Creating Video Book Talks

Book Talkin’

Is this a Book background?Make a Commercial for the Book

The Book

Choose one or more

• You’ve read• You like• That are available• That relate to the audience

?The Book

ComplexNarrow appealLimited content

DryPreachyInappropriateBest-seller

Is this a Book background?The Talk

• Keep it simple • Keep it short. 4 minutes max• Don’t give away the ending

Is this a Book background?The Hook

HookU.S.P. Appeal

Is?Tips

1. Show the book2. Start with title and author,

end with title3. Read a short passage, if

appropriate 4. Smile

Is this a Book background?The Usual Reminders

1. Relax and Smile2. No jingle or clank3. Don’t fidget or fiddle4. Don’t read verbatim5. Speak to the person inside

the camera

Makin’ Videos

1. Have your goals in mind

Audience; Teens; Website; Reading

2. Develop a script & storyboard

Notecards; key phrases

3. Find a good location

Undistracting; non-glare; matte finish; quiet

Is this a good background?Is this a good background?

Is this a good background?Is this a good background?

“Sun through the window” by Bearfaced available on Flickr

Is this a good background?How about this one?

4. Speak clearly

To mic or not to mic

5. Practice

6. Do multiple takes

Editing is your friend

7. Get a good tripod and use it

Is this a good background?Tripods

8. Set up your shots. ‘Rule of thirds’

9. Learn your video camera

Is this a good background?Camera Options

• Professional (Tape)• Point-and-Shoot or DSLR (SD Card)• Flipcam (Built-in storage)• Cellphone

Is this a good background?Video file formats

Common Formats .mov .m4v .wmv .avi .mkv

SD vs. HD

10. Tell a story

11. Use good lighting

Key

Fill

Back

12. Have fun!

Time to record

Let’s edit

Publishing Options

Thanks!

laura.johnson@nebraska.govmichael.sauers@nebraska.gov