SUBMIT
Feb 15th, 2009 by improvmonologueproject
So you’d like to submit a monologue you’ve shot to the Improv Monologue Project?
Here is what you need to know:
1. Monologues must be improvised
2. Monologues must be a single take - no cutting!
3. Monologists should be given a prop they don’t know about in advance.
4. Monologists should be taken to a location they don’t know about in advance.
When you shoot your monologue, try to shoot in a way that will capture good audio - use a lav mic if possible.
Try to shoot some B-Roll of your prop and location (10 seconds of each will go a long way during the intro part of the finished video).
When you have an exported HDV or DV file ready to go (the uncut monologue with 2 second handles and your broll all on one timeline), fire IMP an email at submit@improvmonologueproject.com and we’ll work out how to transfer the file.
Your submission will be posted as soon as it is processed!
What are you waiting for? Get shooting!
Heya! Just a quick question about filming/submission; the editing that goes into the video (aka the introductions of the player, location, and prop), is that done by IMP and I would just send you the raw footage? Or is there something else to it that isn’t coming to mind? Also, do we (or I, in this situation) get a copy of the finalized, edited version when it’s all said and done?
Yours truly, Thom Cassidy (Montréal, QC)
Hey Thom, thanks for your question.
IMP will put the intro on as long as you provide the elements for it. Once it’s released, we’ll make a copy available for you to download (a high res one).
Here is a back and forth between myself and a submitter named Brian. He asks some good questions:
Q: So, for future reference, should I be trying to shoot in 16:9 ?
A: If it’s not 16:9, it’s 4:3 & I can crop it and set it up to work for the web because it will be made fairly small. 16:9 is preferred though and provides some better framing options. Shooting in HDV will produce a 16:9 image.
Q: How should I open/close the monologue?
A: The opening and closing should punctuate the monologue - either swinging onto or off of the character. A cool opening/ending shot helps a lot - make some choices with the camera, that way it feels like it has a real strong beginning and end. The monologist tells the story, but the camera person shapes the audience’s perception of it with the angles and camera positions they choose.
Q: I’m not a camera or audio guy, is that super important?
A: Not really. It’s all about the performance. As long as you are relatively exposed and focused properly, it should be cool. White balancing before you shoot (once you are in your location) will help a lot with the visuals.
Having a wireless lav gives you so much freedom, but if you are using the on-board camera or a shotgun mic, try to use locations that aren’t super noisy or public. That way the monologist’s audio will be much clearer, and have them speak up - like they are on stage.
Q: Anything else to keep in mind when shooting?
A. Varying the camera frame is nice - use wide shots to show off the location and the peformer’s relationship to the space, but remmber that the frame is pretty small on the site so use close-ups to connect the audience to the performer, especially when they are talking directly to the camera.
Q: What else do you need?
A: Credits - who is The monologist, where are they from, what company are they from? Where was it shot? Who shot it? What is the prop? Don’t forget to shoot the prop, the person and the location for the credits.
I hope that helps.
Do you have to be a part of an improv group to submit work?
Q: Do you have to be a part of an improv group to submit work?
A: Nope - as long as you are an improviser, and you are improvising a monologue, and you provide all the necessary components, you can submit.
I got my brother to take me to a location and hand me a prop the other day to shoot an improv monologue on his new camera. I was trying to nail it in 2 minutes but we didn’t bring anything to tell time besides our phones. We did three different monologues but they were 1:45min, 2:20min and another was around 2:13min or so. Can I submit any of these or should we roll up our sleeves and go try again?
Hey Tim - it’s “up to 2 minutes”, so you should b good to go!