Creating “Killer” Videos Tips and Tricks for Directors

Basics of Visual Storytelling Always think about what your audience is thinking. Do you want the viewer to Laugh? Cry? Scream? What you shoot is a choice. Do your choices make sense to the video? Are you telling the story? Do characters, props, setting, effects help the story? Everything should enter, exit, or stay in the frame for a reason.

Basics of Visual Storytelling The viewer should always be able to tell what the subject of your video is. Storytelling is action. Something has to move – subject or camera. Move the camera slowly when you move it.

Fictional Video Ideas Short Stories Improvised TV Shows Music Videos Fake Commercials Experimental Films Short stories – plan ahead. Have script, keep it short Improvised – no script, stories or comedy done on the fly TV Shows – talk show, game show, imitate your favorite show Music Video – sing a song or sing along (not to copyrighted music) Fake Commercials – fun TV ads Experimental Films – usually more fun to make than to watch.

Real-Life Video Ideas Biography News School Events Reality Nature Video Diary Bio- interview News – story of what happened, commentary on world events/school based situations School – sports, clubs, events, video year book Events – parties, parades, plays, practical jokes Reality – actual adventures of your friends Nature – pet tricks, cheese molding, tadpole to frog V-diary – summer vacation, trip, your life, length of a project

The Crew Writer Director Camera Operator Sound Person Gaffer (lighting) Grip (set, props) Stylist Talent Effects Editor Producer (responsible adult)

Make a Storyboard Draw what will happen. Picture of scene. Shot 1 Add ominous sound as a door slams in dark hallway. Shot 2 Footsteps can be heard as lead talent enters frame from left. Shot 3 Lead says, “I wonder where everyone is?” Shot 4 Shot 5 Shot 6

Tales from the Script See page 57 in the “Killer Video” book for script format example.

Technique Be “Pod” Person. Keep the camera steady. Record at least 2 seconds before and after you begin movement in any direction. Constant slow speed and stopping when tilting or panning.

Rule of Thirds Dead Zone Eyes should be level with top line. Horizon/landscape should be along top or bottom line. Actors or key props/ buildings along either vertical line. “Dead Zone” – middle box should never contain anything important. Dead Zone

Camera Shot List Lighting Sound/Sound Effects Pages 29-32 Lighting Pages 33-37 Sound/Sound Effects Pages 38-43 Fix/level your sound in the editing process.

It’s a Wrap! Post Production Add titles and credits. Add music (Creative Commons License) It’s a Wrap!

Have a Premiere!