The Tokyo Tech Academy for Super Smart Society (SSS) hosted a three-day video production workshop from March 9 to 11 on Ookayama Campus. Guiding the 14 Tokyo Tech students, faculty, and staff members who joined the workshop was film and commercial director Hiroki Ohsawa.
Director Ohsawa lecturing and guiding participants
Each participant joined the event for their own reasons. Some attended so they could learn how videos can be used to express one's ideas effectively. Others intended to use what they learned about video production to add content to their own websites. While everyone had their personal interests, the participants were also able to learn from each other as videos were created in three groups.
Workshop Day 1
March 9
- Lecture on video production: film composition, loglines, shooting and camera angles
- Storyboard creation in groups
On Day 1, Ohsawa gave a lecture on the basics of video production. Participants learned the fundamentals of video creation using visually impactful images, examining story structures unique to Hollywood films and "creating videos with a purpose." This included an introduction to video loglines and various camera angles.
In the afternoon, participants split into groups, discussed ideas and story structures for their own video, and began creating a storyboard. The theme of the video was set as "Tokyo Tech" or "education" for all groups.
Creating storyboards in groups on Day 1
Workshop Day 2
March 10
- Lecture on video production and demonstration: shooting, camera angles, lighting
- Filming by groups on Ookayama Campus
Day 2 started with a demonstration by Ohsawa on the use of the camera and lighting. The instructor showed the participants different camera angles and shot sizes, which would prove to be useful during shooting by the participants later in the day. In the afternoon, each group shot videos at different locations on Ookayama Campus, with instructor Ohsawa circling from group to group to offer tips and advice.
Professor Akinori Nishihara from Tokyo Tech Academy for Super Smart Society as subject during explanation on lighting
Participants shooting at various locations on Ookayama Campus
Workshop Day 3
March 11
- Final editing
- Screening of videos, feedback from lecturer, presentation of certificates of completion and awards
Director Ohsawa providing advice during final editing process on Day 3
The morning of Day 3 focused on the final video editing process. Instructor Ohsawa and an SSS Online Education teaching assistant went around each group, offering editing advice to the participants. Each group production was unique, with carefully selected background music, costumes, props, camerawork, and storylines.
In the afternoon, a screening session was held to show all participants each group's final video.
According to Osawa, all the videos were powerful works that demonstrated strong intent from their creators. A video titled Beyond the Door, which focused on the theme of opening up a new future, received the Excellence Award.
Each group's video featured the clock tower on Ookayama Campus
The workshop, which was a meaningful learning experience for all those involved, ended on a high note. "Time was limited, but we learned a lot and had plenty of fun during the process," participants commented.
