The document summarizes a workshop on creating compelling videos. The workshop covered various topics throughout the day including storytelling fundamentals, video editing software, and critiquing example videos. Key elements of a good story discussed included having a point of view, emotional content, concise messaging, pacing, and sound. Storyboarding was presented as a tool to plan out video sequences, emotional progression, and integrate different media types. Photography fundamentals like rule of thirds and lighting were also reviewed for capturing quality video footage.
2. Workshop Focus
• 9am Overview, Story is King
• 11:30 Great Video
• 12:30 Lunch
• 1:30 Sound, Narrative,
• 2:30 Storyboarding
• 3:30 Video software
• 4:30 East Congo Initiative stories
• 6pm Close
11. Video Critique
• Central idea with action sequence
• Strategies for moving narrative forward - narrative arc
• Reflection on larger meaning
• Point of view
• Emotional content
• Gift of voice
• A concise message
• Pacing
• Great sound
• http://vimeo.com/9968640
16. Video Critique
Watch for:
• Pace
• First 7 seconds
• What makes if finished?
• Capturing details of moment
• Human trafficking (all photos)
• Occupy Seattle
• Occupy Wallstreet
• Community Schools
• East Congo Initiative –Mainstream, pro
• India Rickshaws and school
17. Tips for getting the
response you want:
• Post-video discussion tools
• Persuasive counter-arguments
• Specific, easy actions to take
• Embedded call to action
• 350.ORG
• The last word by Ira
39. Great Photography
• Rule of thirds
• Shot variety
• Single point of interest
• Mood
• Sweet light
• Background
• Framing
• Draw viewer in
• cropping
40.
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48. Using Video Recorders
• Steady hands
• Use a tripod
• Check audio and video before starting
• Pan slowly
• Remember rules of great photography
• Move in close for view and audio
• Use narrator in activity shots
51. PAGE: DATE: PROJECT NAME: AUTHOR:
FRA ME/ EVENT DE SCRIPTION MEDI A LIST
Here you do a quick sketch
Here you describe: Here you list the specifics of every piece
of what will appear at this
point in yo ur digital storyÉ what will appear on the screen (picture, of media you will need; this will help you
you c an also paste a graphic clip, graphic or other kind of visual) gather materials before beginning story
or photo hereÉ do whatever what listeners will hear (music, narrative, construction; it also serves as a Ņworks
works to remind sounds) cited listÓfor copyright purposesÉ
you of what Ōs your directorÕ comments about what you
s Music, songs, sounds, voice
going on É are trying to achieve and communicateÉ recordings
Pictures, graphics, diagrams
Video clip
Text, titles, transitions
NARRATION:
Here you write out or describe the narrativeÉ
Create text box frame
Peruvian music begins to black screen, then
Typed in location appears for 2 seconds. Insert audio that captured Peruvian music I
caught on the street
Intent is to create immediate feel of rising
tension of unknown originÉ
NARRATION:
Here is agenda for todayGood story. That is why we start with Story is King3 billion views of youtube a day. About one view for every internet user a day. Several billion YouTube videos up now. Why watch yours?You have experience with photography. Will relate it to videographyI
We all have two big Centers of Power inside ourselves when we write. We need them both. BalancedCritic gives us rules, whtich is good. can also tell us what is wrong, Also can go dark on us. Says we suck, why we stink as a writer, never be any good. Quit now.First, you need to know good rules, probably know them intuitively. But can help us correct ourselves when we are off.Tell story of JulesBut also need to tap into creator side. Much of the work we need to do is here. It helps us move beyond cheesy, same ol, same ol, gives our stories uniqueness, pizzaz.I have given you sheet to right down ideas as they come to you for story ideas. Put subject ideas, photo ideas, anything that comes to mind. Show my journal.But first the rules of great stories.
3 more critiques.Exercise:View occupy Seattle. Ok, all agree, not so great, right? Here is your assignment. You have volunteered to help with this movement and one of the cells have asked you to do a 2 minute video of to highlight Occupy Seattle. Its Friday. You know another similar demonstration is coming up. Tomorrow. You have 24 hours to produce something because things are building and in 3 days the mayor is planning some kind of response and will be at the site of the protest Next Monday nite. Write down all the ways you would make this a better video. You have 3 minutes. Points:Two things that help the most:Watching lots of video, especially good video, like reading good books. IT imprints on you like a Baby duck imprints on a momPractice!Rickshaw video: Get shots of person in activity, use voice underneath it.When listening for the story, ask questions about the detials; how were you feeling at that moment? What idid it smell like in the alley walking to school? Details. Questions? CommentsAssignment for next week.Work on your story. Reflect on these elements. Narrative arch, emotionHow tell it-Voice (practice)Sounds desiredGet it concise. Where is the essenceIs there a great antecdote, and reflection?Lots of ways to tell a story. This is the foundation. Get this, then you expand from there.
Writing tips to bring out the creator in you!“You write not to impart knowledge to others, but to inform yourself” -David Guterson just came out with new book. Character in it named Diane, very narcissistic. Who did you model her after? No one, she just appeared as I was writing, I was as surprised as anyone” This happens with both fiction and non-fiction. Its how we find new truths. Precise verbs drive a story. Action verbs provide a far richer meaning and appeal to the senses better than linking verbs. Looking at my cat Sunny next to me, I might write “The cat was relaxed,” but a better choice would be “The cat lounged on the couch.” Verbs with a definite meaning also help the viewer create a more accurate mental picture of the story. The word “walk” is not nearly as descriptive as “saunter,” “stroll,” “stagger,” “stomp,” or “strut.” Effective writers must observe carefully. When viewers observe our stories, they infer meaning. If we make these inferences for them, we cheat our audience. “He was mad,” tells the audience, but “His nostrils flared, his teeth clenched, and his eyes bulged” allows the viewer to draw their own inferences and become a more active participant in the story. Including sensory terms and descriptions allows the audience to create the picture in their minds.A writing Practice;A couple great books: Writing down the bones. Natalie Goldberg. The artists way.Look around room and find 5 inanimate objects that appeal to you. Find something your eyeball falls on. Write them downChoose three of them to write about.You will have three minutes in which to write a story on each, timed, first things that pop in head. Let it flow. See what happensAfter they do this, look over stories. What did you notice about yourself as you did this? Any surprises come up? Frustrations?Next. Pick one story you want to use for a digital story example. You will have three voice tracks: Photos (take 5, we will use three)Video clip with narration 30 seconds maxSound clip(note to self: I have placed the mock folder for east congo in “Public Photos” file area, which you can see when enter list in Photo gallery software)
Exercise: Capture assets for own videoTake the photosCapture video with camera, and with webcamCapture audio -, ambient and narration.Download assets to computerWalk through using Photo Gallery. (download it first)Walk through Premiere-see folders-get media into premiere-mix it based on storyboard
ConclusionQuestions?This is meant to be a framework to follow as you find your unique voice and perspective to tell your story and call others to action. The tools offered in this presentation are meant to serve as guidelines and resources. The best videos are those with a compelling message and unique voice. I want to finish with Ira Glass, since he has been doing this work for so long, yet remembers well what it was like to start out making videos and telling good stories: (click embedded link here to Ira Glass talking about the importance of persistence ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hidvElQ0xE&feature=relatedRemember to be persistent as it often takes several tries to get something right. If you are interested in it, you probably have an aptitude for it and with practice you too will develop your unique voice.