Post on 15-Apr-2017
Find Your Focus:Taking Your Videos to the Next Level
Jake Sturgis, APRjake@capturevideo.com
My BackgroundTelevision news producer at KBJR in Duluth, MN
Hopkins Public Schools, 2002-2005
Minnetonka Public Schools, 2005-2014
Capture Video, 2014 - present
Common School PR Video BlundersNo key messaging developed Trying to force something into a “video story”Videos are too longContain too many date/time referencesPoor video quality (no tripod, quick zooms)Poor audio quality (no external microphone)Too much “talking head”
My process:Develop key messagesFind messengersCreate strategic questions
Create the A-roll or “radio edit”Add the B-rollExport and distribute
Basic Interviewing Techniques
Conducting InterviewsBe aware of your backgroundNever record in an administrator’s officeUse a microphone and tripodCheck your focus, audio levels, etc.Have them repeat your questionDon’t give any verbal cuesThe people closest to the story, should tell the
story
Shooting Your VideoYou are shooting for the edit
It’s like making sausage
Wide, Medium, Tight
Varying your shots gives you editing variety.
Rule of Thirds
Shoot Eye Level
The World is Your Tripod
Get Smiles No Matter What
Use Available Light
Do the Math!
Most Videos: 1-2 MINNumber of Seconds: 60-120Are you really going to need 1 shot per 1 SEC?
Even at 1 shot per 2 sec = 30 shots in 1 MIN.
Fast is 1 shot per 1 sec or less.
Slow is 1 shot per 4-5 sec.
Shooting Rule: 1 shot = 10 sec, 5MIN of footage = 30 shots
Fast or Slow?Know your Audience
Hint: Complex Slow Down, Simple Speed Up
Be a Good Magician…
show them only what you want them to see.
Video Selection• Video is a close up medium. (Anyone can look through a window.)
• Cut away once a visual or audio statement is made.
• Watch for continuity errors.
Use lots of Close-ups
They will help with editing and save you from cutting to the same shot.
Pay Attention to Sound
• What should it sound like?• How does sound tell the
story?(Loud, Soft, Rough, Odd)
• A-Roll and B-Roll• Sound can also Transition
Special Effect?There better be a reason!
21
“If curiosity killed the cat, it was predictability who killed the
storyteller.”
Element of Surprise
Who Still Uses This?
Spine = FocusBranches = Reveals
24
IT H
AS T
O BE
PER
SONA
L
Know your target audience
Find the right messenger to deliver your message
The Gear
Recommended GearCamera:DSLR Camera (Canon 80D)Pro: Canon C100 Mark II
Wireless Microphone:Sennheiser EW112Sennheiser AVX
Tripod:Sachtler Ace
Recommended GearMonopod:Manfrotto MVM500A
Lighting:Genaray SpectroLED Bi-Color LED
Don’t forget:Gear bagsLight standsHeadphones
Find Your Focus:Taking Your Videos to the Next Level
Jake Sturgis, APRjake@capturevideo.com