Video

Due Nov 4, 2013 by 9:59pm
Points 30
Submitting a discussion post

Submit a less than 5-minute video to showcase your team and your project. Your video should be based on your other submissions in this module (customer personas, energy calculations, lives saved, prototyping, etc...). Share a link to your video in the discussion forum so you can get feedback from your classmates.

When making your video, please consider these video tips from The Dragonfly Effect Links to an external site. by Jennifer Aaker & Andy Smith.

Your focus should be on creating good content that is well suited to viewers and the situations in which they will see it. Think of an online video that you recently watched. Did you watch all the way to the end? Did you forward it? If a website was mentioned or linked, did you visit it?

Here’s what you’ll need to consider to create videos that will be watched to the end—and passed on.

The shot. Rules of good photography apply: subjects looking at the camera or at the other people in the shot, good lighting, steady camera, no distracting backgrounds, and tight shots of people’s faces. Take test shots; view them on your computer and make changes as necessary. Video tends to require more light than still photography. In the era of the iPhone and the Flip video camera, webcams are simply not good enough for your efforts; use them only if you have no alternative (and find an alternative quickly).
The cut. Anybody can make decent-quality video by using iMovie (Mac) or Windows Movie Maker (PC). Cut out garbage and add focus by inserting titles, images, or separate audio that supports your message. Avoid splashy transitions or effects—they are distracting and impress no one.
The subject. Focus on what you want to communicate. Work with a three-column script outlining (1) who is speaking, (2) what they are saying, and (3) what the picture is for each shot—it will help you focus on the elements you want to communicate.

Make the most of sound and visuals. Memorize your script enough to get it right, while still coming across as authentic and engaging. One of the most painful parts of this experience will be watching the first few takes, but you must. Pay particular attention to your word choices. Written English can sound stiff when spoken.