How to Create Engaging Scripted Videos

 

Pre-Production Preparation

Use of Resources and Citations During Research and Note Taking

Note cards indicate research questions, sources of information and graphics, and identify relevant pro and con arguments (if appropriate to the topic). Sources of information and graphics are properly cited using citations.

Storyboard

The storyboard illustrates the video presentation structure with thumbnail sketches of each scene. Notes of proposed transition, special effects, sound and title tracks include: text, background color, placement & size of graphic, fonts - color, size, type for text and headings. Notes about proposed dialogue/narration text are included. All sketches are numbered, and there is a logical sequence to the presentation.

Content/Organization

The content includes a clear statement of purpose or theme and is creative, compelling and clearly written. A rich variety of supporting information in the video contributes to understanding the project's main idea. The project includes motivating questions and advanced organizers that provide the audience with a sense of the presentation's main idea. Events and messages are presented in a logical order.

Video Introduction

The video introduction is compelling if it provides motivating content that hooks the viewer from the beginning of the video and keeps the audience's attention.

Production Values

Video Continuity/Editing

The tape is edited with only high quality shots remaining. Video moves smoothly from shot to shot. A variety of transitions are used to assist in communicating the main idea and smooth the flow from one scene to the next. Shots and scenes flow seamlessly. Digital effects are used appropriately for emphasis.

Audio Editing

The audio is clear and effectively assists in communicating the main idea. Background audio is kept in balance.

Lighting

Additional lighting is used to eliminate shadows and glares. All scenes have sufficient lighting for viewer to easily see action.

Camera Techniques (Exposure/Focus)

All shots are clearly focused and well framed. The camera is held steady with few pans and zooms. Close-ups are used to focus attention.

Graphics

The graphics and/or animation assist in presenting an overall theme that appeals to the audience and enhances concepts with a high impact message. Graphics explain and reinforce key points during the presentation.

Copyright

Copyrighted information for photos, graphics and music is clearly identified by source and nature of permission to reproduce.

Moving Images

Motion scenes are planned and purposeful, adding impact to the story line. "Talking heads" scenes are used when crucial to telling the story.

Timing

Video clips show no slack time. "Three beat" timing (three actions per clip or three clips per event) is evident.

References and Resources

• This template is based on the copyrighted rubric by Joan Vanderveide (mailto:vanderveldej@gmail.com) at the University of Wisconsin - Stout.
• Another excellent rubric for producing quality videos can by found at Coco's Classroom. The striking thing about this rubric was it was produced for students in K-12 and shares many of the same criteria as that of Ms Vandervelde's rubric.

Prerequisite

This guideline and its associated template assume that the scripted video has already been prepared and is awaiting review.