Creating and editing video files

You may want to create a video while at university, and there are some important points worth considering before you start.

You will need:

• a concise script
• clear sound
• proper lighting
• appealing visual elements

You'll also need:

• Video camera or smartphone — newer smartphones can record high quality video.
• Microphone/audio recorder — an external microphone is preferable to the built-in one on your device.
• Tripod — to avoid shaky footage.
• Lights — for filming indoors.
• Video editing software.

Current students can access video recording equipment through IMTS equipment loans.

When choosing a tool consider the following:

• Basic or advanced features — simple projects may not require professional-grade software, which may be more difficult to learn and operate.
• Cost — video/photo/sound editing software can be expensive. Will you have access to this software once you graduate from UOW?
• Training — the availability of in-person training and online help varies between tools.

To view a list of common terminology used in video and other creative production tools, see the glossary.

Remember to check your assignment criteria first and think carefully about the intended audience and purpose of your assignment.

Write a script

Write a script before you start recording so you:

• Know what you want to say, and
• don’t forget to include important points.

If you improvise you might be too wordy, leave too many pauses and say too many “umms” and “ahhs” as you think about what to say next.

Script essentials

• Use a conversational tone
• Keep your sentences short and simple. Don’t use connecting phrases such as “so then…” or “ as previously mentioned...”
• Avoid repetition
• If you are doing a live recording, do a practice recording (or a few) before the real thing. Work on trying to sound natural
• Try to keep your video as short as possible. Viewers tend to be annoyed by lengthy introductions or interludes that just waste their time. Check the length requirements in your assignment instructions first.

Storyboarding

• The storyboard is used to plan the visual elements that will go with your script.
• Your video may include a combination of text, photos, graphics, audio and video.
• The storyboard can be a simple document or drawing that maps out your video.
• You can use it to plan what video shots, text or images to show for each part of your script.

Watch the video to learn about script writing.

This resource was adapted and remixed from "Digital Essentials" by UQ Library Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

This adapted work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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