Filming Families: The Modern Family Video
Lesson 16 of 44
Jump Cuts & How to Avoid Them
Filming Families: The Modern Family Video
Lesson 16 of 44
Jump Cuts & How to Avoid Them
Lesson Info
Jump Cuts & How to Avoid Them
What is a jump cut? When two clips are placed side by side of the same subject from the same camera position where the subject is in different locations. Okay, so, it'd be like if I had two clips, side-by-side, camera is in the same spot, I'm here in the first clip, and then I'm here in the second clip. And we don't see me move from there to there. But I've jumped in space, right? In space. So, jump cuts, they're used a lot in vlogging these days, where people are ... You'll see them a lot in those kinds of things. Jump cuts can be used to signify a transition in time, like time has moved on. I just don't like them for what I do. Doing a lot of slow motion it's jolting to have a jump cut in there, I don't love jump cuts. And so I personally try to avoid them as much as I can. And a lot of that has to do with editing. A lot of it has to do with editing, but a lot of it also has to do with the way you've shot it. So if you stay in the same position too long, and you have two moments in t...
he same position, but there's a gap between the moments that are happening, then you're stuck. You need to go to a different clip, a b-roll clip or something in between them. Otherwise you're having to wait too long for that second moment to happen. You're subject has moved slightly and so you can't do a cut. If you did a cut, then you're gonna end up with a jump cut. So I'll show you what a jump cut looks like. This is an example from a film that I did a while ago, it's one of my favorite films. And I just did it, I just let it happen. 'Cause I was like, I love this too much to not include it, so we're just gonna jump cut all over the place on this one, that's fine. Because, and you'll see what I mean when you watch it, it is an adorable moment, but that just took a long time to happen, and I had to include it. So it's a great example, and you'll see several jump cuts throughout this. [lighthearted guitar music] Did you see that? Okay. (audience laughter) Okay. (lighthearted guitar music) Okay, so she missed it, the first time. And, she missed the goal and so, I was like, "I really want to include this 'cause it's so adorable," the way she goes up with her hands. She's so cute and I really wanted to include this moment, and I knew the only way that I could do it, was to have this series of jump cuts in there. And I was just like, "You know what, I'm just doing it, I don't really care." So, I try to avoid them as a rule, but if they're necessary, it's okay, it's for the clients. Okay? But, the better ... it was also me. I could have shot this better. If I hadn't just stayed in the same spot, then I wouldn't have had all those jump cuts. But, the reason was because I sat there and waited for her to get the soccer in the goal, and I didn't move. What I should've done was stood up and shot down, or stood up and shot down and moved to the left, that's probably what I should've done. But, I didn't and so I ended up with that, and had to just work with it. But, that's an example of what a jump cut is. I don't love having them, but I'll use them if I have to. And, if you're showing this passage of time, it's okay. So that song that I love is called, "Always" by Shawn Williams, licensed through MUSICBED.
Class Description
Portrait photographers capture moments in time for families, parents, and children. But in order to tell the whole story, you need to switch your camera to video mode, and become the storyteller behind the camera. Join Courtney Holmes, family photographer, filmmaker, and founder of FilmingLife Academy as she empowers you to add video to your photography business.
In this class, Courtney takes you on location to a home in Seattle to see how she organizes a family shoot from start to finish. You will learn in a unique way how Courtney works to capture authentic family moments on video and how to stay flexible in a new home environment that you’ve never filmed in before.
Courtney will teach you:
- How to change your mindset from photographer to videographer
- How to add videography to your brand
- Pricing and marketing tips
- What to ask in order to capture the best story for your clients
- The technical skills you’ll need for video
- Post-processing using Adobe® Premiere Pro®
- How to choose music, import, organize, create, and polish the final product
Courtney has learned how to make filmmaking into a viable business, and is going to give you the tools to move forward and tell the stories that families will treasure for a lifetime.
Lessons
- Class Introduction
- The Spark That Inspired Me
- What Are Family Films?
- Gear for Family Films
- Camera Settings for Video
- Frame Rates & Slow Motion
- Picture Profiles & Color Grading
- Settings for Audio Capture
- Exposure for Video
- Stabilization, Focus Techniques & Shifting Mindset
- The Purpose of Camera Movements
- Camera Movements Demo
- Visual Storytelling: How to Film a Scene
- How to Film a Scene Demo
- B-Roll & Use in Storytelling
- Jump Cuts & How to Avoid Them
- How to Look for & Film Different Types of Light
- The Importance of Audio
- What About Photos? How to Switch Back and Forth
- Client Prep
- Troubleshooting Artificial Light Issues
- Managing Client Expectations
- Uncovering Your Client's Story
- Developing a Story on the Fly
- Think Ahead as a Storyteller
- Student Film Critique
- Ideas for Your First Film
- Create a Shot List for Your Film
- Demo: Interaction With Family at Start of Session
- Demo: Capture Authentic Moments
- Demo: Work the Scene
- Demo: Decide What to Shoot
- Demo: Move From One Location to Another
- Organize Footage & Photos From a Session
- Cull & Edit Photos First
- Sourcing Licensed Music
- Begin to Edit in Premiere Pro
- Editing to The Music
- Scrub Footage & Insert Into Film
- Breaking Down The Final Film
- Editing: Color Grading
- How Much Should You be Charging?
- Marketing Tips for Family Film Business
- Delivery Methods For Family Films
Reviews
Adam Nicholls
Worth a watch! Courtney provides a clear and organised class, she is also very passionate about what she does which is always nice to see. She has a great back story which is fantastic. This course is good for beginners who have some knowledge in photography and want to learn more about video. I would recommend that people do not refer this class to the bible of filmmaking as I feel you can expand further on what Courtney teaches. Some useful tips for beginners but some methods I personally feel can be taught differently. I feel a gimbal is a useful bit of kit if used correctly. You can still use a gimbal when in manual mode providing you follow the basics rules! Obviously if Courtney prefers not to use a gimbal then that's also fine but I wouldn't discourage students from exploring useful filmmaking tools. Slow motion can be achieved with 50/60fps however I feel other frame rates should have been discussed like 120fps. I liked that Courtney engaged with the students as it gets them involved and will help them remember what they have learned during the class. Thank you for taking the time to share some of your knowledge
a Creativelive Student
Courtney's work is absolutely amazing and inspiring. I feel lucky that she has chosen to share her process and that this class is available! After watching all the videos and trying my hand at this video thing, I am feeling really encouraged and inspired to do more- both personally and professionally. I appreciate the way that she breaks things down in the video and that she shares her thought process. A really great course!
AShley
Courtney’s course completes me! I have storytelling “holes” in my film previously, but this course helped fill those holes to create a flow and a film with emotion. Not only is the course wonderful (and well worth every penny) but Courtney is wonderful as well! I had such an amazing experience at Creative Live!!!!