Video Storytelling Principles and Techniques

Identify and time in terms of: Exposition Rising action Climax Resolution

Structure of a story (in 120 seconds)

Actions Reflection Actions Reflection Actions Reflection Model IModel 2

A-Roll & B-Roll A-Roll: Primary footage. The main line of footage that strings visuals together. B-Roll: Supplemental or alternate footage intercut with the main shot in an interview or documentary (Wikipedia).

Camera work: Building a visual sequence What do you think?

The 5 (or 6) Shot Method 1.Hands (close-up) 2.Face (close-up; expression) 3.Hands and face together (medium) 4.Over the shoulder (medium) 5.Environment shot (wide) 6.Creative shot (often not wide)

What about this one?

Interview: Camera Position <5 ft.

Framing Visual Variety Subject #1Subject #2

Shooting: Jumping all over

Shooting: Room for editing 5 Seconds 5 seconds

Video: Movement + Noise

ACTION

REACTION

What if your story doesn’t involve a lot actions? doesn’t have a climax? happens in a 500 square feet indoor place? has no excitement?

How would you characterize a good video news story? Why did I pick that story? Textbook (p.229, 237) Class discussion

Pre-interview techniques Do research and write down all your questions. Put your camera away for a while before shooting. Pick a relatively quite place and notice the background. “Chitchat” briefly with your subject. – Make both comfortable and closer – Notice anything that can turn into interview questions.

Pre-interview techniques (II) Inform the subject of the kinds of questions – Don’t give the whole list of questions; you will need fresh nuances. – Give the subject something to think about while you set up your camera. Test a short clip before the interview (check lighting, composition, sound, etc.)

Video interview techniques Get name/spelling/title first Ask questions that elicit complete statements – You need them! – Avoid short-answer question, i.e. “How many… How long… What kind…” – Complete answer questions, i.e. “Tell me about…Take me through…Can you explain…” Use compound questions, i.e. where were you when the tornado came through and what happened? Ask follow-up questions for in-depth info.

Dumb Dog: Quiet Way of Asking Questions

Video interview techniques (II) KEEP QUIET while your subject is speaking. – Absolutely NO voice confirmation – Nodding will suffice Subject finishing talking  5 seconds quiet  Next question General (abstract) to specific (emotional, touchy, or personal) questions. “Anything else?”

Tips on shooting with a Flipcam/iPhone Steady, steady, steady Shoot horizontally Do NOT pan or zoom, unless you have a compelling reason Make your point, and move on Avoid shooting in dim light