Storytelling

Keep It Short

Powerful videos are often under 2 minutes long. The effort you put into keeping it short will go a long way in helping you focus your message.

Keep It Simple

Try to focus on one main topic (ie. an event, one person’s story, a lesson, a testimonial). It’s easier to get excited about a video that is focused.

Be genuine — Viewers want to connect with the work that your organization is doing. Focus on content that is compelling rather than what’s “cool”.

Keep It Fluid

Beginning-Middle-End: Catch the audience at the beginning and explain what is happening, build emotion in the middle, and come to some sort of resolution at the end.

Keep It Moving

Audio: Video shows the story but don’t forget the importance of audio. Audio adds emotion and excitement to the piece and can offer valuable contextual information. Simple, poignant narration or a great music track can drastically improve your piece.

Keep It Interesting

Capture varied shots:

• Wide shot - establishes the scene
• Medium shot - gives more intimacy, focuses on one subject
• Close-up - for emotion and direct connection to what is being said or done
• Extreme close-up - very intimate, emotional effect.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Shoot, download, review, and edit as much as you can.