DO’S FOR MAKING VIDEO
DO plan
Write the narration. Plan the shots. Have a vision for the edit. Plan the shoot. Scout the location. The more you plan ahead (called pre-production), the better the piece will turn out.
DO keep it organized
As you shoot, create and use a system of organization for the footage. Names for the raw files which identify the project and the shot are very helpful down the line in editing.
DO keep the script focused
Tangents should be avoided. Don’t ramble, chop out extraneous words before you cut your narration.
DO keep it short
Concise is actually a better word. If your topic is something complex, like explaining the world’s political conditions that lead up to WWII, then two hours would be concise. But most online videos should be simple enough so that one or two minutes is sufficient. However, total running time is not the best measure of whether a video is the “right” length. You have to judge by the ability of the video to keep the audience’s attention.
DO keep it simple
Video projects big and small should start with a clear storyline (if it’s a narrative) or an objective if it’s a presentation or something similar. A clear objective for your video can be very simple and useful in saving yourself time and energy.
DO backup
Keep multiple copies of raw footage and edits as you go. A dedicated hard drive is recommended.
DO make decisions based on the audience’s needs/desires and not yours.
The video is really for them, not you. The video is also really not for the client who is paying the tab but you certainly need to make them think that it is!
It serves your client best if you make the video with the audience as a priority.
DO emphasize the visuals
If you watch the evening news, you’ll notice that what you’re really paying attention to is the video, not the script. Sure, the script enhances the video, but at the end, you remember what you see more than what you hear.
DO have good lighting
Good lighting is probably the single biggest determining factor in the quality of your video image. Good lighting on an average camera will get you a better picture lousy lighting on a fantastic camera.
DO have good sound
Viewers will put up with poor image quality before they will tolerate poor sound quality. If they can not hear your video they will click out of it.
Be bold, which often equals creative.
Being timid usually holds back the creative juices. Take a risk, be bold and someone will call you a creative genius!
Be honest and fair.
Video gives you the power to distort reality. Unless you are doing fictional work, please don’t. It’s called responsibility.
Be conversational with your storytelling techniques.
Writing video scripts is really the exact opposite of high-level academic writing. A entertaining, watchable video needs to be structured as a conversational vehicle. That is what appeals to people.
DO make decisions based on the audience’s needs and/or desires and not yours. The video is really for them, not you. Who will be watching your video? What do you want them to do as a result of viewing your video? Now ask yourself what is the most critical thing you can show them in your video to reach this outcome? There’s your objective.
DO vary your shots
Variety keeps your audience awake. Use a variety of shots, including long shots, close-ups, and medium shots. Use shots that show motion rather than just a static image of someone talking. Edit with a flow and a pace in mind. Add background music (properly balanced to emphasize the narration or voiceover). Watch other videos to get ideas for your own.
DON’T be too static.
A single person sitting in front of a camera talking had better be really funny, or it’ll be boring.
DON’T be too restless.
Constant zooming or panning or cutting between moving shots can give your viewer a headache. Mix motion with easy-to-view still shots to keep interest and focus.
DON’T say everything
Let the visuals tell some of the story. If you can show it, don’t say it. It makes for more interesting video.
DON’T shoot from a million miles away
Get close up to the subject. Fill the frame. Be aware of every inch of space. Don’t let anything into the frame that distracts from your reason for being there.
DON’T show other schools' logos, graphics, etc.
Use UNT branded signs and clothing whenever you can.
No Shaky Shots!
Get a tripod and use it. Helps with camera moves. Make sure the camera you have fits on the base of the tripod you have.
Be still and only move the camera when you have:
1) a reason and 2) the opportunity. Don’t let needless adjustments ruin your shot. Make sure you have at least 10-20 seconds of usable footage for each piece of B-Roll. All pans and zooms should be slow and controlled.
What You See is What You Get
Don’t push record until your shot is perfect. It should be visually interesting and follow the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is when you imagine your image is divided up like a tic-tac-toe board. The subject’s eyes should be on the top line and their gaze should follow to the other side of the frame (where the interviewer would be).
Check the Shot
Now that everything is HD, it’s more important to make sure the background of your image doesn’t have anything that shouldn’t be there like extension cords, random paper, etc. Make sure your shot is balanced.
Anticipate
When you frame your shot, anticipate what you are editing in. Leave space for things like titles (lower thirds), logos or images in the corners, etc.
Focus
Check your focus anytime you change focal lengths (zoom in or zoom out) or make a camera move.
Clothing and Makeup
When you can control it, avoid clothes that have intricate patters, small stripes, and logos. If you are using a green screen, make sure your subject does not wear green. White and black generally don’t read well on camera. White is difficult to light. Have translucent powder/foundation on hand to reduce shine, especially if your subject is bald or oily.
Get to Know Your Camera or Video Capturing Device
Learn your camera menu options. The functions you’ll use the most are white balance, iris (f-stop, how much light comes in the camera), how to switch between 16:9 and 4:3, and how to assign your audio channels.
Think of the Final Product
Know how you want the final piece to play out and be consistent with the questions you ask. If you want to multiple subjects to tell a story, make sure you get all of their point of views from beginning to end. Asking subjects the same questions will help with transitions. Don’t go in without a plan.
Audio
When using a boom, make sure to point it directly at the speaker. Be aware that jostling the boom pole will produce unwanted noise. With a hardwired or a wireless lav make sure it is secured and that there’s no noise. Have the subject remove any jingly jewelry and avoid clothing rustling. It’s better to have the lav visible and picking up clear audio than hidden and picking up clothing noise. Avoid coiling cables or overlapping them with power cords. When all these cables touch it creates buzzing. Always do a sound check to set levels.
Breathing Room
When you first hit record at the beginning of an interview, allow a moment before you ask the first question. This way the editor has room to work with. The same applies when the question is being answered. This avoids the answer stepping on the interviewer’s next question.
Lighting
Traditional 3-point lighting has a key light, a fill light, and a back light. It looks nice if you can get an eye light, where you see the reflection of the light in the subjects eyes. Make sure the lights don’t overpower the subject. Skin color and clothing color will affect your lighting.
Interview Tips
Make sure if you interview a subject that their in a chair with a non-reclining, upright back. Make sure the chair doesn’t not swivel or have wheels. Have the subject speak directly to the interviewer who should be sitting on either side of the camera. Also have your interviewee include the question in their answer, unless you intend to hear the interviewer asking the questions. It’s a good idea to have them spell out their full name to avoid spelling errors in lower thirds.
Be Prepared!
Make sure you have batteries for your audio as well as for your camera. A pen and paper is always useful. Make sure you have enough tape, the right cables, and any props to dress your set. Label your tapes and keep track of them. Take care of your equipment, it’s expensive.
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