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Creating a Successful Crowdfunding Video

The Complete Guide

Dandan Liu

A study by Kickstarter showed that crowdfunding campaigns with videos were 90% more likely to be successful in raising their target funds. But do you need to hire an expensive videographer to make one?

Read more

A study by Kickstarter showed that crowdfunding campaigns with videos were 90% more likely to be successful in raising their target funds. But do you need to hire an expensive videographer to make one?

In this one hour project-based class, you will learn all the steps needed to make a 2-3 minute crowdfunding video that effectively communicates your vision and garners support. Using an unconventional but proven approach, commercial filmmaker Dandan Liu teaches you how to structure your pitch with an arc so it doesn't fall flat as an infomercial, but resonates as a story and sparks action. Then, she guides you step-by-step in the filmmaking, footage transfer, and editing process, so you leave the course with a compelling, cinematic crowdfunding video ready to post.

By the end of this course, you will have a compelling, cinematic crowdfunding video ready to post.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Structure and time your crowdfunding pitch so it relates as an engaging story designed to spark action.
  • Film your video with a cinematic eye aware of composition and lighting, and record quality sound.
  • Edit your footage with adobe premiere pro and export with a film ready to share!
  • Learn bonus tricks and tips!

Syllabus

Introduction
Make This Course Your Own!
The Big 3 Elements for Success
In this section, you will learn how to transform your pitch into a story with 5 essential structural elements.
Read more
Structure Your Story
The Hook
The You + The Why
The How
The What
The Call to Action + Thank You
Timing
Concept
In this section, you will learn the nuts and bolts of using a camera so you shoot the right type of shots with awareness of lighting and composition.
Shooting Footage Overview
Equipment: What You Will Need
Interview Location
Intro to Cinematography
Lighting
Composition
Setting Exposure
Setting Focus
B Roll Shot List
Shooting B Roll
In this section, you will learn how to record quality audio, much higher than the audio in your in-camera mic.
Intro to Audio
Audio Equipment
Enhancing Your Audio Recording Space
In this section, you will learn a few tips to help you deliver your pitch to camera.
Interview Tips
In this section, you will learn the transfer process so your footage files are ready to go for the edit!
Saving Files
Writing a Transcript
Creating a Paper Edit
In this section, you will learn all you need to know to cut your video footage together in the editing suite.
Intro to Editing
The Premiere Pro cc Interface
Importing Footage
Setting up a Sequence
Placing Clips on Timeline
Syncing Audio with Video
Cutting Together A Roll
Adding B Roll
Adding Music Magic
Cutting Music
Smoothing with Transitions
Leveling Audio
Export Your Video!
A few more tips and tricks to enhance the quality of your film!
Ken Burns Effect
Warp Stabilizer
Adding Titles
One Last Tip!
Conclusion
Final Thoughts

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches how to structure a crowdfunding pitch as a compelling story, which can significantly increase the likelihood of reaching funding goals
Covers essential filmmaking techniques, such as composition, lighting, and audio recording, providing a solid foundation for creating visually appealing videos
Requires Adobe Premiere Pro, which may necessitate a subscription or purchase, potentially posing a financial barrier for some learners
Explores techniques like the Ken Burns Effect and Warp Stabilizer, which can add a professional polish to crowdfunding videos
Provides a comprehensive overview of the video editing process, from importing footage to exporting a final product, which is essential for creating a polished crowdfunding video

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Save Creating a Successful Crowdfunding Video: The Complete Guide to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Creating a Successful Crowdfunding Video: The Complete Guide with these activities:
Review 'Save the Cat! Writes a Novel'
Learn how to structure your crowdfunding pitch as a compelling story using established narrative techniques.
View Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel: The... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on the key story beats.
  • Identify how each beat can be translated into a segment of your crowdfunding video.
  • Outline your video script based on the 'Save the Cat!' structure.
Practice Cinematography Techniques
Improve your understanding of composition, lighting, and camera settings to enhance the visual appeal of your crowdfunding video.
Browse courses on Cinematography
Show steps
  • Watch online tutorials on basic cinematography principles.
  • Experiment with different camera angles and lighting setups.
  • Analyze the cinematography of successful crowdfunding videos.
Audio Recording Exercises
Refine your audio recording skills to ensure clear and professional sound quality in your video.
Browse courses on Audio Recording
Show steps
  • Record yourself speaking in different environments.
  • Experiment with different microphone placements.
  • Practice editing audio to reduce background noise.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Premiere Pro Editing Tutorials
Master essential video editing techniques in Adobe Premiere Pro to create a polished and engaging final product.
Browse courses on Adobe Premiere Pro
Show steps
  • Follow tutorials on importing footage and setting up a sequence.
  • Learn how to cut together A-roll and B-roll footage.
  • Practice adding music, transitions, and titles.
Create a Shot List
Plan your video shoot by creating a detailed shot list to ensure you capture all the necessary footage.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm all the shots you need to tell your story.
  • Organize the shots into a logical sequence.
  • Include details about camera angles, composition, and lighting.
Analyze Successful Crowdfunding Videos
Deepen your understanding of effective crowdfunding video techniques by analyzing successful examples.
Show steps
  • Select three successful crowdfunding videos from platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo.
  • Analyze the structure, visuals, and audio of each video.
  • Identify the key elements that contributed to their success.
Critique Each Other's Videos
Get feedback on your video from other students to identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Share your draft video with a peer.
  • Provide constructive criticism on the story, visuals, and audio.
  • Incorporate the feedback into your final video.
Review 'Directing Actors'
Improve your ability to direct and elicit compelling performances from individuals on camera.
View Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition:... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key directing techniques.
  • Practice applying these techniques in mock interview scenarios.
  • Reflect on how these techniques can improve your crowdfunding video.

Career center

Learners who complete Creating a Successful Crowdfunding Video: The Complete Guide will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur is someone who starts a business, and they often need to secure funding through platforms that use video pitches. This course is designed for the entrepreneur who needs to create a compelling video in order to garner support for their ideas. The course teaches the key skills in filmmaking, from structuring the narrative, to filming with a cinematic eye, to professional editing. The entrepreneur who takes this course will be able to create a compelling pitch video and understand the production process at a granular level, which is invaluable when building a business.
See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur
Small Business Owner
A small business owner manages the day-to-day operations of a business, and they often need to handle marketing and promotion. This course helps small business owners create compelling videos that can be used on websites, social media, and during pitch presentations. By learning how to structure a story, film engaging footage, and use professional editing software, a small business owner will be better able to market their products and services. The course's focus on creating a cinematic video without hiring a professional is useful for a small business owner who often has limited resources.
See salaries and explore the career path for Small Business Owner
Content Creator
Content creators develop engaging material across various platforms. This role often requires a mixture of strategy, production, and distribution. This course focuses on creating a video designed to garner support, which is a critical content creation skill. A content creator will find that this course helps to build a foundation in video storytelling, camera operation, and editing, using the same tools that professionals do. This course also teaches how to time and structure a pitch so it resonates as a story, which is valuable in content creation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Video Producer
A video producer oversees the entire process of creating video content, from initial concept to final product. This role often involves planning, filming, and editing video projects, which makes this course highly relevant. The course's emphasis on structuring a pitch, cinematic filming techniques, and editing with Adobe Premiere Pro are core skills for a video producer. By following the course, learners can gain practical experience in crafting a compelling video narrative, a key aspect of success in the video production field. This course in particular helps a video producer learn how to create high-quality video at a low cost.
See salaries and explore the career path for Video Producer
Fundraiser
Fundraisers solicit financial support for a cause or organization. Creating a video that communicates the vision of a project is essential for effective fundraising, and this course provides the training to do just that. A fundraiser will learn to structure a narrative that resonates with potential donors, with special attention toward the hook, the why, and the call to action. By learning the skills in filming with a cinematic eye and professional editing, a fundraiser will be able to create videos that compel donors to support their cause. The skills taught in this course are necessary for the modern fundraiser.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fundraiser
Social Media Manager
A social media manager creates and manages content across social platforms. Video content is often the most engaging type of content, and this course teaches how to produce effective videos. The course covers essential skills like storytelling structure, filming with attention to composition and lighting, audio recording, and video editing, all of which are directly applicable to creating social media video content. A social media manager who has taken this course will be able to craft more impactful posts that resonate with their audience, and they will better understand the process of video production.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager
Marketing Specialist
A marketing specialist focuses on promoting products or services, and in today's market, video is a vital strategy. This course is directly beneficial because it teaches how to create an effective video pitch, which is a strong marketing asset. A marketing specialist will not be responsible for every aspect of making a video, but having experience with the entire process helps to create better campaigns with greater impact. This course teaches the basics in filming, audio recording, and editing, which will help a marketing specialist better direct, oversee, and collaborate with video production teams.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Specialist
Nonprofit Program Manager
A nonprofit program manager oversees the daily operations of a nonprofit's program. These programs often require securing funding and support. This course is directly beneficial, because it teaches how to create a compelling video that communicates the program's vision, which is crucial for gaining support. A nonprofit program manager will be able to craft videos that resonate with potential donors and stakeholders. The knowledge of filming techniques, audio recording, and editing software will allow the nonprofit program manager to take a hands-on approach to video production, which is beneficial within a nonprofit environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager
Communications Specialist
A communications specialist is responsible for crafting and disseminating messages across various channels. A core skill is the ability to communicate visually and create engaging presentations. This course focuses on creating videos that tell a story and spark action. A communications specialist may find this course valuable as it teaches how to structure a pitch, film with attention to lighting and composition, and edit footage using professional software. This allows for the production of more impactful and engaging content.
See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Specialist
Instructional Designer
An instructional designer creates learning materials, often using video as a medium. This course provides a crucial foundation in video creation, teaching both the storytelling aspect and the technical skills for filming and editing. An instructional designer who takes this course will learn the foundations of video production, which will help create more effective and engaging educational content. This course teaches the entire process of creating a video, from concept to distribution, which is valuable for an instructional designer who may use video at all steps of the design process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Multimedia Artist
A multimedia artist creates content using a variety of digital tools, often including video. This course focuses specifically on video production, covering key skills like storyboarding, filming, and editing. A multimedia artist will use this course to build a stronger foundation in video and will be better able to deliver projects. This course may be useful for multimedia artists seeking video production experience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist
Grant Writer
A grant writer is responsible for creating proposals to secure funding for projects. While a written proposal is often the main deliverable, many granting agencies now require video presentations. This course teaches the key video skills for creating a compelling and informative presentation, including structuring the story, cinematic filming techniques, and video editing. A grant writer who takes this course will be able to craft videos that succinctly communicate the purpose and impact of a project, increasing the likelihood of securing funding. This course may be useful for grant writers seeking video production experience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer
Project Manager
A project manager oversees projects from beginning to end, and often works with various types of teams. Creating a video for a project can sometimes be a part of the project manager's responsibilities. While a project manager may not execute each step, having knowledge of the process is valuable and helps to coordinate with a video team. The course gives the project manager a comprehensive understanding of video production, including story structure, filming, and editing. This allows a project manager to better direct and oversee video-related tasks within their projects. This course may be useful for project managers seeking video production experience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Training Specialist
A training specialist designs and delivers training programs. In today's digital world, videos are often a key part of training materials. This course in particular may be useful, as it provides the training specialist with the skills to create effective video tutorials and presentations. By taking this course, the training specialist will learn to structure a compelling narrative, record quality footage, and edit it professionally. This enables the creation of engaging content that leads to better training outcomes. This course may be useful for training specialists seeking video production experience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Training Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist manages the public image of an organization or client. Creating video content is essential in modern public relations, and this course helps build basic video production skills. Public relations specialists may not do the editing themselves, but they must have some experience with telling a story through video. By taking this course, a public relations specialist will be able to ensure that video content aligns with an organization's public relation goals and helps to craft meaningful narratives. This course may be useful for a public relations specialist seeking to use video.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Creating a Successful Crowdfunding Video: The Complete Guide.
Cover image
Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel
Save
Provides a clear framework for structuring a compelling narrative, which is directly applicable to crafting a crowdfunding video that tells a story. It breaks down story structure into manageable beats, helping you ensure your video has a strong hook, engaging middle, and satisfying call to action. While primarily focused on novel writing, the principles are easily transferable to video storytelling. This book is best used as additional reading to help improve the narrative structure of your video.
Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel: The...
Paperback
$$
Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel: The...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition
Save
Provides insights into effectively communicating with and directing individuals on camera. While this course focuses on creating a crowdfunding video, the ability to elicit authentic and compelling performances from your subjects is crucial. This book offers practical techniques for building rapport, providing clear direction, and creating a comfortable environment for your interviewees. This book is best used as additional reading to help improve the quality of your on-camera interviews.
Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition:...
Paperback
$$
Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition - Case...
Hardcover
$$
Directing Actors - 25th Anniversary Edition:...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Effort
1.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Dandan Liu
Language
English
Good to know
Teaches how to structure a crowdfunding pitch as a compelling story, which can significantly increase the likelihood of reaching funding goals
Covers essential filmmaking techniques, such as composition, lighting, and audio recording, providing a solid foundation for creating visually appealing videos
Requires Adobe Premiere Pro, which may necessitate a subscription or purchase, potentially posing a financial barrier for some learners
Explores techniques like the Ken Burns Effect and Warp Stabilizer, which can add a professional polish to crowdfunding videos
Provides a comprehensive overview of the video editing process, from importing footage to exporting a final product, which is essential for creating a polished crowdfunding video
Share and help others discover this course.
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