video storytelling
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Video storytelling. Why use video?. 85 percent of Web users watched video in May. 34 billion videos News videos are second only to entertainment, humor. Many types of video. Broadcast package – reporter narrates Subject-narrated video Video essays Spot news – sometimes raw Sidebars - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Video storytelling
Why use video?85 percent of Web users watched video in May.34 billion videosNews videos are second only to entertainment,
humor.
Many types of videoBroadcast package – reporter narratesSubject-narrated videoVideo essaysSpot news – sometimes rawSidebars It’s all about the story!
What’s the story?Make sure the story is worth video.Look for action.Look for emotion.Look for characters.Look for activity people will want to see.
Action, movementDigging outWater main
Emotion“I want Luis back”Hearst championship winner
Find a characterThe carpenterEverybody has a story
Something you want to seeParaplegic dogDancing for Dominoes
Planning even before you goBrainstorm the idea.Think about which shots you’ll need – make a
list.Think about what will be visual.
Plan aheadRemember you need a beginning, middle and
end.Start and end strong.Think about what will grab viewers and set up
your story.Think about your closing shot – slamming a
door, turning out the lights, walking away.
Plan aheadConsider creating a storyboard before you
shoot.After shooting you can revise the storyboard to
help you focus in the editing process.Or you can write a script, based on
transcription of your interviews.
On the sceneTips from Mark Carlson, AP videographer
On the sceneDarren Durlach
Shoot first, interview secondShoot what’s interesting.Ask questions about how, why later.
Understand the lingoA-roll – the story’s narrative (what sources or
narrator say)B-roll – transitions used to avoid talking heads80:20 ratio – 80 percent of your shots should
be B-roll, 20 percent will be A-roll.
So let’s start shootingWhat is the most critical element for shooting
good video?
Getting good A-rollGood audio is critical.Wear headphones, monitor sound.Get the mic close to the speaker.Be quiet.More tips from a professional
Shooting A-rollBe aware of the background.Remember the rule of thirds when framing
your shots.
Shooting B-rollShoot lots of it. You’ll need more than you
think.For 1:30 minute video, you need 35 to 60 shots
to keep viewers interested.Shoot wide, medium, tight shots of each scene.
Be thinking about shotsAlways think about how to get from one shot to
the next. Try to get some kind of transition shot with
either an entry or exit. Close-ups are especially helpful in editing to
get from point A to point B.
Shoot in sequences Images should flow from one to the next.Ratio: 50% close-ups, 25% medium, 25% wideSequences video
John Gross on sequencing
5-shot methodExtreme close-up (hands)Close-up of the face of person in actionMedium shot (face and action together)Over-the-shoulder view (from point of view of
person in action)Another angle (be creative)
Time to start shootingFrame the action, then start recording.Stand still while you are shooting.Shoot for at least 10 seconds. Leave space at
beginning and end of shot to help you edit.Stop recording before you move to the next
shot.
More on framingPay attention to background – look for poles or
other objects coming out of headsDon’t leave too much dead space above a
person’s head.
Shooting rulesDon’t pan.Don’t zoom.Don’t tilt the camera.
What you needShoot action, then reaction.Let the action leave the frame.Get a variety of shots.Use a tripod.
Critical shotsOpening shot -- should grab the viewer’s
attention and help set up your story. Closing shot -- someone closing a door,
capping a pen, petting a dog, turning out the lights, releasing a butterfly.
Get detailsRemember to get close.Use details for transitions.Close-ups help you get from Point A to Point B.
Using sound as transition
Shoot cutawaysAvoid jump cuts – person or object moves
unnaturally from one shot to the next. Instead shoot action, cut away to inanimate
object on periphery and then back to action. Jump cut video
180-degree ruleShoot within 180 degrees around a subject.
Don’t walk around your subject. 180 degree video example
Telling the storyBefore you start writing text or editing video,
you need to have a very clear idea of the focus of your story.
Keep your story simple. Write a storyboard or script. You need to have a
written plan.
Story focusBoyd Huppert’s tips
Tips for writing a script
YOU CAN ONLY TALK FOR AS LONG AS YOU HAVE IMAGES
Plan ahead and ensure you shoot not just your interview but sequences of the person doing something.
Tips for scripts IMAGES SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
If you say it, show it. If you are explaining how faulty wiring led to a
blaze while showing video of the charcoal remains of a house, don’t expect your audience to pay attention to your well-researched details. If you say it, show it.
Bob Dotson’s tips Start with a scene setter — Dotson says you
have to tell people where you are — where the story begins.
2. Include foreshadowing — Make sure your audience knows something is going to happen in the story.
3. Develop characters — Introduce us to and build characters throughout the story. This is often done by illustrating conflict.
4. Provide a resolution — Take us someplace in the story; think about where you will end the piece.
Video examplesColin RocksGriselda’s wordsHaymarket ParkArt of CompassionLemonade
More resourcesKnight Digital Media CenterVideo Journalists ToolkitShooting tipsExamples – Michelle’s delicious