees. These courses contained the following elements:
- 3 - (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) television as a communication media; technical problems of perception; various camera angles and the impression they convey on the viewer; the theory of movement; 'crossing the line*; interview technique (visuals only); framing; (viii) electronic tricks (fades, dissolves, wipes, etc.) 19. The course on lighting, held on 5 August, contained the following elements: (iii) (iv) colour television and lighting power; indoor lighting; outdoor lighting; studio lighting 20. In the practical field, numerous courses were held, many of them repeated several times. The aim of these courses was to teach the NYSCO video unit how to make the best use of the equipment available. In order to do this, it was decided to tape a test programme, entirely conceived, shot and edited collectively by the NYSCO video unit, the subject chosen being a visit by schoolchildren to the Colombo Zoo. Beforehand, however, it was decided to practise camera movements on location. 21. The camera-movement course done on 15 July was attended only by cameramen and trainees and only concerned hand-held camera equipment. This practice on location revealed that the cameramen had much difficulty in obtaining smooth hand-held camera shots and in co-ordinating them with pans, tilts, zooms and focus, light changes being also a problem. Correct framing presented a major difficulty. 22. Location shooting for the zoo programme done every day during the week of 18-22 July confirmed the above-mentioned problems and revealed the following shortcomings: (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) no previous checking of the equipment to be used; lack of previous visual observation of the subject to be taped; bad framing; wrong focusing; very wobbly camera movements; careless sound recording
- 4-23. However, as the days went by, the above-mentioned ""shortcomings were progressively corrected, the last day of shooting being in comparison with the first day, a relatively satisfactory one, although much progress is still to be made. 24. The editing course (held daily from 6 to 11 August) done on the zoo tape contained the following main elements: (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) criticism of the material that had been recorded? technique of how to cut; choosing the shots; how to shorten shots on final tape; sound control; choice and recording of music; post-synchronization 25. This course at first revealed the following difficulties: (iii) total absence of an editing method; lack of a classification system; bad use of the electronic equipment 26. However, after the first courses, the technique of editing gradually improved, although much still remains to be done. 27. The course on title and credit recording held on 7 and 8 August was a relatively satisfactory one, as the experience gathered by the NYSCO video unit during previous courses was effectively put to use. 28. The course on colour composition held on 8 August contained the following elements: (iii) (iv) colour and 'the tube'; colours to avoid; colours best suited; colour combinations 29. It was decided after this course that NYSCO-Video build light portable colour frames for backgrounds to be used during interviews. 30. In the field of direction, the taping of a song and dance programme in an indoor theatre (done on 17 July) revealed the following shortcomings: lack of a shooting script; no previous rehearsal;
- 5 - (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) dull camera angles; bad lighting; lack of continuity; a saturation of superimpositions,- absence of co-ordination between director and technical crew- 31. The result of the above-mentioned shortcomings prompted NYSCO-Video not to tape future song and dance programmes without a shooting script, prior rehearsal and a continuous check of what was being recorded. 32. It was also decided to purchase a stop-watch and that a script-girl or a person responsible for continuity be trained. Recommendations for future action 33. The complicated technical problems besetting NYSCO-Video due to continuous breakdown of electronic gear can actually only be solved by an expert technician specialized in maintenance of equipment. It is advised that such a person be temporarily employed by NYSCO in order to train local electronic maintenance technicians. 34. It is recommended that a video consultant, specialized in the field of direction, script-writing, camera recording and editing, and acquainted with Sri Lanka's development problems, be on hand to advise, train and assist NYSCO- Video for a lengthy period. 35. A reorganization of NYSCO's video unit appears necessary: actually this unit lacks manpower to accomplish the ambitious audio-visual programme NYSCO has planned for the near future. Furthermore, there are at present too few trainees. It is advised that more of these be taken on by NYSCO. 36. Cameramen require daily training: their lack of experience is, of course, due to lack of practice. It is essential that even when no programme has been scheduled NYSCO cameramen undertake regular camera exercises. 37. NYSCO-Video lacks sufficient lighting equipment and this is actually a major problem. It is recommended that studio lighting and reflectors be purchased. 38. NYSCO-Video requires earphones for its portable cameras. It is urgent that these be purchased, especially as these cameras are mostly used on location, namely for the recording of new items. 39. NYSCO-Video needs to transform its mobile van into a small recording studio. NYSCO-Video's Deputy Director has already been briefed on how this should be done.
- 6 - ANNEX I LIST OF TECHNICAL MATERIALS AT THE DISPOSAL OF NYSCO-VIDEO DURING THIS CONSULTANT'S MISSION CAMERAS: 3 National single tube 2 JVC three tube VIDEO RECORDERS: 2 National (low band) 2 JVC (low band) TRIPONDS: 5 Fix 5 Dollies 2 Remote control units for JVC cameras 1 " " " " national cameras 1 Mixing unit 5 JVC monitors \ 2 National VHS recorders 2 National 14" TVS Complete editing unit 1 5-Channel audio-mixer 2 Ampli i 2 Speaker systems ') TAPES: 100 20'/100 30'/100 60'/100 VHS cassettes 1 Maintenance véhicule (non-equipped) N.B. : To this brief list one must add that all cameras are equipped with zoom lenses.
- 7 - ANNEX II BRIEF SYNOPSIS OF SOME OF THE THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL COURSES GIVEN BY THIS CONSULTANT TO NYSCO-VIDEO I. GENERAL PHILOSOPHY 1. Television as a means of communication (a) the history and development of television; (b) television as a means of communication (as opposed to other media, namely the press and the radio); (c) television as a means of communication (as opposed to literature and cinema). 2. Television and technical problems of perception (a) (b) (c) the definition of 'audio-visual' (the ear and the eye); how to avoid overburdening the 'audio' to the detriment of the 'visual' and vice versa; examples of what to avoid (illustrated by graphics) II. GRAMMAR 1. Definition of various camera angles (CU, MS, LS, HA, LA); 2. The psychological impression conveyed by these shots (examples taken from various studies); 3. Shots to avoid 4. The theory of movement (pans, tilts, zooms, dollys, travellings, cranes and various combinations); 5. The psychological effect of these movements; 6. Combination of various camera angles and different movements III. SOME 'BASIC RULES' 1. Crossing 'the line' (illustrated by graphics showing how the subject must in a succession of shots be facing the same direction and how to change the subject's direction); 2. The 'line' and various angles
- 8 - IV. INTERVIEW TECHNIQUE 1. Over-shoulder angles; 2. The technique of single camera»shooting; 3. The technique of double-camera shooting; 4. How to shoot an interview of interviewer or subject off-frame V. FRAMING The different 'rules' of framing (vertical space, horizontal space, foreground and background focusing, etc.) VI. LIGHTING 1. The technical capacity of light absorption of NYSCO's cameras; 2. Indoor lighting (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) essential key light; essential side lights; accessory high lights; accessory low lights; combinations (illustrated by graphics); examples of what to avoid (namely double shadows of one subject due to cross-lighting overlighting, underlighting); 3. Outdoor lighting (mostly by means of sunlight and reflectors) VII. CAMERA MOVEMENTS PRACTISED ON LOCATION 1. Hand-held movements (a) how to hold the single-tube cameras; (b) how to move with camera while recording (footstep technique ; shoes to wear, etc.); (c) position of assistant; (d) various vertical and horizontal movements; (e) co-ordination between these movements and walking;
- 9-2. How to change focus while moving; 3. How to zoom while moving; 4. Technique of framing in movement VIII. TITLE AND CREDIT RECORDING 1. Choice of colours of lettering; 2. Background (black cardboard, cloth, glass, etc.); 3. Different techniques (drum, dissolve, etc.); 4. Lighting of title and credits IX. COLOUR COMPOSITION 1. The basic colours of the prism (violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red) and their effect on the tube; 2. Interaction of these colours by means of each colour being superimposed on another; (a) (b) the 56 possible combinations; what to avoid (namely colour on colour, similar shades, dull contrast, reds and off-reds, etc.); 3. White ; 4. Black; 5. A study of best suited colour combinations; 6. The variations of pale blue (namely as a background)
- 10 - ANNEX III NAMES AND FUNCTIONS OF NYSCO-VIDEO'S STAFF DURING THE TIME OF THIS CONSULTANT'S MISSION MR CHARITHA RATWATTE, Secretary of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Employment; Chairman of NYSCO and Director-General of Youth Services MR S.M. WEERASENA, Deputy Director of NYSCO and Officer in Charge of Video Unit MR PIYATISSA GAMAGE, Assistant Director of NYSCO MR OWEN WEERAKODY, District Youth Service Officer; Functions in NYSCO-Video as Producer/Director/Editor/Asst. in Administration MR R.M. GOONATILAKE, Youth Service Officer, Producer/Editor MR M. GOONATILAKE, Storekeeper MR L.S. RATNASIRI, Cameraman MR T. PANAPITIYA, Cameraman trainee MR L.S.S. NANAYAKARA, Recordist trainee/sound technician trainee MR T.B. RATNAYAKA, Technical Officer