Wednesday, October 21, 2009

How best to approach a video story

Here is a quick summary of the article; How best to approach a video story ...
(To view the article simply click on it above.)

  • Master the technology
  • ( it's important that you know all the functions of your camera )

  • Master the fundamentals of shooting video
  • you can attend workshops to further your skills
  • Constantly remind yourself of the basics; sequencing, holding the camera steady, moniter your audio and look for action and reactions.
  • Watch a bunch of videos to see what works and what doesn’t.
  • look to see how the video starts
  • if the story keeps the viewers attention ( are you still interested half way through ? )
  • is there good use of natural sound ?
  • is there an effective ending ?

  • Video story telling is different from a story in print. Video is about : sequencing images, you are the eyes of the viewer, learn to tell a story using sound and imegary that works together.

  • Respect the viewers time!
  • make sure you tell the most important stuff
  • a good video should be 1-3 minuet or 4-5 only for compelling stuff!
  • Before shooting...

  • Make a mental list of shots that you will need.
  • keep your eyes open for good openers and enders.
  • Don't pack up untill you have what you need.

  • Make sure to define your story early on in the video.
  • If the viewer doesn't understand the concept in the firt 20-30 seconds they will loose interest and leave.

  • Pacing Matters !
  • This is where sequencing shots is important, Just keep reminding yourself to shoot: wide, medium and tight.
  • Make sure to keeps the clips 1-5 seconds if I can.
  • Don’t let the viewer have a chance to be bored.

  • Focuss on the main idea !
  • Short form stories (one to five minutes) need to be tightly focused.
  • Avoid tangents that lead the viewer into dead ends.
  • Focus on a central idea and stick with that.

  • Elements
  • Conflict, twists, surprises, interesting characters, resolution all revealed in a dramatic structure will captivate the viewers of your video story to the end.

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