The Metroid Show

Cameraman Tips:

• Make sure your camera is able to record your DS screen. It's important to make sure the frame rate and quality is right because it will look a mess.
• Make sure your DS top screen is straight and not slanted (90 degrees recommended). This way it will look official when you are done recording and getting ready to edit.
• If you must, turn off all lights or close or all windows when recording. If light is reflected on the DS screen, it will be a distraction. I can understand about the camera light, that's an exception, just try to make it unnoticeable as possible.
• If your camera records audio, please eliminate all audio as much as you can.

Directing Tips

• Before starting a match to record, tell all the people who are helping you what to do, at least once, so that they don't mess around.
• For talking gestures, have the players "nod" up and down in certain areas on their touch screen. This adds more realism when editing.
• Get as many angles of the character(s) as much as possible. Having one view may result in boredom and less realism.
• Try to control the players from doing there own thing. Just give them the "the sooner you do this, the sooner we can finish" comment. If you must, disconnect and get someone else that can follow your rules.
• Use the missile/judicator charge to make the hunter look armed and ready.

In-game Actor Tips:

• Be familar with all the spots the director/cameraman gives you. Knowing stuff fast equals less production time.
• Try to cooperate with the leader. It is best to just follow what he/she says and do what is asked.
• Try to not drift off and do something else (surf the net, bathroom, etc.) If you must, at least tell him/her that you have to do something and you will be right back.
• Do not shoot anyone unless told too. That way no one gets into fights and the whole thing is messed up.
• When told to "nod", aim under the normal cross hair level, up and down in short movements to where you are not looking crazy.

Voice Actors Tips:

• Try to be clear and record the recommended way the Director wants.
• Try to eliminate all sound. Interference will mess up the video.
• If you make multiple lines, please save them each in separate files. It is easier for the video editor to paste in the editing than to have to cut and paste one whole clip.
• If you like, use a voice program to alter the voices around.
• Sometimes, SOUND EFFECTS may be needed for some parts in a script. Try to find that Sound effect with no music in the back ground (such as an Imperalist shot).

Script Writing Tips:

• Always proofread your script so that it won't be confusing later.
• If you script is following a story, try to be as creative as possible.
• When making the script, be sure to be specific on certain location and camera angles. It is best to know what to do than to ask questions later.
• Try not to offend anyone or other companies in your script. It might lead to heavy flaming later on.
• I recommend that you not be TOO dirty in your script, it might turn some people off.
• If you must, ask for help with your script. It's best to know and fix stuff than to go and make something wrong.

Video Editing Tips:

• Unless it's like a music video or something, try to limit alot of special effects. It will change the mood of the video.
• Use grayscale effect for flashbacks.
• Increase or Decrease the brightness of the video clips if you have to.
• Make sure the sound timing is correct
• Fade ins and fade outs help between scene switching: as well as fade transitions
• Don't forget the title and credits!
• Just found this, use it to get rid of the words in "spectator mode": http://nikon.bungie.org/news.html?item=13513

Last updated: 6/30/07