Quick Tips for Making Videos

STEPS1.Plan2.Shoot/Gather Footage

3.Edit

1. PLAN• Think about purpose, audience, editorial

approach, and visual approach.• Plan your shots: how many? sequence?• Write interview questions, write script (if

applicable).• For complex videos, create a storyboard!

2. SHOOT/GATHER FOOTAGE• Create a clear point of focus.• Think about using establishing shots for

viewer orientation.• “Don’t shoot till you see the whites of their

eyes.” (Steve Stockman)• Good lighting and sound are critical.• Don’t center everything.• Move, point, shoot, stop. Repeat.

(Stockman)• Don’t use built-in zoom.

what are each of these crowd shots trying to show? (focus)

sample establishing shots

3. EDIT• Find your editing software: iMovie or

Windows MovieMaker.• Import everything (footage, sounds, still

images, etc.) into your movie editing software.• Cut bad shots/footage.• Arrange footage into a sequence.• Add title screens, transitions, sound

effects, music, etc.

Good resource: