Learn the ABCs of video-making and then submit your
television audition to NBA Inside Stuff!

Preparing to Shoot
Shooting your Masterpiece
After the Shooting Stops
Important Legal Stuff

PREPARING TO SHOOT

1. Before you run and get that camera, you've got to create your script. Everything starts with an idea on paper. Think about why you want to be an NBA Inside Stuff correspondent and how you want to express it. Decide whether or not you want to interview someone, report on an event or do anything that displays your personality as an on-air correspondent. Then write it down as sort of an outline.
You can then construct your on-camera from that outline and write your script. Remember, you only have 30 seconds, so don¡¦t make your idea into a major epic. Sometimes the most simple ideas are the best.
Once that's done...

2. Make a storyboard. Use that great imagination you have and draw pictures of what you want each shot to look like. These drawings will help guide you in thinking about camera angles, how your set or location will look, etc. Write down each shot's audio/video requirements and production technique in the appropriate square. Show your storyboard to several people and brainstorm suggestions for improving the idea. Draw your finished storyboard with anything you like -- crayons, markers or pens.

WHO DOES WHAT?

  • Director: Responsible for the way the audition looks and sounds.
  • Camera Person: Works closely with the director and tries to get the best possible shot.
    HINT: Sometimes the director is the boss and sometimes the camera person is the boss. Decide who's in charge before you shoot. If you're working in a group, decide how the final decisions will be made.

    BEHIND THE SCENES

    Wardrobe - Make or borrow appropriate costumes. Try to stay away from white, black or any type of dramatic prints (stripes, checkers, etc...)
    Prop assembly - Review the script. Make a list of everything you'll need and make sure it's all in the right place at the right time.
    Set design - Have fun designing sets or backdrops.
    Location scouting - Pick interesting locations.
    Lighting direction - Monitor the quality of the light and shadows.

    SHOOTING YOUR "Show Us Your STUFF" AUDITION

    Now you're ready to shoot. This is the most straightforward, but also the most demanding part of making an audition tape. If you are the Director, the cast and crew are looking to you to lead. You need to show them you know what you're doing -- or at least that you have an idea of how you want the audition to look!

    Lighting: When indoors, use as much light as possible. Don't stand in front of a window or shoot in front of any mirrors. Don't shoot into the sun, and make sure the sun is behind the camera.

    Audio: Eliminate as much background noise as possible, and avoid wind. The closer the camera is to you, the less background noise you'll hear. Try to put the camera 4-7 feet from you for the best audio.

    Rehearse and Rehearse Again: Save time and tape by making sure each shot in your audition is rehearsed several times before you turn the camera on. Do some test shots at each location to make sure the audio is clear and the lighting is just right.

    Camera Set-Up: Experiment with the composition (what the camera is framing) of your shots. You made a storyboard. Stick to it or use it as a guide for any changes you may want to make. Keep the camera as steady as possible or use a tripod.

    Camera Movements:
    Pan: Move the camera from left to right, or from right to left, horizontally.
    Zoom: Keep the camera still, but move the lens in on a subject, or out on a subject.
    : To make a moving shot, have the camera person sit in a wheeled chair as it is rolled by another person.
    Tilt: Move the camera up or down, vertically.

    AFTER THE SHOOTING STOPS

    Post production is everything you do after the shooting stops, including editing, and special effects.

    Editing: Editing is the behind-the-scenes magic that turns all of your footage into the perfect representation of what your idea was always supposed to be! Shots that are too long can be shortened or mixed with other, more interesting shots. The editing you do depends on the story, its purpose and the length of your finished audition.

    Special Effects: Movie special effects can help you make a great story even more effective and they're fun to create, but they won't cover up a weak script. Each effect you use should contribute something special to your project.

    HINT: Don't be afraid to ask for feedback! Remember your purpose. Check in with other people to make sure your audition is on track. Here are some good times to get feedback:
    - when generating ideas
    - after the first draft of the script
    - after shooting
    - after the rough edit of the audition
    - after you think the audition is done

    HAVE YOU GOT ALL THAT?

    This is a lot of information, but you're not alone. A lot of people would love to help you make an NBA Inside Stuff audition tape. Here are some suggestions:
    -Your parents, siblings, family - for feedback and starring roles
    -Your friends - for ideas, feedback, set design and on-screen talent
    -Your teachers - for script-writing help and names of pros you can talk with.
    -Your local cable company - for instruction on equipment and help with editing. Many cable companies host local access stations that employ professional production crews.
    -Local museum or arts centers - for summer workshops or video camps.
    -Local professional videographers - television news photographers, college media instructors, or advertising producers may be very interested in helping with your audition. Check with your local cable access station or look under "Video" in the Yellow Pages.