Next in the Pre-Production (Planning) Process: Storyboards!

Storyboards are graphic organizers in the form of illustrations or images displayed in sequence for the purpose of pre-visualizing a motion picture, animation, motion graphic or interactive media sequence.
The storyboarding process, in the form it is known today, was developed at the Walt Disney Studio during the early 1930s, after several years of similar processes being in use at Walt Disney and other animation studios.

But really, if you think about it.....long, long ago, before movies were even invented, people used storyboards to tell a story in sequence:

That's right.....
Cave paintings were the very first Storyboards!  You know what that means:

If a caveman could do it, so can YOU!

In DFP2, we use a Digital Storyboarding software called Celtx.  I'll demonstrate how to use it during class.  If you'd like to download a free copy of the software at home, visit  Celtx.com 

• The main purpose of Storyboarding is to help organize and plan your Key Shots (the most important shots in your video), and make sure that you're creating an interesting sequence of images to tell your story.  How do you know if you're successful?  You can hand your Storyboard to a perfect stranger, and after they've read it, they know what your story is about, and have a good idea of what happens in the story.    

• Another purpose of Storyboarding is to make sure that you are using a variety of quality shot types to create a movie that is interesting to watch.  High-quality composition plays a part in separating your work from that of a beginner.

SO....what do you have to do?
Working with a partner during class, you will take a Still Camera and your Step-by-Step Instructions out on to campus.  Find a location that is similar to your setting; don't worry if it's not perfect.  While you act out each step of your "How To" Video, your partner will take a photograph.  Be sure to work with them to create a variety of shot types.

For example, when you start the video, use a "Master Shot"---usually a Long Shot or Wide Shot--- to let your audience know where you are:

For my video on "How To Use Hand Sanitizer in the Classroom", I'm showing a master shot of the sanitizer in the classroom.  I could go even wider and show the whole room if I wanted to!

Next, you typically cut to a close-up of the person doing the video:

In this case, it's your host, Dakota, here to talk about what to do when you have germ-y hands!

And so on....and so on....until you have shot a photograph of each step of your video.
Don't worry if you don't have the right props.  I care about only two things:

• Shot types/Composition:  Are you creating a variety of shots that make for an interesting video?  Are you avoiding repetitious shots?  (10 points)
• Sequencing:  Are you creating a series of images that tell the complete story, without leaving out any MAJOR details? (10 points)

The Celtx demo will show you how to import, label and manage your shots to create a Storyboard.  Once it's done, you'll print it before the end of class and turn it in for a 20 point grade!

P.S.--This takes longer than you think, so don't waste a minute of time today!

How to Begin Creating a "How-To" Video

There should be a video teaching you how to create a "How-To" video....
OH WAIT!! THERE IS!!!!

Click this link:

How To Make A "How To" Video

Thanks, Matt!  (Next time turn on a light, bro!)

Now, it's your turn!  Need some inspiration?  Visit my You Tube channel:
Ms. T's "How To" Collection

Here are a few more of my favorite examples (not made by my students):
How to Make A Hamburger
How To Climb A Tree 
How To Dress Like A Ninja 
How to Straighten Your Hair Without Heat 
How to Win in Halo 3
How to Kick A Soccer Ball

Yeah, so you're surfing YouTube as part of this assignment.  Stay on task, and don't try to convince me that Miley Cyrus video is somehow related to your topic.  You can call your mom and explain it to her.   

Soooo, you were supposed to make up your mind about your "How To" topic by today.  Tell me your topic, then it's time to do some more research.

• Watch several example videos on YouTube that match your "How To" category.  This will give you ideas, and make sure you're not copying someone else's technique.
• You must spend at least 10 minutes of class typing step-by-step directions for your process in Microsoft Word.  These directions are for your “How-To” video, and they are due today.  Number your steps!  This ensures you won’t forget a step in the script.  They must be precise and descriptive.  Do not summarize or skip a step.  I mean, jeez, if you can't explain it in writing, how are you gonna make a video that people can understand?!?! 
• Once I have approved your directions and you have printed them, you will start creating a digital storyboard.  I'll demo how to do that in Celtx.
•  Your storyboard is due at the end of the next class period (Thursday B, Friday A).
•  You will need to schedule shooting for your "How To" video over the course of the next week, either during or outside of class.  You may check out equipment and props from me as needed.  Do Not shoot footage on your cell phone.  It will suck.
• Raw footage for your "How To" video is due Wed. 9/18 (Pd. 3) or Thurs. 9/19 (Pd. 4) for 20 points.  Late footage = 0 points.