Create a video

n faster n easier n better

Before you break out your director’s chair, consider these tips:

Write a script. Everything will go faster and smoother if you plan out what you’ll say and do a run-through in advance. Keep your audience’s attention span in mind. (It’s probably short.)

Think visually. Showing action is important. Create a “shot list”— a list of camera shots in sequence.

Use a tripod. Shaky hand-held footage makes your viewers seasick. So does excessive panning and zooming.

File sizes can be huge, especially for longer videos. If your project won’t fit on a flash drive, consider investing in an inexpensive portable hard drive.

Record lots of B-roll — background footage you can show during narration.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Take it to the next level by borrowing equipment from the Terrapin Learning Commons Tech Desk (second floor, McKeldin Library). We’ve got cameras, microphones, lights, and video-editing software.

Borrow a laptop or iPad from McKeldin’s TLC Tech Desk to record sound and video, especially footage of yourself narrating the presentation. The STEM Library and Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library also loan equipment free of charge.