Part of Lesson Plan: Writing Non-Fiction for Video: Lesson 2

Activity Overview / Details

Production:

Taping the Interview:  (assuming students already understand camera, audio and lighting)          

• Allow him or her to relax and get used to the camera. 
• While taping, keep a list of quotes in mind as you listen. 
• Re-direct and rephrase your questions until you hear the sound bites you need.
• Reading a list of questions is impersonal and will resulting stiff sounding quotes. 
• Have a conversation about the subject . It is a more natural way to get the information you need.
• Allow silence after an emotional quote for dramatic effect and for editing purposes.    

Shoot B-Roll while on location:

• Shoot lots of B-Roll to cover your voice-over and illustrate the story. Stories are more interesting when they are full of images about the topic. 
• Video tape your interviewee in his or her normal routine. 
• Shoot non-verbal communication showing the emotional state (hands, posture etc)
• Shoot objects or things that are related to the story.
• Look for interesting angles and artistic images at the location.

Two Column Script style:

• Students will continue to revise the script in the right column. Insert cues for audio (voice, music, sound effects, etc). 
• In the left column students should include cues for video and visual information, B-roll etc. (refer to the two column script downloads)