Basic concepts of Video Production Wayne Britcliffe E-Learning Development Team University of York, UK

Choosing to use video Why video? Ask yourself what is video GOOD at? (What makes a good video?) Ask yourself what is video BAD at? (What makes a bad video?) Establish this in your own mind and play to its strengths Good: Provides a human message/communication Can be/show/provide evidence An idea or message complex to get across textually can be communicated more simply/clearly Can amplify emotions. It can be an evocative medium Bad: Can be too long (lose attention of viewer – harder to skim ‘read’) Can show to much (graphic violence for example) Can try and cover too many points/messages and thus become confusing Choice of supporting media can be inappropriate (bouncy music for a serious subject for example) Critique videos developed to serve the same purpose as your own; use ideas that work and avoid ideas that don’t.

Before you start – your audience Establish clearly who the audience is: Are they peers or the general public? Potential customers or clients? Articulate to yourself exactly what is the purpose and message of your video: Are you vlogging progress (for peers/yourself)? Pitching your project at potential customers? Trying to interest potential investors?

Straight to Camera Example ‘Talking Head’ videos How does shooting style affect message? micro:bit Tutorial Series Part 1: Getting Started https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIW_6rxYNBg Zoe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ4ssgXmmPs Straight to Camera Example Interview Example

How does shooting style affect the message with ‘talking heads’ Can impact: Authority and relationship with the audience How and to what extent the audience engages When would you use a particular technique? Make sure the technique is appropriate or sympathetic to your message/content Straight to camera: The person talking is talking straight to the audience – it becomes a more personal ‘relationship’ You need to be sure you/your speaker is comfortable talking straight to the camera (not everybody is) if you wish to use this technique Harder for such a dialogue to be more conversational and is usually more suited to relaying facts/information Talking to interviewer off camera: Audience is a third party and the result is less personal Dialogue can be more conversational than direct address Can be perceived as less aggressive

Types of Video – Talking Head Presenter Led micro:bit Tutorial Series Part 1: Getting Started https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIW_6rxYNBg Motor Driver Board for the BBC micro:bit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1nCNtucgpA Cathy Dantec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N18od8VIvu8 First look at the BBC Micro:bit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSGCqL_DbnM Project Advert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luUdTVnEfmc Subject Led

Types of Video – Action/Fly-on-the-wall Cambridge micro:bit meetup January 2017 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icmp-7nnAms&t=101s Puzzle game for BBC micro:bit (uses Proto-PIC micro:pixel) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ6Y9XCKAWg&t=

Types of Video – Graphical Narration http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw3zNNO5gX0

Video projects – some basic considerations Develop an outline/plan and (at least a rough) script Storyboarding/planning: Consider interesting b-roll possibilities Consider what graphics/images might be needed Identify any associated resources that may need to be sourced (music or sound effects for example) Tip: Try and visualise the finished film and work backwards Create a basic shot list: List all the ‘talking head’ shots you will need List all the b-roll shots (if any) you would like to record Consider tone: Will the video be conversational or more formal for example? Rehearse as much as is realistically possible B-roll is footage you can cut away to (from talking head footage for example).

Making your video compelling Keep it clear and concise: Shorter is better but make sure there is substance Develop a simple narrative (don’t over complicate) Inject variety/visual interest in illustration of narrative Be critical of pacing (don’t dwell) (Generally) try and be as ‘human’ as possible: Show people in action People identify with people http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynCM0WyRLAQ&feature=youtu.be Andy Goodman’s 10 Rules for Storytelling Stories are about people Stories need to be fixed in time and space Stories speak the audience’s language Stories stir up emotions Stories don’t tell. They show. Stories have at least one “moment of truth” Stories have clear meaning The people in your story have to want something Let your characters speak for themselves Audiences bore easily so stories need challenges/obstacles Example

Have a clear narrative and focus Keep It Simple Stupid Have a clear narrative and focus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynCM0WyRLAQ&feature=youtu.be People Avoid “Brad’s Used Cars” Interesting, authoritative, eloquent, attractive Able to talk conversationally/relaxed KISS your PALS Action Cutaways (b-roll) Have people doing something if relevant (b-roll) Location Make sure it adds something, think about depth and composition and consider what is in the frame Script VO / graphics can link narrative, talking head questions to provide context, personal perspective and interest

Production process - overview Brief Parameters Scope (purpose and message) Planning & preparation What, who, how Structure, style etc Script / questions / storyboard Production Interviews / talking heads Cutaways / visual elements Post production Editing Soundtrack Graphics