Plan your recording using a script
Planning your video before recording is sound as it saves you time and facilitates the post-production. A well-developed script makes it easier to see if the video's purpose, structure and learning objectives are clear. It also makes it easier to see how the different parts of the video relate to each other.
Tip! When planning your video, keep in mind the purpose of the video and how the students will use the video together with other course material.
Save time by planning your video
When planning your video, you should write down everything you want to include and how you want to include it in the video. This will be a kind of script that will help you during the recording and any possible editing. The script helps you get an overview of the video's content. It, therefore, allows you to check before recording that the content is presented clearly and educationally.
The time you spend on pre-production and script work usually pays off both during recording and any possible editing. It is faster to edit repeatedly in a script than to do several retakes while recording or to edit the video afterwards. The script work also helps you discover problems in the text and layout well in advance of the recording.
Note! If your script feels like a burden when recording, you can depart from it, especially if you get stuck on the wording.
Two types of scripts
The two types of scripts that you are recommended to use are:
- speech script – what to say
- storyboard – how the content should be displayed.
These two types of scripts are explained in more detail under the following headings.
Note! Scripts exist to help you, so only use the types of scripts that are appropriate for your video.
Speech script – what to say
In the speech script, you write down what is to be said in the way you prefer. It can be long sections of text or in the form of bulleted lists and keywords. The goal is to get all the essentials in the video and in your planned order, not to reproduce the text verbatim.
Feel free to practice reading the speech script before recording. In this way, you understand whether it needs to be simplified and whether you get stuck on particular sentences and words. You also get an idea of the length of the video if you take your time reading it.
Tip! Following your speech script can help in any post-production, especially if someone else helps you with it. For example, when editing or texting (spelling).
Note! If you have visual content that must be explained in words (verbalized), write the descriptions in the speech script.
Storyboard – how the content should be displayed
The goal of a storyboard is to facilitate the recording by already having thought out and sketched how and what will be shown in the video. The picture script can consist of elementary sketches if you understand what you intend to show and how. Sometimes a text description of what is to be displayed is sufficient.
Connect the storyboard to the speech script with short references to what should be said in the corresponding picture. This makes it easier to use them simultaneously and will also make it easier if, for example, you need the help of an assistant who works the camera. It can also help you with any editing.
Examples of what a storyboard can contain:
- The position of essential objects and possible movements in the image (can be indicated with arrows).
- Position of people.
- Changes to camera position, angle or image size (close-up, half-frame, full-frame).
- Interactive elements, for example when quizzes are to be entered.
- Media displayed when recording.
- Media to be inserted afterwards.
Media refers to, for example, still images, other video features, sound, animations and screen renderings. Remember to check that you have permission to use the material according to copyright and GDPR.
The script can be reworked if necessary
Don't feel tied to the script if you get improvement ideas during the recording or editing. However, be careful not to make significant changes during ongoing production, as this can have far-reaching consequences. It's better to have finished a video than to make it perfect.