video storytelling: planning, production and best practices with the oakridge school

Video Storytelling: Planning, Production and Best Practices with The

Oakridge SchoolMia Major, Content Marketing Manager, Finalsite

Jason Kern, Director of Technology, The Oakridge School

#FinalsiteU | @Finalsite

A Little About Mia• Content Marketing

Manager @ Finalsite• Cinematographer @

Jpod Films for 3 years• My background is

actually in the newsroom!

• I’ll take blog post suggestions any time during FinalsiteU…


A Little About Jason• About Jason


Why Video?


What Makes a Good Video?• The right equipment

• A good story– Heartfelt, genuine

testimonials/ storytellers– Good music selections– Video variety– The “emotional rollercoaster”


Choosing the Right Equipment


What do I Need?• Camera

– Go Pro $– Canon 6D $$– Canon 5D mark iii $$$

• Audio (Important!)– Easiest: Direct plug-in

mic– Most flexible: Portable

mic with audio syncing software: Pluraleyes

• Editing Software– iMovie $– Final Cut Pro X $$– Adobe Premier $$$

• Lighting?– Not always necessary– Go for natural light– I <3 inexpensive LED

lights


What do I Need? Continued.• Tripod

– Carbon Fiber $$$– Aluminum $$– Budget ones are still

good! (Mine cost $47)

• Memory Cards– Make sure the memory

card you purchase is compatible with your camera!!

• Different Lenses (SO Important!)– 1 zoom lens– 1 prime lens– One of your lenses should have a low f stop


Shopping Tips:A Quick Lens Breakdown

• f/1.8 or lower– The lower the f stop,

the better your camera will perform in darker settings without becoming grainy

• Zoom lens – 24 – 105 mm is most

versatile• Prime lens

– 50 mm is great for wide shots, athletics, and interviews

This is my

favorite lens!


Telling the Story


The Purpose of Video:

Tell the story you just can’t get across with photos and

text alone.


Heartfelt & Genuine Testimonials

• Feature a diverse group of students• Create a well-rounded story• What do you want to get across?• It’s okay to be scripted!• Who represents your “target

audience?”• Faculty interviews are

important too!• Showcase the talent behind

your academics


Good Music Selections• Music can make or break your video!

• Choose music very carefully• Use a combination of fun, upbeat music and slower

paced music• What emotion are you trying to evoke? Do I want them

to feel excited? Maybe emotionally moved?• My favorite music websites:

• The Music Bed • SongFreedom (Lots of Top 40s music)• Melody Loops (My personal favorite!)


Video Variety• Switch between

testimonials and b-roll• Include close-ups and wide

shots• No video clip should last

longer than 5 seconds• Include video from your

campus, classrooms, athletics and campus life


The Emotional RollercoasterThe key to keeping the user engaged is by switching from fast-paced and upbeat music and video, to emotionally appealing content like interviews and slower music.


Client Spotlight:The Oakridge School

video storytelling: planning, production and best practices with the oakridge school

Education