Click on the picture to see the video
I love making videos! I have written and filmed a few of them in the past, and this is the latest one - how to make a box from paper. Film-making for me is one the most rewarding and creative projects I like to do on the weekends. It is the kind of experience that has great highs and lows, where you feel compelled to be creative until you get frustrated by so many details and redo shots - but at the end, all of your tiredness goes away when you see people engaged watching it. I cannot describe the feeling I have when someone says, "that was nicely done!" It gets me excited to work on another one immediately even when I am still exhausted from the previous one.
Since I have a strong passion for learning and teaching, I mostly make short DIY videos or tutorials. Recently, I was editing a clip in After Effects and I learned a few motion techniques. I decided to make something fun, educational, and short using these techniques. I filmed this short video in only three days - the first day was for writing the script and planning each shot, and the second day was for recording the audio and shooting, and the third day was for editing and exporting the final movie. Here are some more details about the process.
First Day:
I wrote the script and I came up with a funny dialogue as a "hook" to capture and my audience's attention. After that, I developed the script into a descriptive storyboard, which includes an explanation of the scene, characters, environment, and action.
A template I created & used for this project
My process for writing this script was:
- I wrote down all steps with simple illustrations.
- I reviewed the steps with a friend to make sure they are easy to follow and I am not missing any crucial details
- I took the revised version and turned it into a story. Basically, I start by introducing the problem - a girl is looking for an easy way to keep her room organized by keeping some small and unmanageable things in one place. Then, I introduced the answer - making a paper box! At the end, I added a few tips and additional fun uses of the box.
- I reviewed it with a screenwriter to see if the story is interesting and appealing enough to make someone watching pull paper from their notebook and start making a paper box.
- I reviewed the steps with a friend to make sure they are easy to follow and I am not missing any crucial details
- I took the revised version and turned it into a story. Basically, I start by introducing the problem - a girl is looking for an easy way to keep her room organized by keeping some small and unmanageable things in one place. Then, I introduced the answer - making a paper box! At the end, I added a few tips and additional fun uses of the box.
- I reviewed it with a screenwriter to see if the story is interesting and appealing enough to make someone watching pull paper from their notebook and start making a paper box.
Second Day:
Even though I planned every shot in advance, I was challenged to shoot fast in a busy environment (a University campus), and the actress had to leave early. Due to this situation, almost all the scenes had at most 2 takes.
You can see how busy the place was! =)
Third Day:
When I looked at the footage, I was completely satisfied with the result, especially that it was filmed under pressure. However, when I began to put the footage together, I found a scene where the video was shorter than the voice-over. So, I had to think of a way to fix the missing part without letting the audience notice. The way I did it is by freezing the last part of the scene, and using animation to give it a sense that the character is thinking for some time!
My technique to replace the missing shot, freezing the last frame and adding some animation.
A few things I had to consider:
- Doing whatever it takes to have a clear image and audio. Since I didn't have enough time, I first tried to shoot the movie during the morning so that I wouldn't need to lighten the shots manually on Premiere. Secondly, I recorded the voice ahead of time in a quiet place so it could be a guide for the actress. Having low audio or a poorly-lit scene could give your audience a hard time following the instruction and reduce the level of engagement in general.
- Different types of shots: it is always a good idea to have a variety of shots (wide, long, medium, and close-up). For example, you would consider an extreme long shot to establish your first scene, and medium shots for dialogue, then close-up shots for showing details, such a facial reaction or hand movements.
I considered using different types of shots to make the video more engaging
Other tips for anyone who is planning to shoot a short movie:
- Besides your camera shot list, have a checklist of items that you need for each scene. This checklist could include items such as furniture, objects, and subjects in the background. When you start shooting, it is easy to forget about things other than the main character and script.
- Be playful with details. You can first plan the main shots, and once you are done, go to your final plan and add some funny scenes, employ an element of surprise, or link it to a recent and global event. Some people underestimate these details especially when the main purpose of the content is to deliver information, but I would say that they really keep your audience engaged and entertained til the end.
- Explain the script well to your talent and give them a chance to add their own thoughts and comments. The more they understand it, the more likely they are going to look natural and comfortable in their acting.