1. Creating Watchable Video Designing Effective Educational Video Refer to Jan Ozer’s book, Chapter 2

2. What is watchable video? Minimal camera motion Panning (side to side camera motion) Fast zooming (into or away from subject) Shaking Subtle or no transitions between shots Within a scene, a simple cut is common Between scenes, dissolve or fade is common Exception: kids’ shows or sitcoms or sports

3. What is watchable video? Change of pace Display static screen at most 10-15 sec Frequent cutaways to audience, reporters in field, map, chart, or background scene Frequent change in camera angle Good lighting Close-up shots of people Excellent quality audio

4. Using the camera or camcorder Automatic exposure (AE) settings Portrait sharpens close-up images and softens background Beach & Ski prevents too dark faces againg a lighter background Sunset Moon for low-light conditions Landscape focuses on far-away scene and softens objects in foreground

5. Using the camera or camcorder White balance Focus on white paper or white wall and press white balance button Usually automatic but can be a problem if you change light source: Sunlight Incandescent light Florescent light

6. Lighting Let light shine on person’s face Turn on every light in the room Don’t have bright white background Auto focus on face first (hold shutter button halfway down), then change angle Rehearse beforehand. Do a test shot!

7. Audio Choose a quiet location Turn off phone, lock door Use external microphone Capture audio separately with DVR

8. Shot composition Rule of thirds Place your subject in the frame to create the most aesthetically pleasing image (see pp. 29-31) Subject’s head not centered Provide “nose room” or “look room” Eyes should be at or above top third If subject is moving, provide “lead room” in front

9. Shot composition Shoot from a stable platform Use tripod if possible Set camera on table or fence or rock Stabilize against your body using both hands Zoom, pan, or tilt only to follow action, not for dramatic effect Zoom, pan or tilt from waist, not with hands or feet

10. Text overlays Use upper and lower case, not all upper case (capital letters) Use coordinating colours Don’t cover a person’s face! Allow time for text to be read OK to display and then disappear OK to display beforehand on plain background