A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production from Coursera

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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.

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

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

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Consolidate and review course materials to reinforce your understanding of key concepts and enhance your learning experience.

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Organize notes, assignments, and quizzes
Review and summarize key takeaways
Identify areas where further clarification is needed

Review Fundamentals of Storytelling

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Review foundational concepts of storytelling to ensure a strong understanding of the course's core principles.

Browse courses on Storytelling

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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

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Develop your scriptwriting skills by practicing writing comprehensive script outlines to lay the groundwork for successful video productions.

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Analyze professional script outlines
Brainstorm and develop compelling story ideas
Write detailed outlines for short videos

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Collaborate on Video Storyboarding

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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

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Form small peer groups
Exchange video concepts and ideas
Work together to develop detailed storyboards

Explore Advanced Editing Techniques

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Expand your knowledge by exploring advanced editing techniques to enhance the quality and impact of your video productions.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Research successful video pitches
Craft a concise and engaging story outline
Record and edit a persuasive video pitch

Mentor Aspiring Videographers

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Deepen your understanding of video production principles by mentoring aspiring videographers, sharing your knowledge, and providing guidance to help them succeed.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Film and Video Editor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Producer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cinematographer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Director

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Broadcast Technician

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Media Producer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Documentary Filmmaker

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Graphics Designer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Journalist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cameraperson

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Television Producer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Script Supervisor

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Lighting Technician

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Sound Technician

A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production

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