Stacy Laiderman presented "Make a Video", a hands-on class teaching nonprofits the basics of strategy and production around making a video at the Making Media Connections Conference in Chicago. Learn how to determine which story to tell, what equipment can you use on your own, and how to set up a shot and get good sound.

1. Introduction to Video
Basics from Pre-Production to Post-Production
Presented by
Stacy Laiderman, Producer, See3

2. Today’s Plan
• About See3
• Rethinking “Viral”
• Video in the Donor Cultivation Cycle
• 11 Rules of Video Fundraising
• What You Can Do Right Now
• Discussion
www.see3.net | info@see3.net | 773-784-7333

3. STEP 1: Pre Production

4. Ask These Questions
• What are our goals?
• What is our audience?
• What is our timeframe/budget?
• How will we measure success?
• Who will help shoot and edit the footage?
• How will we share/use the
finished film?

5. Preparing for Production
• Create a production schedule
• Determine format
• Get familiar with your gear (practice shoot
in close to actual conditions and review
footage)
• Scout location & plan
• Prepare interview questions/script
• Review any pre-existing media

6. STEP 2: Production

7. Before You Press Record
• Check location for lighting and sound
issues and adjust as needed
• Educate interview subject re: line of sight
and off-camera questions/complete
answers

8. Before You Press Record
• Find your frame
Medium close up (MCU) Close up shoot (CU)

9. Before You Press Record
• Set your white balance, focus, and iris
• Check audio levels: record/playback test
• Place interviewer close to the camera
• Run 15 sec of black or color bars at the
beginning of the tape
• Process your environment, B-roll

10. White Balance
Not white balanced White balanced

11. Framing
Too small Centered, less dynamic
Head & body cut off Eye‐line off frame

12. Framing
BEST

13. Natural Light From Windows
Place subjects with the window behind the
camera rather than behind the subject.
Window behind subject Window behind camera

14. Adding Depth to the Frame
Bring subjects away from the walls

15. Audio
• Audio on-board mic only
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUw9d8Cji6AA
• Audio with lavalier microphone
SEED Initiative (1:15)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXTnGAAZrsQ
AJWS (3:53)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsqjVHO8iZg

16. STEP 3: Post Production

17. Workflow and Process
• Import and organize your media
• Render out clips for transcription as
needed

18. Technical Resources
• Lynda.com
• CreativeCow.net
• Mac Online
For Equipment
• Amazon.com
• NewEgg.com

19. Editing Software
Recommendations
• Final Cut Express (Mac only)
• Avid Express
• Adobe Premier
• MPEG Streamclip
• InqScribe

20. Questions? "
Stacy Laiderman
• Email: stacy@see3.net
• Phone: 773-784-7333
• Web: www.see3.net/video-faqs
We will send a follow-up email
with the slidedeck, so sign up!