S | 1 | Explainer Video

This is the one part of Unit 1 that touches a device. You’re in the computer lab today, with your phone. Bring your Design Brief, Two-Column Script, and labeled Shot List from 1.2–1.4.

Using the pre-production materials you’ve prepared this unit, you’re now tasked with shooting and editing your explainer video.

Plan

  1. Gather everything you need to make your shoot a success.
  2. Begin shooting early enough that you’ll have time in class to edit and ask questions.

Camera Setup

  1. Download the Blackmagic Camera App for your phone, and configure it for compatibility:
    1. Set the codec to H.264 for compatibility with your editing software.
    2. Set the resolution to 1080p (not 4K). 1080p is more than enough for every project in this course, and keeps your footage files 4–5× smaller.
    3. Turn on the guides so that you can frame your shots using the rule-of-thirds.

Organize

  1. Ensure that Google Drive for Desktop is syncing to your computer.
  2. Create a Project Directory (Folder) in your Google Drive Google Drive/My Drive/Digital Design/YYYY-MM Project Name
  3. Try to keep all of your project files for the explainer video together, so your work is not interrupted due to technical difficulties.
  4. In your project directory, maintain subdirectories for every category of resource you will be using.

Storing all your files in the /Downloads folder in your computer is a BAD idea. If any of these files are lost/deleted you will have to reconnect them. Put them in your project folder directly. This will also be helpful in the event of any computer issues.

YYYY-MM Project Name
📁 Source Footage
📁 Graphics
📁 Sound Effects
📁 Music
📁 Script
  1. It’s also good to include directories for related files
📁 Project Files
📁 Exports
  1. While editing your project, it will benefit you to right click on your project folder and select: “Make Available Offline”. This will keep your files stored on the local computer while you are editing. When you are finished editing the project, you can deselect this to free up space on your harddrive.

Shoot (~40 min)

  1. Work your way through the shots on your labeled Shot List from 1.4.
  2. Try to work efficiently. Shoot all the shots that take place in the same location at the same time.
  3. Give your clips pre- and post-roll so you have room to cut before and after the action.
  4. Match each shot to the shot type you planned. If a CU isn’t working, that’s fine, just note the change so your edit still matches your script.

Edit (~10 min)

  1. Import your footage into your web-based editor of choice:
  2. Google Vids
  3. Canva
  4. Adobe Express
  5. Edit the video in a logical order that begins with an introduction and ends with a conclusion, following your two-column script.
  6. Add transitions and effects to ease the flow of the content and keep your audience engaged.

Did every shot on your list survive into the final edit? If you cut one, why?

Deliver, Export & Submit (~8 min)

Deliver

  1. Finalize your timeline.
    • Delete out any spaces in your timeline.
    • Mark Ins and Outs (Best Practice)

Export Finished Project

  1. Go to File>Export>Media>
  2. Specify your export settings
    • File Name: YYYY-MM Project Name-Lastname
    • Location: Google Drive/My Drive/Digital Design/YYYY-MM Project Name/Exports
    • Preset: Match Source (or use a High Quality Preset to reduce file size)
    • Format: H.264 (The most compatible format)
  3. Choose H.264 from the Format menu. This will create an mp4 file on export.
  4. Click Export. The export script will run until finished.

Strike

Film sets “strike” (tear down) the set when shooting wraps. Editors do the same with their drives. Once your final export is delivered and your portfolio page is published:

  1. Delete the raw footage from the project folder on your computer. Your final export and project file are all you keep.
  2. Empty the Trash. Deleted footage still takes up space until you do.
  3. Confirm your final export plays from Google Drive before you leave class.

Publish your work to your Google Sites Portfolio

  1. Create a new page on your Google Sites Portfolio to catalog your work.
    • Your work should be exported in a web-safe format in a manner that allows for the work to be embedded without requiring Google Drive permissions
  2. Your work should be accompanied by a detailed project description
  3. Submit the published portfolio page to your LMS (Schoology)
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