Oct 06, 2016 Collaborate. Shoot. Edit.

One recent project we worked on with the College of Special Education (SPED) started with a brief phone conversation about our services. We typically support research and learning services for students, staff, and faculty but the Video Studio at the J Willard Marriott Library has often worked on more ambitious projects.

After meeting a few times with representatives from the SPED Program we established a time line for the project. The emphasis on the video was to highlight the department, the programming, and provide evidence for future students. Filmed over several months, in the studio, and in the field, the short video included studio interviews, on-campus interviews with faculty, and on–location filming to gather interviews from in-service teachers.

For many it is hard to believe that the most difficult part of the project will be scheduling times for filming. Filming interviews and B-Roll (supporting evidence for video) is a fairly straightforward process that is quick and painless for us (it’s what we do). Managing a projects timeline while considering (re)scheduling with several subjects and then initial logging of video footage will exhaust 70% of the projects time.

After all footage was gathered I scheduled time to discuss the editing process. I enjoy spending time with people teaching the skills needed to understand this essential step. Editing begins with understanding footage and story. Logging (writing down what content are in the videos) all footage in real-time is an “essential” component to telling a compelling story. After logging the footage the school met with us to begin building a story using Adobe’s Premiere Pro CC (A free-to-the-U professional video editing suite); another great chance to teach and learn. After several rounds of editing and tweaking the department had their final cut.

Some basic step to consider when conceptualizing a video project.

1. Know your time-frame
2. Gathering subjects for video
3. Scheduling the times of all parties
4. Release form considerations
5. Filming times and availability of the studio
6. On-location special requirements
7. Time for reviewing footage
8. Scheduling time for editing
9. Follow up with all parties before the final cut.

Have an idea for a project? Let’s chat.

Tony Sams,

J Willard Marriott Library

(801) 585-9780

View the original article on the Creativity and Innovation Services Blog