Producing videos for a project or cause involves more than someone having a camera. The most effective videos are professionally produced, which requires having time and a large budget. They work well when shown at a lecture or workshop or given to groups or individuals to view at their convenience. But in our media-saturated society, standards are set high and viewers will expect the same polished productions they see on television. Quick, homemade movies may block your key messages from getting communicated.

Videos are an ideal format for depicting a variety of sites, activities, individuals, stories, plans, etc., in one convenient easily transportable and usable medium. The program should be 10 to 15 minutes in length.

It is possible to effectively take slide programs and convert them to a video format. This is a simple, relatively inexpensive approach. It does not, however, take full advantage of the medium. Motion pictures are one of the great advantages of video. There are ways of mixing small amounts of motion footage or interviews into a slide presentation conversion that can enhance the final product. Also considering adding graphic elements such as maps, charts, diagrams, illustrations and even animation.

If professional production is too expensive, consider seeking the help of high school or university students or volunteers. Offer to display full credits in the film acknowledging the names of everyone involved in its production and writing a press release to announce its completion or first viewing that also lists those who volunteered their talents and services.

Considerations:

• Decide if the narrator should be a neutral professional or a member of the community.
• Check for issues of copyrights for any images or background music selected. This is particularly critical if the final product will be sold or people will be charged admission for viewings.
• Determine if the video will always be shown with a person there to explain it and answer questions or if it will be a stand-alone piece. If the latter, it is even more important that a slide lists where to get more information and the date of production.
• Be sure to get the highest quality possible of original footage for the master copy so that distribution copies will be better quality.

1. Develop a message

Before any footage is filmed or any stories are recorded, it is vital to determine what will be the goal of the video. Define exactly what main points need to be emphasized and how images will support that message. If the message is not clear, even the most beautiful filming will not help communicate the goal.

2. Write a script

Once the goal is clear, write an outline then expand it into a complete script. Write the narrative word-for-word. When that is done, create a storyboard. This is a visual outline. The text is typically written on the left side of a page and, on the right side, is a list of the desired visual images that relate to the text. This sequential series of text and images focuses the efforts for collecting footage and allows for revisions prior to any filming.

3. Direct, design, and produce

Shoot raw footage, collect existing stills or moving images, audiotape sounds, conduct interviews, select and record music, tape the narrative or voice-overs. When everything is gathered, postproduction editing begins. This final step is what can make the difference between an amateur and professional product. The video should be lively, visually interesting, and focused on the key points of the message.

4. Premier the final product

With video in hand, write press releases and look for audiences to show it. Or, make copies from the master and generate a distribution list. Write a letter of introduction and mail or hand deliver the cassettes to everyone on that list.