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Emilie Johnson and Paul Daugherty

In this course, we will learn about pre-production, which requires levels of planning before you ever pick up a camera. We will share with you the terminology used widely in production work, along with our ideas for affordable camera gear and editing applications. We’ll also discuss strategies to help you generate story ideas and the focus, find characters, write treatments and scripts, draw storyboards, and even pointers on how to pitch your stories.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction and Gear Recommendations
The start of this module begins with an Introduction to Video Production and to the instructors. You will learn about the most common terms used by industry professionals when describing the elements to your video production. You will also learn to identify the equipment and software needs that will produce video with high production value. We will make recommendations for affordable camcorders, and accessories, and about apps that can convert your smartphone camera into a professional recording device. You will learn about lighting devices, media cards, and microphones. We will also make recommendations on affordable editing applications such as Adobe Premiere, or even free editors like iMovie or FilmoraGo, depending on whether you’re using a Mac, PC, iPhone or Android devices.
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Finding and Telling Your Story
You might have an idea for a video, but you have yet to know the story. Essentially, you need a plan. In this module, you will learn about classic narrative structure for storytelling, and come to understand the difference between print and visual stories. You will also be able to identify different story structures such as the Inverted Pyramid, Hourglass and Diamond. Additionally, you will learn how to cultivate sources through pre-interviews to find compelling characters that personalise the story, generate drama, and show the audience what’s at stake. The main goal will be to anticipate how you want to tell your story.
Script Formats, the Treatment, and Pitch
Would you ever build a new home without blueprints? A home needs a strong foundation, and so does the story you want to tell. In this module, you will learn how to write treatments, scripts and draw storyboards -- tools that will carefully craft your story before you ever pick up a camera. The treatment is a narrative description of your story, which will help you understand how the parts of your story connect. The script shows the specific words that are written to both images and sound, which typically undergoes many revisions. Storyboards are a collection of drawings that help you visualise a scene, and to troubleshoot potential problems before they occur. These documents are key to helping you reduce the uncertainty that is common in many video productions.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces essential terminology for pre-production work in video production
Explores essential equipment and software, ranging from video cameras and lighting to editing applications
Provides guidance on developing story ideas, identifying compelling characters, and constructing treatments and scripts
Covers classic narrative structures, such as the Inverted Pyramid, Hourglass, and Diamond
Emphasizes the importance of thorough planning and storyboarding to reduce uncertainty in video production
Instructors Emilie Johnson and Paul Daugherty provide expertise in pre-production and video production

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production with these activities:
Organize and Review Course Materials
Consolidate and review course materials to reinforce your understanding of key concepts and enhance your learning experience.
Show steps
  • Organize notes, assignments, and quizzes
  • Review and summarize key takeaways
  • Identify areas where further clarification is needed
Review Fundamentals of Storytelling
Review foundational concepts of storytelling to ensure a strong understanding of the course's core principles.
Browse courses on Storytelling
Show steps
  • Identify different story structures, such as the Inverted Pyramid and Hourglass
  • Practice crafting compelling narrative arcs
  • Experiment with writing engaging character descriptions
Practice Writing Script Outlines
Develop your scriptwriting skills by practicing writing comprehensive script outlines to lay the groundwork for successful video productions.
Browse courses on Scriptwriting
Show steps
  • Analyze professional script outlines
  • Brainstorm and develop compelling story ideas
  • Write detailed outlines for short videos
Five other activities
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Collaborate on Video Storyboarding
Enhance your storytelling and visualization skills by collaborating with peers to create visually compelling storyboards that bring your video ideas to life.
Browse courses on Storyboarding
Show steps
  • Form small peer groups
  • Exchange video concepts and ideas
  • Work together to develop detailed storyboards
Explore Advanced Editing Techniques
Expand your knowledge by exploring advanced editing techniques to enhance the quality and impact of your video productions.
Browse courses on Video Editing
Show steps
  • Follow tutorials on color grading and sound mixing
  • Experiment with advanced transitions and effects
  • Learn best practices for optimizing videos for different platforms
Attend a Videography Workshop
Gain practical experience and insights by attending a videography workshop, where you can learn from industry professionals and hone your technical and creative skills.
Browse courses on Videography
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant videography workshops
  • Register and attend the workshop
  • Actively participate and engage with instructors and peers
Develop a Video Pitch for a Short Film
Put your knowledge into practice by creating a compelling video pitch that effectively communicates your creative vision and secures support for your projects.
Browse courses on Pitching
Show steps
  • Research successful video pitches
  • Craft a concise and engaging story outline
  • Record and edit a persuasive video pitch
Mentor Aspiring Videographers
Deepen your understanding of video production principles by mentoring aspiring videographers, sharing your knowledge, and providing guidance to help them succeed.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities for mentorship
  • Develop a structured mentoring plan
  • Provide personalized feedback and support

Career center

Learners who complete A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Film and Video Editor
In the role of Film and Video Editor, you will be responsible for editing film and video content. You will need to be able to use editing software to cut, splice, and combine footage into a cohesive and visually appealing final product. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as storyboarding, script writing, and video editing.
Video Producer
A Video Producer is responsible for overseeing all aspects of video production, from pre-production to post-production. This includes planning and budgeting for the project, hiring and managing crew, and ensuring that the final product meets the client's needs. 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as project management, budgeting, and post-production.
Cinematographer
Cinematographers are responsible for the visual look of a film or video. They work with the director to create a shot list and then use lighting, camera angles, and composition to capture the desired images. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as lighting, camera techniques, and composition.
Screenwriter
Screenwriters are responsible for writing the scripts for films and television shows. They work with the director to develop the story and then write the dialogue and action sequences. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as story structure, character development, and dialogue writing.
Video Director
Video Directors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a video project, from pre-production to post-production. They work with the producer, cinematographer, and other crew members to ensure that the final product meets the client's needs. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as project management, budgeting, and post-production.
Broadcast Technician
Broadcast Technicians are responsible for the technical aspects of broadcasting, including setting up and operating equipment, and troubleshooting problems. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as lighting, sound, and video equipment.
Media Producer
Media Producers are responsible for the development and production of media content, including films, television shows, and commercials. They work with writers, directors, and other crew members to bring the project to life. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as project management, budgeting, and post-production.
Documentary Filmmaker
Documentary Filmmakers create films that document real-life events or issues. They work with subjects, researchers, and other crew members to bring the project to life. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as storyboarding, script writing, and video editing.
Motion Graphics Designer
Motion Graphics Designers create visual effects and animations for films, television shows, and commercials. They work with animators and other crew members to bring the project to life. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as animation, visual effects, and post-production.
Video Journalist
Video Journalists report on the news and current events through the medium of video. They work with camera operators, editors, and other crew members to bring the project to life. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as storyboarding, script writing, and video editing.
Cameraperson
Camerapersons are responsible for operating the camera and capturing the footage for films, television shows, and commercials. They work with the director and other crew members to ensure that the final product meets the client's needs. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as camera techniques, lighting, and composition.
Television Producer
Television Producers are responsible for the development and production of television shows. They work with writers, directors, and other crew members to bring the project to life. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as project management, budgeting, and post-production.
Script Supervisor
Script Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that the script is followed during filming. They work with the director, cinematographer, and other crew members to ensure that the final product meets the client's needs. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as scriptwriting, storyboarding, and video editing.
Video Lighting Technician
Video Lighting Technicians are responsible for the lighting of films, television shows, and commercials. They work with the director and other crew members to ensure that the final product meets the client's needs. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as lighting, cinematography, and video equipment.
Video Sound Technician
Video Sound Technicians are responsible for the sound of films, television shows, and commercials. They work with the director and other crew members to ensure that the final product meets the client's needs. The course 'A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production' can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. It covers topics such as sound recording, mixing, and editing.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production.
Is specifically focused on the pre-production phase of video production. It covers everything from developing a concept to writing a script and creating a budget.
Comprehensive guide to video production. It covers everything from the basics of video to advanced techniques for creating engaging and effective videos.
Concise and practical guide to video production. It covers everything from the basics of video to advanced techniques for creating professional-looking videos.
Beginner's guide to video production. It covers everything from the basics of video to advanced techniques for creating engaging and effective videos.
Comprehensive guide to video marketing. It covers everything from the basics of video marketing to advanced techniques for creating and promoting engaging and effective video content.

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