Using Video in Your Blogs
We've mentioned using multimedia in your blogs pretty much since the first night of class. But we haven't talked much about guidelines.
Check out this video, distributed by the online newsletter Planet-Profit Report:
It's not terribly hi-tech, right? Your videos don't have to be either, but note some things this video does well:
1) It's a manageable length. Keep in mind that most readers of your blog typically don't plan on spending any more than a few minutes browsing your post and, unless they're really passionate about your topic, probably won't watch a long video. So keep your videos short, for the most part--3 minutes, max. And if you post a longer video, indicate to your readers what to pay special attention to (i.e., "Fast forward to 33.14 for Johnson's most interesting point on electric cars." Don't be afraid to edit things down, or cut out parts that move a little slowly.
2) It uses intertitles. Intertitles are those screens in-between interview questions that either quickly pose the question before the interviewee answers it or that split up the video into manageable chunks. Basically, they're like headings for your video, and they keep things feeling as if they are paced well and moving right along. Most basic video editing software allows you to place these into your video fairly easily.
3) It uses cutaway shots. Cutaway shots are those shots that are edited into the "talking head" part of the interview, so that we're not just watching the interviewee the whole time. He's talking about gas prices, we're seeing a guy driving an electric car. Keeps things interesting.
Don't be too intimidated by the terminology or technology, here. You can shoot a decent, interesting, useful video on your cell phone. Just keep it short, don't zoom in/out much, hold your camera or phone steady, and then post!
Check out this video, distributed by the online newsletter Planet-Profit Report:
It's not terribly hi-tech, right? Your videos don't have to be either, but note some things this video does well:
1) It's a manageable length. Keep in mind that most readers of your blog typically don't plan on spending any more than a few minutes browsing your post and, unless they're really passionate about your topic, probably won't watch a long video. So keep your videos short, for the most part--3 minutes, max. And if you post a longer video, indicate to your readers what to pay special attention to (i.e., "Fast forward to 33.14 for Johnson's most interesting point on electric cars." Don't be afraid to edit things down, or cut out parts that move a little slowly.
2) It uses intertitles. Intertitles are those screens in-between interview questions that either quickly pose the question before the interviewee answers it or that split up the video into manageable chunks. Basically, they're like headings for your video, and they keep things feeling as if they are paced well and moving right along. Most basic video editing software allows you to place these into your video fairly easily.
3) It uses cutaway shots. Cutaway shots are those shots that are edited into the "talking head" part of the interview, so that we're not just watching the interviewee the whole time. He's talking about gas prices, we're seeing a guy driving an electric car. Keeps things interesting.
Don't be too intimidated by the terminology or technology, here. You can shoot a decent, interesting, useful video on your cell phone. Just keep it short, don't zoom in/out much, hold your camera or phone steady, and then post!
Comments (4)
February 1, 2011 at 10:05 PM
Good tips for a video I am considering doing a demonstration of some Biometric technologies and these tips will help. Now where do I gain access to that uses Biometrics...
February 2, 2011 at 2:56 PM
Along with what Carlos said, I'd love to do videos to demonstrate the gymnastics but I no longer have access to a gym for one and personally can no longer do most of the tricks in question... so having access to the resources for a video is a larger problem than shooting the video.
February 3, 2011 at 2:42 PM
Does anybody know if there are cameras available to us somewhere on campus? I mean my phone could do it, but I feel like I could do a better job with a real camera.
February 4, 2011 at 7:16 AM
Aaron, there is an AV club on campus. Christian Shorey is the faculty advisor. I think they would be happy to help with any video projects, including lending video equipment. Let me know if you want to know more.
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