The “How To” Instructional Video

Proposal: 10 points

Script: 20 points

Video: 100 points

Objective: Produce a two to three minute instructional video as a row group project. Watch these student examples: 

 

Skateboard

Button Maker

 

PROCEDURE: 

 

1. Brainstorm various ideas for a skill that you can teach using video.  You must demonstrate how to do a minimum of five steps.  Discuss any hobbies, special skills, or interests that members of your group have.  For example, you may have someone who can explain how to crochet, or you may have someone is a coin collector and they can explain how to grade the condition of coins.  You may also create a video on how to use the features of a product that you own.  Once you select an idea discuss, decide on what you will teach, and who will demonstrate how to do it on camera.  Then select a host to introduce the concept and to do the voiceover narration.  The third member of your group will serve as the director/camera operator.  You are cautioned not to submit an idea that is too elementary.  Your target audience is other teens and young adults.  If would be insulting to show your audience how to fold a tee shirt, unless you are teaching a technique that is very different from the one commonly practiced.  

 

2. Write your proposal.  Select a typist for your group and use Microsoft Word to type the proposal.  The director will facilitate the group and make sure that the group completes the required task.  This paper must list the following:

 

  1. The item or skill to be demonstrated.
  2. A description of what skills will be taught.
  3. The name of the demonstrator.
  4. The name of the host.
  5. The name of the director/camera operator. 
  6. The location where your group will shoot the demonstration.  (Note: The intro and conclusion are shot in the Side-Studio.)

 

When you have completed this, pitch the project to your teacher for approval.  After you have approval, turn this paper in on School Loop with all three names of the group in the file name. Example: Sanchez_Smith_Jones_HowPro.doc

 

3. Write a script. Select a typist, and as a group write a script that explains, step-by-step, all of the needed information. This is a collaborative effort – ALL members of the group must participate in the development of the script.  In an instructional video you are speaking directly to the viewer, so the talent will look into the camera. Use the following outline:

  1. Introduction: The host explains what is about to be taught and why this might be valuable knowledge to the viewer. The host then gives the name and experience of the demonstrator. This part must be written word-for-word.  The introduction will run between 15 and 25 seconds.  Your group will shoot this section in the blue room using three point lighting.
  2. Demonstration:  The demonstrator explains the product or skill using a minimum of five steps. This part does not need to be word-for-word, but can be an outline of the procedure taught.  There must be a five (or more) steps demonstrated.  You do not need to make note of the distinction between each step, for example do not say, “Step one” and “Step Two”
  3. Write at least two voice-over narration parts for the host.  This narration track will go over the some video of the demonstrator. This must be written word-for-word. 
  4. Conclusion: The host (back in the blue room) reviews what was learned and why it is important.  This must be written word-for-word.  The conclusion should be in the range of 10-15 seconds. 

Turn the script in on the server with the names of all three members of the group.  If a member is absent on the day the script is written leave their name off the document.  They will have to write a script as homework for make-up points.

 

4. Videotape. Reserve a camera and make sure you have all necessary props on the day of your shoot.  You will need to reserve time in the blue room.  Shoot the host’s segments (the intro and the conclusion in the blue room.  Set up the lights using a proper 3 point lighting set-up.  Use a microphone on the talent.  Also shoot your demonstration segment.  Make sure you have plenty of coverage.  Shoot the sequence as a medium shot and then again as a close-up.  You may also need to do several extreme close-ups.  Special notes: In the opening and closing segments, the host will look directly into the camera.  The demonstrator may also look directly into the camera.  

 

5. Edit. Each member of the group will edit a version of the instructional video on their own computers.  Add appropriate opening titles, host and talent titles.  For host and talent titles use “Subtitle” or “Stripe Subtitle.” Add closing credits that list the host, demonstrator, director and finally editor. Add appropriate music from the Video server.  This music is royalty free and is legal for you to use in your video project. (Do not use any other source for your music.) Make sure the music volume is not too loud. 

 

GRADING CRITERIA:

 

Video (100 points total)

  1. Structure  (15% of total): 

Five steps or procedures are illustrated in the video.

    1. The video is no shorter than 2 minutes, but no longer than 3 minutes
    2. The video opens and closes with the host in a studio environment.
    3. Each of the five instructional points clearly explained. (You do not have to note “Step 1,” “Step 2.”
    4. It also contains at least two voiceover sections that highlight some important aspect of the demonstration. 

 

  1. Performance (25% of total): 

You are graded on your performance as a director or an actor.  The director/camera operator is responsible for the following:

 

    1. Director

                                                               i.      Camera composition (follows rule-of-thirds, proper headroom, proper framing).

                                                             ii.      Camera technique (color balance is correct; tripod is set properly.

                                                            iii.      Direction (shots have motion that will match when cut to; actors directed to give appropriate performance; retake scenes if needed).

                                                           iv.      Coverage (shooting enough footage to edit, including a variety of shots (XCU, CU, MS, OTS, LS, etc.)

                                                             v.      Creativity in shot selection.

    1. Host

                                                               i.      Delivery of lines (phrasing appears natural; volume appropriate).

                                                             ii.      Affect (emotional response is appropriate to the character and the situation).

 

    1. Demonstrator

                                                               i.      Delivery of lines (phrasing appears natural; volume appropriate).

                                                             ii.      Affect (emotional response is appropriate to the character and the situation).

 

  1. Editing (40% of total)
    1. Demonstrate competent use of editing software.

                                                               i.      Effective selection of available takes.

                                                             ii.      Appropriate use of cuts and/or transitions.

                                                            iii.      Appropriate use of music from the Video server.

                                                           iv.      Pacing moves the story along without sacrificing clarity.

                                                             v.      Host and talent titles use “Subtitle” or “Stripe Subtitle.”

                                                           vi.      The title of the video appears at the beginning of the production.

                                                          vii.      Credits at the end list the following:

Director _________

Host ________ 

Demonstrator ________

Editor  __________

    1. The video presents information in an understandable manner and with a professional appearance.

 

  1. Professionalism (20% of total) 
    1. Professional attitude.

                                                               i.      Works well with others.

                                                             ii.      Follows classroom and school rules.

                                                            iii.      Uses care with all equipment.

 

    1. Assignment completed in a timely manner.

                                                               i.      Completed video in saved as a CDROM quality QuickTime file and named with your last name and the project number.

                                                             ii.      Work is completed by the posted deadline unless extended by the teacher because of student absence. 

 


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