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 Neela Sakaria: Thank you for joining us, Ms. Jersky. You teach video production, correct? What made you decide to publish this guide? Did you find that there were not sufficient production manuals available?
Miriam Jersky: I decided to publish a guide on video production which would be written in plain language, and which would cover all the video bases - including the essential technical steps in the video production process and the more practical aspects such as how to find the right camcorder and equipment. There are a number of books on production available. But many of them are either extremely technical textbooks or manuals or they are books that just skim over the video production process.
Neela: What makes VIDEO PRODUCTION: A BASIC GUIDE different from others?
MJ: VIDEO PRODUCTION: A BASIC GUIDE is different from other video books in a number of ways. Like other video books, the Guide discusses major video production elements such as camera shots, audio, graphics and editing. But it also describes video from a practical, real life experience viewpoint. It tells the reader what can really happen when a video producer creates a video program. For instance, what do you do when you have to shoot footage live-on-tape in a room lit only by the glare of fluorescent lamps?
In the GUIDE, I present my own personal video insights and theories. The reader learns that video is composed in the same way that music is composed. That video creates its own reality - its own video environment. The videographer has to develop video patience. When shooting a live event, like a dance recital or a ball game, the camera operator has to record enough footage of the event. If you don't tape that home run, it is lost forever.
And the GUIDE's size certainly makes it significantly different from other standard sized books on video. The GUIDE is a concise, 84 page, wire-bound reference.
Neela: Personally, I like the fact that your book is very small and portable. Was that a conscious decision so that people could refer to your manual while filming?
MJ: The GUIDE was purposely formatted as a small, take along reference which people could easily stash away in their camera bag with the lens filters and the blank tapes. The beginner can take it along and use it when videotaping a family reunion or when on vacation. The more advanced videographer can refer to it when on location if information is needed quickly on a technical subject such as lighting or audio.
Neela: For how many years have you been a teacher? What is your professional background?
MJ: I have been teaching video production and media courses for over fifteen years now. Currently, I teach video production to adults and to young people at Continuing Education, Lehman College/CUNY. I have also taught mainstream college courses in Broadcasting and Media Production Technology. I have a Master of Science in Broadcasting, Brooklyn College/City University of New York. My background in the media includes television news writer; broadcast research and public television producer. About eighteen years ago, I established Community Video Productions, a not-for-profit group which produces television programs mainly on community events and education.
Neela: Would you consider writing more instructional texts such as this one?
MJ: Yes. I am considering writing other instructional texts especially on video production and video editing. I found that I really enjoyed writing the Guide.
Neela: In your opinion, what are some of the challenges that are unique to instructional writing, as opposed to other forms of writing?
MJ: The major challenge in writing VIDEO PRODUCTION: A BASIC GUIDE was compressing the very large body of information a video producer or videographer needs to know into a clear, in-depth presentation that didn't overwhelm or intimidate the reader. I think that is probably the biggest overall challenge in approaching any piece of instructional writing. Gaining the reader's attention and keeping it while providing technical information is as important in instructional writing as it is in writing a suspense novel. Another challenge is in providing the reader with more than dry facts. The instructional writer must also present information in a lively and stimulating way which leads the reader to ask questions and dig deeper into materials presented.
Neela: Can film beginners pick up your book and understand it?
MJ: Yes, I really do hope that anyone who picks up the book will understand it. The Guide developed from instructional materials that I wrote for my students who come from a wide range of backgrounds - college students; adults; young people; senior citizens; English as a Second Language students. Some of the students are employed in video and the media. But many have never used a camcorder before and know very little about video production. So a major goal of the book is that it can be readily understood by the reader.
To ensure this, the Guide describes technical video terms and concepts in plain language . The beginner is encouraged to become proficient in the language of video production. And the reader who is more experienced in video will not only understand the basics but will be able to gain insights into the complexities and nuances of the video production process.
The book was recently approved for use in the New York City school system by the New York Department of Education so I think this is a good indication that it is easy to read and understand.
Neela: Are you working on any other future/current writing projects?
MJ: At the present time, I am working on updating the GUIDE so that it reflects the current state of the video art. I am also considering developing a Basic Guide to Digital Video and Digital Editing.
Neela: Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
MJ: Video is a lot of fun and everyone can learn to use a camcorder. Adults, seniors, young people. It gives people a chance to tell their own stories. To record family history. Business people can produce orientation and training films. Teachers can create learning materials. Video can help us with our golf swing, our tennis serve, our dance routines. So I would like to encourage the readers to take their camcorders out of their boxes and become video producers.
Video Production: A Basic Guide
ISBN: 097140820-3
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