Why do we disallow videos to be used in the DST?

[augusto pinto]

I've told the classes I teach that videos are not allowed to be used in their DSTs as we had been advised in our Workshops. 

I'm not quite certain as to why this restriction is being put, as some of the students know how to do fancy effects with video and have questioned me about this.

Does anyone have a good reply to this question as I think in the definition given in the Digital Cookbook it does mention using video?

Augusto

[augusto pinto]

A question which students keep asking me is "Sir can we use video for our DST?" I forwarded this question to a couple of teachers of DST and here are their answers.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Salil Konkar <salil....@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Aug 28, 2014 at 10:05 AM
Subject: Re: Why do we disallow videos to be used in the DST?
To: augusto pinto <pint...@gmail.com>
Cc: Alito Siqueira <alito.s...@gmail.com>

For the same reason that my graphic artist friend Orijit Sen (Mapping Mapusa Market) insists on drawing sketches instead of taking photographs. To use his words - sketching allows you to dwell on the subject and hones your observation skills - in turn the image (your sketch) ends up more like you see it - the unwanted clutter is kept out and the stuff that matters gets detailed nicely. Similarly, a well taken photo will bring out the subject matter better and in a more focused/targeted way - the subject is still and not moving - the composition, and the pan and zoom can emphasise the narrative further. Where necessary, appropriate effects (e.g. sepia toning) can be also be applied.

An amateur video is an easy way out of coming to terms with learning the visual language. One may think the it is more effective, but in reality, it may end up being just the opposite. Composition for a moving image is quite different from composing a still photo, and requires different skills not just in composing but also in editing. I suppose your students may be talking about using brief unedited footage, and I am not saying that they won't be able to manage that, just that when using still photos seems more appropriate, why use video?

I have to add that the part in your email about "fancy effects" is already making me cringe :)

Salil.

On Thu, Aug 28, 2014 at 9:35 AM, Alito Siqueira <alito.s...@gmail.com> wrote:

 

There are a few reasons that I can think of:

We want t keep it simple - and the complexity (fancy) should be in the story not the fx (effects). Most often than not fx just distract.

 

Editing stills (still pictures or photographs) is a very different game from editing film. The techniques of maintaining continuity and timing are very different and it is an entirely differently skill set. 

 

It also allows a  more level playing field as most students will have a hard time getting their video editing skills in place.

alito

(Note: I've edited Alito's letter for clarity for students. The edited portions I've marked in red.)

Augusto