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

Activity Overview / Details

Postproduction:

Since you have already written your story, you will not need to spend much time editing.  Most of your editing decisions have been made already.  Remember, “Begin with the end in mind”.

Here is a check list of things to do as you edit:

• Revise your VO (voice-over) script to reflect changes in actual quotes. *
• Review the terms “NAT” and “SOT”.
• Choose the best quotes from the interviews and start to piece the story using SOTs,
• Choose the most interesting B-Roll that might also influence the VO.
• Cover VO with B-Roll.  Use images that illustrate what we are hearing.
• After the interviewee has been introduced, cover him or her with B-Roll.  Talking heads are boring
• The final VO script should accommodate the quotes and content from the interviews. Strive to make everything flow and fit.
• Graphics, still images, montages are interesting. (Refer to the Heroes Among Us example)
• Insert titles and lower thirds and graphics.
• Stand-up and Sign-Off
  • Taped at the same time you shoot the B-roll or
  • VO with B-roll
• Underscore with appropriate music that elicits the desired mood.

* The voice-over tool in Final Cut will not allow you to record audio unless video or a “Slug” (a blank placeholder video) is present in that section.  This slug will be replaced with the final B-roll after the VO is recorded.