Imagine you’re a pro rock-climber, contemplating the 300-foot granite face looming above. To succeed, you need to visualize how you’ll make it to the top. It’s the same with video. Envision what you want to see on the screen, then plan, plan, plan ahead!
Storyboarding
Just like you would do for an essay or an audio clip, first write an outline and script. With video, you will also create a pictorial guide called a storyboard.
Print out several copies of a template. Draw out each shot. It doesn’t have to be complicated at all. Use stick figures. Just make a quick sketch to envision what you’ll see through the camera.
Each shot should last between three and five seconds. Under three seconds, people might have a har time grasping what is going on, and over five seconds, people generally become bored. When you’re speaking to the camera, however, you can hold the shot for a little longer, like seven to eight seconds. So for a one minute clip, you’ll need about 12-15 different shots.
Under the picture, write the portion of the script that you plan to say.
Variation of shots: Sequence and Distance
As you tell your story, make sure to show a sequence at various distances from the camera. For
example, when filming the DJ sequence, you could start like this:
- Shot 1: Establishing shot of room with DJ equipment. The viewer can see your entire body, standing near the DJ equipment, facing a crowd.
- Shot 2: Medium shot. Closer to the DJ booth, midriff to just above your head with your hands visible on the turntable.
- Shot 3: Close-up shot. Your fingers on the turntable.
- Shot 4: Establishing shot again. This time with the camera behind your head capturing the silhouette of your back and the crowd dancing below you.
“Video: Let’s Get Technical” was excerpted from Audio & Video in Admissions: Get Ready for Prime Time. To view the entire free special report, please click here.
