video storytelling: planning, production and best practices with the oakridge school

Video Storytelling: Planning, Production and Best Practices with The

Oakridge SchoolMia Major, Content Marketing Manager, Finalsite

Jason Kern, Director of Technology, The Oakridge School

#FinalsiteU | @Finalsite

A Little About Mia• Content Marketing

Manager @ Finalsite• Cinematographer @

Jpod Films for 3 years• My background is

actually in the newsroom!

• I’ll take blog post suggestions any time during FinalsiteU…

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A Little About Jason• About Jason

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Why Video?

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What Makes a Good Video?• The right equipment

• A good story– Heartfelt, genuine

testimonials/ storytellers– Good music selections– Video variety– The “emotional rollercoaster”

#FinalsiteU | @Finalsite

Choosing the Right Equipment

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What do I Need?• Camera

– Go Pro $– Canon 6D $$– Canon 5D mark iii $$$

• Audio (Important!)– Easiest: Direct plug-in

mic– Most flexible: Portable

mic with audio syncing software: Pluraleyes

• Editing Software– iMovie $– Final Cut Pro X $$– Adobe Premier $$$

• Lighting?– Not always necessary– Go for natural light– I <3 inexpensive LED

lights

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What do I Need? Continued.• Tripod

– Carbon Fiber $$$– Aluminum $$– Budget ones are still

good! (Mine cost $47)

• Memory Cards– Make sure the memory

card you purchase is compatible with your camera!!

• Different Lenses (SO Important!)– 1 zoom lens– 1 prime lens– One of your lenses should have a low f stop

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Shopping Tips:A Quick Lens Breakdown

• f/1.8 or lower– The lower the f stop,

the better your camera will perform in darker settings without becoming grainy

• Zoom lens – 24 – 105 mm is most

versatile• Prime lens

– 50 mm is great for wide shots, athletics, and interviews

This is my

favorite lens!

#FinalsiteU | @Finalsite

Telling the Story

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The Purpose of Video:

Tell the story you just can’t get across with photos and

text alone.

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Heartfelt & Genuine Testimonials

• Feature a diverse group of students• Create a well-rounded story• What do you want to get across?• It’s okay to be scripted!• Who represents your “target

audience?”• Faculty interviews are

important too!• Showcase the talent behind

your academics

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Good Music Selections• Music can make or break your video!

• Choose music very carefully• Use a combination of fun, upbeat music and slower

paced music• What emotion are you trying to evoke? Do I want them

to feel excited? Maybe emotionally moved?• My favorite music websites:

• The Music Bed • SongFreedom (Lots of Top 40s music)• Melody Loops (My personal favorite!)

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Video Variety• Switch between

testimonials and b-roll• Include close-ups and wide

shots• No video clip should last

longer than 5 seconds• Include video from your

campus, classrooms, athletics and campus life

#FinalsiteU | @Finalsite

The Emotional RollercoasterThe key to keeping the user engaged is by switching from fast-paced and upbeat music and video, to emotionally appealing content like interviews and slower music.

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Client Spotlight:The Oakridge School

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