Creating “Killer” Videos

Tips and Tricks for Directors

Basics of Visual Storytelling

• Always think about what your audience is thinking. Do you want the viewer to Laugh? Cry? Scream?

• What you shoot is a choice. Do your choices make sense to the video?

• Are you telling the story? Do characters, props, setting, effects help the story?

• Everything should enter, exit, or stay in the frame for a reason.

Basics of Visual Storytelling

• The viewer should always be able to tell what the subject of your video is.

• Storytelling is action. Something has to move – subject or camera.

• Move the camera slowly when you move it.

Fictional Video Ideas

• Short Stories• Improvised• TV Shows• Music Videos• Fake Commercials• Experimental Films

Real-Life Video Ideas

• Biography• News• School• Events• Reality• Nature• Video Diary

The Crew• Writer• Director• Camera Operator• Sound Person• Gaffer (lighting)• Grip (set, props)• Stylist• Talent• Effects• Editor• Producer (responsible adult)

Make a StoryboardDraw what will happen. Picture of scene. Picture of scene.

Shot 1Add ominous sound as a door slams in dark hallway.

Shot 2Footsteps can be heard as lead talent enters frame from left.

Shot 3Lead says, “I wonder where everyone is?”

Picture of scene. Picture of scene. Picture of scene.

Shot 4 Shot 5 Shot 6

Tales from the Script

• See page 57 in the “Killer Video” book for script format example.

Technique

• Be “Pod” Person.• Keep the camera steady.• Record at least 2 seconds before and after you

begin movement in any direction.• Constant slow speed and stopping when tilting

or panning.

Rule of Thirds• Eyes should be level with top line.• Horizon/landscape should be along top or bottom line.• Actors or key props/ buildings along either vertical line.• “Dead Zone” – middle box should never contain anything

important.

Dead Zone

Camera Shot List• Pages 29-32

Lighting• Pages 33-37

Sound/Sound Effects• Pages 38-43• Fix/level your sound in the editing process.

Post Production

• Add titles and credits.• Add music (Creative Commons License)

IT’S A WRAP!

Have a Premiere!