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How-to

Updated Nov. 11, 2015

Transcript

End

Thursday, Nov. 11: Choose your group and your topic by the end of class. Type this information in a Google Doc and share it with me (Tasha Shelton). If it is not turned in to me by the end of class on Thursday, it will be considered late and will be subject to a point deduction.
Monday, Nov. 16: Your script is due at the end of class. Again, type your script in a Google Doc, but put it in the "Script" folder, which is in the "Commercial" folder, which is in the "Project Submissions" folder for your class period.
Monday, Nov. 30: All of your footage must be shot by the beginning of class.
Thursday, Dec. 3: The rough cut of your video, including effects, is due at the end of class.
Monday, Dec. 7: The final cut of your video is due at the end of class.

Your topic must be specific and appropriate for school.
For example, if you choose to create a video about how to make music, you'll want to make sure that you pick a specific technique or something related to making music. Broad topics lead to very boring videos.
Your video must teach your viewers how to do something, even if it's something they'll never actually do.
Your video must have at least two different text effects that are created in After Effects.

There is no minimum or maximum length for the video. As long as you get through all of the information that needs to be presented, you're good.
Music isn't necessary, but it's highly suggested. Just make sure the volume of the music doesn't cover up the sound of your own voice.
You can work on your own or with up to two other people in this class for this project.
Regardless, make sure everyone in your group has a role in the group (manager, cinematographer, script writer, etc.).
You can check out a camera or shoot this during class.
Like always, everyone in your group will create their own version of the video, including text effects.

A great script:
You might think your improvisation skills are amazing, but you have to remember that how-to videos depend on clarity and simplicity.
If you leave out a step or some critical information, the video becomes pointless.
For example, if your video is about how to shoot an arrow at a target and you leave out the part about how to aim effectively, then your video will be pointless (Get it? Because arrows have points. No? Ok, moving on.)
It will prevent you from digressing into topics that aren't necessary.
How-to videos should contain only essential information. You're trying to teach someone how to do something, so including anything other than the information necessary to do that could be confusing and annoying. It will also make the video too long and your viewer(s) will likely check out before the end.
It will likely make your video more interesting.
Even if your topic is really boring, a well written script can make it very interesting. Think about your best, most interesting teachers. They're not good teachers because they're super smart; they're great teachers because they know how to present information in an interesting way and a lot of planning goes into that.

Compelling/interesting topic:
Your topic must be related to something you and your group are interested in teaching. Popular topics include skateboarding tricks, magic tricks, and making music.
You could also choose something you think would be helpful for other people to know.
For example, we all have to memorize parts of the periodic table at some point during chemistry. Make a video about how they can memorize that easily (perhaps through songs, rhymes or silly associations).
If you can't think of anything that would be helpful, at least try to pick a topic that's interesting.
For example, make a how-to video about how to dissect a cow's eye. That might not be particularly helpful but it would be interesting (to some).

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Mrs. Shelton