Benjamin Franklin (one of the Founding Fathers of the United States) is credited for saying that "if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail." While he most likely was not thinking about video production, it is a quote that appropriately applies to the field.
Your next step is, essentially, more planning. But it is planning that involves much more detail, because you are creating a storyboard that will be a rough draft of the visual representation (the video) you will produce. You have to consider, frame by frame, how your video will unfold for your viewers.
You will acquire your storyboard sheets from the teacher. You should also get a sheet with some of the more popular camera shots as well as an example of storyboarding completed by a previous group of students. Also keep in mind the work you did earlier in this course when you explored camera techniques and conventions.
Alternatively, you can also do a storyboard on Google Docs or MS Word (more information below under the "Example" subheading).
You need to consider the following for your storyboard, and it should all be included on your sheets for each frame:
You need to consider the following for your storyboard, and it should all be included on your sheets for each frame:
- Type of camera shot and angle (you can simple circle the letters and angles indicators that are provided on the sheet)
- A brief description of what is happening in the camera shot and any associated text, voiceover, music and/or sound effects
- How will the transitions occur from one frame to the next?
In some cases, you may be able to use public domain music, video stock footage and photos. Below are some sites that may be helpful.
Note: In some cases you may have to provide credit to the creator, so make sure to read the conditions. It is good practice to give the creator credit (attribution) whether it is required or not.
Magnific (have to create an account and select "free" in search settings)
TTS - Text to Speech (have to create an account)
TTS - Eleven Labs Text to Speech (have to create an account)
Example
Click here to see a storyboard example done on Google Drive. You can do your storyboard like this if you prefer.
Click here to make a copy of a blank storyboard template.(NOTE: Paper copy may be provided in class)
Click here to see the finished product from this storyboard.
Note that changes were made from what was planned in the storyboard to the final product. That is common as you actually start editing and putting together your video.
Don't forget to share your completed storyboard with your teacher.
Final Evaluation
As you work on your final assignment, make sure you refer to the statements below that will be used to grade your final product. If we have time in class this week, we will view the final assignments and you will complete peer evaluations. It is also important to have at least one other group view your video and get feedback and suggestions (particularly based on the statements below) before you submit the final copy.
As you work on your final assignment, make sure you refer to the statements below that will be used to grade your final product. If we have time in class this week, we will view the final assignments and you will complete peer evaluations. It is also important to have at least one other group view your video and get feedback and suggestions (particularly based on the statements below) before you submit the final copy.
- The storyboard has a clear direction with a focused message, relevant information and a call to action.
- The storyboard includes evidence of research to help support the message.
- The final video delivers an effective and memorable message and call to action.
- The music and/or sound effects and/or voiceovers complements the images and overall theme of the video.
- The information is presented in an engaging and effective manner and sources are cited in the video (when applicable).
- The overall quality of the video strives to be professional with solid camera shots, effective transitions and appropriate lighting.
