- Record a pitch video to share your idea with the world
- Record a technical video to demonstrate your technical skills
- Record screenshots and/or screen recordings to add to your video
These are the activities for this lesson:
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
You are ready to produce, or create, your pitch and technical videos. Start by gathering all the footage you want in your videos.
For the Technical video, this includes screenshots and screen recordings of your project.
You may also want to record some B-roll footage
- also known as alternative footage.
- footage that goes with a voiceover
- example: busy street scene playing while you talk about traffic issues
Below are some suggested recording tips.
VOLUME
Make sure everyone is loud and clear. Good audio is critical for someone to understand your videos.
Make sure there is minimal background noise.
EYE CONTACT
Look at the camera when speaking.
You can use cue cards to read your part of the script.
VOICEOVERS
Voiceovers with animations and visuals can help tell your story in an interesting way.
You will learn more about how to edit your videos and add in these items in the next lesson.
LANDSCAPE
Shoot videos in landscape mode instead of vertical.
Keep your recording device stable using either a tripod or flat surface.
MULTIPLE TAKES
Record multiple takes of the same scene. This will give you plenty of material for editing.
Try capturing some different angles and shots.
LIGHT
Film during the daytime either outside or in a room with lots of natural light.
If filming outside, be aware how it may affect the quality of your audio.
Do not film with a bright window or light source behind your subject. This will make your subject look too dark.
PROTECT PRIVACY
When recording, do NOT show identifying
- names,
- numbers
- accounts
You must have the consent of everyone who appears in your videos.
Have people appearing in your video sign a release form
Here is a template for a photo or video release form that you can use.
COPYRIGHT, FAIR USE, AND PUBLIC DOMAIN
You might want to use images, music, or video you find online in your videos.
You must see if it’s free to use, or you need permission.
It can be tricky to figure out, but this video can help.
RECORDING YOUR SCREEN
You may want to use screenshots and/or screen recordings in your videos. Here are some useful programs/apps that you can use to record your screen:
- Quicktime Player on Mac or Windows
- Screen Recording on iPhone
- Game Bar on Windows
- Screen Recorder on Android
ACTIVITY 1: RECORD PITCH VIDEO
Use your outline, script, and storyboard as guides
- Videos must be uploaded and set to unlisted or publicly viewable when published to YouTube or Vimeo.
- All members of the team should appear and speak.
- Pitch videos are a max of 3 minutes
- English and/or English subtitles must be included.
- Protect privacy: Do not show identifying names, numbers or accounts. You must have the consent of everyone who appears in your video.
- Cite images and information. Ask for consent or give acknowledgment to the person who created it.
ACTIVITY 2: RECORD TECHNICAL VIDEO
Use your outline, script, and storyboard as guides
- Videos must be uploaded and set to unlisted or publicly viewable when published to YouTube or Vimeo.
- All members of the team should appear and speak.
- Technical videos are a max of 3 minutes
- English and/or English subtitles must be included.
- Protect privacy: Do not show identifying names, numbers or accounts. You must have the consent of everyone who appears in your video.
- Cite images and information. Ask for consent or give acknowledgment to the person who created it.
REFLECTION
Congratulations, you’re getting close to finishing your videos! In the next lesson, you’ll learn ways to edit them to make them shine! Take a moment to consider the following:
REVIEW OF KEY TERMS
- Production – the act of creating, in this case, recording video footage for your videos
- B-roll footage – recording that is not of the main subject, possibly to add context and enhance the message
- Screenshots/screengrabs – static (non-moving) images of a computer or phone screen
- Screen recording – video recording of a computer or phone screen, usually with narration added later
- Voiceover – adding narration to a video
