Production Tips For Special Interest Videos
Styles of SIV Production Determine The Level of Difficulty, Equipment Required, Time Involved And Cost
TYPE OF PRODUCTION |
LEVEL OF DIFFICUlTY |
| Taped Seminar, Workshop, Etc. |
Usually simple, but still work to ensure good audio. Lighting can be a nightmare. |
| Documentary |
Simple to moderate, depending on the subject. You could follow someone through a process, documenting their actions, which is a simple approach. |
| Voice Over Narration |
Moderate. You must be prepared to direct your narrator for best results. |
| On-Camera Narrator |
More difficult. Requires a script, good camera and talent directions, good audio. |
| Dramatic Presentation |
This is usually the most difficult, requiring talented actors, good director, lighting and sound crew. You will need a good script and possibly a storyboard. |
Taped seminars and documentary productions are the simplest and probably require the least amount of specialized equipment and production experience.
Working From A Script
Once you get into narrated scripts, whether voice over (VO) or on-camera, you will need a script, so you must either write a script or have someone write one for you.
If your writing skills are rusty, try finding a scriptwriter at a local college or theater group, or try eLance.com (we had had success with this) or similar services.
Outline Your Topic First
I find it difficult to just sit down and start writing a script. By outlining you production, you will be organizing the information and identifying the chronology of your presentation. Time spend thoroughly outlining your project will pay off many times over when you start writing the script.
Insights About Script Development
A script is meant to be heard by the audience, not read. Do not write it academically like a term paper. Write for the ear. It should sound casual and conversational.
Write for your audience. If the intended audience is the Ph.D. in astrophysics, you will write to that level. Generally speaking, write for about a 5th grade level and most people will get it.
Avoid the overuse of lingo and current trendy words.
Script Writing
The script is the heart of your production and where you should spend considerable pre-production time and effort. You'll learn a lot more about script production in our DVD
"My Secrets of Producing Successful Special Interest Videos"
Available here.
Sound Is Half Of The Picture
There is no excuse for bad audio in an SIV. You might have to incorporate boom and wireless mics for location shoots. Use good wind protection. Be sure to record "room tone" for later audio sweetening. Watch out for ambient noise such as traffic, airplanes, etc.
If using a VO narrator, make sure you have a good sample tape or do an audition first. Choose the correct "voice" for the subject.
You are the director, so don't hesitate to ask them to re-do a take until you are satisfied.
Very important - if you have scientific and/or technical terms, be sure you know how to correctly pronounce them and make sure your narrator knows this.
Again, sound is covered in much greater detail in our DVD
"My Secrets of Producing Successful Special Interest Videos"
Availble here.
Do Not Use Copyrighted Material Without Permission
Just don't.
This includes illustrations, photos, graphics and especially music. 'Nuff said!!
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