COMF 353 Mini-Informational Video Assignment
Evangel Department Videos

From the Syllabus:
Informational video project. Students will work in groups of 2 to produce a 3 minute informational video
about one of the departments at Evangel University. Videos must include interviews, narration, video,
photos, sounds, etc. that illustrate and explain the subject. The video should have an overall message that is
reinforced through the video. Turn in on DVD and on CD with Web version.

Pre-Production:

1. Make an appointment with the department head and discuss the project and what he/she would like to see in the video.

2. Make a list of the people who might be interviewed. Get contact information for these people.

3. Make appointments to interview the subjects on camera. Use appropriate locations.

4. Develop a focus for the video - what some might call an angle. This is the message you are trying to express in the video.

5. Create an overall style for the video - which includes graphic design and shooting angles.

6. Who is the audience for the video? Discuss with the department head who they need to reach out to and create the video for the specific audience.

7. Make notes on all aspects of the project

Doing the production:

1. Start by doing some research on the department so you can develop a list of people to talk to and things to shoot for b-roll.

2. Look for available photos, films, letters, etc. that might be of value and could be shown on camera.

3. Interview more people than you think you need. These interviews should be videotaped with excellent lighting and related backgrounds.

4. Shoot plenty of b-roll footage of anything that seems related. Try to think how the shots fit together with what you know about the subject and what people said in interviews.

5. Think of how you will start and end the piece. Shoot some footage that brings the audience into the subject. End with something that helps summarize the subject, yet leaves a lasting impression.

Editing the project:

1. Look over everything you have and listen to all interviews. Consider what you want to keep from the interviews, then write narration (if needed) to cover what is missing and to provide transitions between soundbites.

2. Write your voiceover using the guidelines for documentary writing from your book.

3. Record a polished narration track from your script. The voice does not have to be someone in your group.

4. Edit the project together so that it flows nicely on the audio side as that is what provides structure to the piece. You may use music where appropriate for mood - but don't over do it.

5. After editing is completed, burn to DVD-R. Then, export your timeline to Windows Media for website use - around 500 kbps download - 320 x 240. Burn this video to CD-R.

6. Make sure each person turns in a group evaluation sheet if you worked with other people on this.