The following is a three-part series for the beginning to intermediate eLearning content developer. It's designed to teach, from the ground up, how to add video to content for eventual delivery on the world wide web. If you missed it, I recommend you read last weeks article, Part One: Setting Up for Success.
Scripts, Actors and Shooting the Video
The script...
Good scripts mean good content. A script-writer needs to think about the content to be presented, and the audience. Knowing the demographics of the audience will help you address the audience, and cater to them--a very powerful part of any eLearning course. For instance, you would write your script differently for a group of high school seniors than you would for a group of experienced software engineers.
The written word is very different than the spoken word. As you write your script, you need to break out, momentarily, of that narration or voice-over shell in which many developers have a tendency to feel comfortable. I would encourage you to use a conversational tone in your script-writing to avoid a stiff delivery and jarring content. Pick up a textbook and read it aloud to a friend. Then try to explain the same concepts to your friend in a conversational manner and you'll quickly see and hear the difference.
While writing a script, it can help to pause every once in a while and read your script back to yourself. Even better, ask a colleague to read your script to you. This simple step will most likely key you in to anything that sounds "off" or "strange."
The actor...
When the script is finished, you're ready to find your actor. Knowing your target demographic will help you pick your actor. Do you want the content to come from a peer? A supervisor? How about a character?
Your project might call for a round of auditions--get used to that and really pay attention to quality. Remember, the script you write and the actor who brings the script to life are likely intended for a paying customer. Both the script and actor should be of the highest-possible quality.
The introduction...
Once you've written your script and selected your actor, take the time to do a crucial, oftentimes overlooked step: introduce the script and actor to each other well before the shoot! Send the script to your actor as soon as possible. Ask the actor to come in early to go over the script with you. You can even teleconference (and use a Webcam), and make sure the actor understands the script.
It's important to allow everyone on your team enough time to become familiar with the content and the actor. There is nothing worse than getting someone in front of the camera for the shoot, and handing them a script to read cold. Trust me, it just doesn't work. Shooting a video isn't as simple as recording a voice-over (where you can "magically" splice things together). With video, you really have to get it right in the first place.
I would recommend that you prep the actor directly before the shoot. Take the time to put the actor at ease with your direction, and always treat your actors with professionalism and respect. Things will go much smoother if you direct the video in your mind before the shoot--iron things out in your head before expecting your actor to understand.
The shoot...
Once you've microphoned the actor and done a quick dry-run of the process in your mind, the first rule of thumb is to make sure you shoot as many takes as possible. I can't stress this enough. Shoot and shoot and shoot again. You don't need to be a taskmaster; give people ample breaks. But you don't want to let people leave the shoot until you have at least three good takes of everything you need.
Timing...
For a minute or two of video, you should expect to shoot for at least one hour to ensure you get through the entire take in one shot, several times. A key here is to not get frustrated. Keep your direction strong and professional, and keep a pace in keeping with the content. If you are naturally energetic in your day-to-day life, push pretty hard while recording. On the other hand, if you are a mellow kind of person, keep things mellow on the set. It's also a good idea to let the actor do a few loose takes, using his own words. Oftentimes this can yield surprisingly good results.
Once you are sure that everything has gone well and you can't possibly do just one more take, wrap it up. Be sure to schedule a possible date for re-takes before everyone leaves the set. You probably won't need to, because you got everything you needed, right? It's always possible that a client will request a change after you shoot. If all goes well and changes aren't necessary, the scheduled re-take day gives you a chance to follow up with your actors and team-members and tell them you won't need re-takes after all.
Next time: What to do with the video you've just shot
About the Author:
William A. Collins Jr. is the Creative Director for Multimedia Development at Learning Evolution. An honored graduate of San Diego State University, Will has a B.F.A. with emphasis in Graphic Design. Will infuses the entire creative department at Learning Evolution with the ideal blend of art and science. He brings a professional, abstract and friendly demeanor to all his work. Will enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife Carolyn and their one year old darling daughter, Molly Jean.
About Learning Evolution:
Learning Evolution is a recognized leader in providing best of class customized eLearning and performance improvement solutions available to clients on their Learning Management Systems and Portals. In addition to eLearning services, Learning Evolution provides in-house video and audio production facilities and expertise.
Comments