Want to produce your own user-generated video content? When self-filming on your mobile there’s a number of things to think about. Here are our top tips to help you produce great authentic content. Some are specifically about StoryTagger, our guided video storytelling app, which makes it easy for people to reflect, plan and record their learning experiences. For more info: http://www.storytagger.com

1. Tips for
self-filming
www.storytagger.com

2. 1. Planning
and practice

3. Plan your story first
Before you record, run through each story
block and use the prompts to help plan your
story. Add notes or a full autocue script – it’s
your call. You can edit from the recording
screen too.

4. Add some
emotion!
Don’t be afraid to open up
about how your story made you
feel. Sharing your struggle,
hopes and fears makes a great
narrative.

5. Practice
Try it out. A few practice recordings will
help you get your timings right, work on
your delivery and make any changes.
Remember, if you don’t feel comfortable
with the result, you can record again.

6. 2. Setting the
scene

7. Record where
you’re comfortable
Where will you record your story? Sometimes
a busy space is fun - people will assume
you’re on a video call. Or, you might prefer a
quiet space where you can concentrate.

8. Walking,
standing or
sitting?
If you feel more
confident and creative
wandering around, why
not film as you walk? Do
watch out for obstacles,
though! If you’ve found a
great location, feel free
to stay in one spot.

9. Background
changes
Different locations or positions for each
story block can add variety. A static
background keeps things simple,
especially if your video is short. You can
even record closer up so the focus is
mainly on you.

10. 3. Technical
tips

11. A bit of
shake
Unless you’ve got your
phone on a stand, a bit of
camera shake is only to be
expected. Don’t worry
about it. People are much
more interested in what
you have to say. Find a
comfortable grip and
remember, you might
need to scroll notes
with your thumb.

12. Keep it clean!
The front lens on our phones is a magnet
for mucky finger prints. Don’t forget to give
it a quick clean before you start for a crystal
clear recording.

13. Headphone mic or
phone mic?
Your phone mic is good if you’re in a quiet
place, but if you’re surrounded by noise
you’ll get much better sound quality with
your headphone mic.

14. Let there be light
Our phones have great cameras but they do
need a bit of light to create a nice, clear
image. So, try to avoid dark locations, unless
that’s the effect you’re going for!

15. 4. Ready to
record?

16. Wait for the
countdown
StoryTagger won’t start recording until the
countdown ends. Make sure you’re ready to
speak at the right moment. If you’re not
sure, play your recording back to see if you
hit your cue.

17. Don’t be a
perfectionist
Trying to record the ‘perfect’
video will drive you crazy!
StoryTagger videos are quick,
informal reflections, so don’t
worry about the odd mistake.
If you can get your point
across, you’ve nailed it!

18. Review and
re-record
You’re in complete control of your recording. If
you’re not completely happy, you can
re-record as many times as you like.

19. 5. Playback
and review

20. Don’t overthink it
Most people hate seeing themselves on
camera - even some Hollywood A-listers!
Don’t forget, you’re your own toughest
critic, so don’t be too hard on yourself!

21. It’s all about
the words
People care more about
what you have to say than
how you look or sound, so
keep your focus there. As
long as you’re getting your
point across, the odd ‘um’
or background noise
doesn’t matter.

22. Final check
You’re making your video to share
something useful. Remember to check
back to your notes to make sure you
covered all you wanted to. How about
asking a colleague or friend for
feedback?