The document discusses techniques for creating engaging underwater videos using storytelling principles. It recommends starting with establishing shots from above water to include non-divers. Underwater, it suggests using the BBC 5 shot method - getting closeups of hands, a person's face, a wide shot, an over-the-shoulder shot, and an unusual shot. This provides a sequence that cuts together well and leaves the audience curious. It stresses the importance of clear planning, stable footage, proper lighting when deep diving, and short, consumable videos to share experiences with others.
2. Common diving video issues
(for videos you want to share)
Video too long (in love with the footage)
You MUST edit videos either in camera or
with some editing software to make it
consumable
Video not stable
Trying to shoot deep without lights
No diffuser/video reflector on lights
4. Storytelling for Divers
(each sequence can be short)
Story starts topside - people like to be included in the adventure, even
if they don’t dive (think Cousteau) - Yes, I’ll repeat this again and
again. Get those topside shots! :)
Every story has three parts: Beginning, middle, conclusion.
5. Storytelling for Divers
(Not talking fish tales)
Topside can be short and sweet, basically a few sequences to help
bring the audience up to speed, or more in depth if the subject matter
is a bigger deal, such as a tech dive or vacation requiring more
preparation.
In making the opening faster paced and then things slow down once
you get underwater (with longer cuts, etc..) you help share the feeling
of weightlessness and relaxation that makes diving special.
6. The Beginning
The audience likes to be included, even if they don’t dive, topside
content helps them feel connected.
Planning stages
Preparation (as simple as getting gear together or more in depth
such as getting proper education, gear, getting fit, etc…)
The night before (making that list, checking it twice)
Loading gear and heading out
Traveling to destination
7. The Adventure
Execution!
Arrival! Yay! We made it! Let the wild rumpus begin!
If its a boat dive, more loading up and another travel sequence
Getting into kit! (TIME TO DIVE!)
DIVE!!!! (still try to tell the story of the dive: descent, dive, ascent)
Happy Smiling Divers getting out of water (this can also be
conclusion)
(The story can end here)
8. Conclusion of dive adventure
Conclusion
Debrief/riding back on boat, getting hot chocolate…
Loading wet soggy gear, laughing about messy hair, general fun,
social time, feeling of relief if it was a big expedition…
Driving home
Home
Unloading gear, rinsing
Clock showing final time or sitting down to post about the dive or
any other creative ‘end of day’ scenario and …fade to black.
(conclusion can be super short, simple as High Five’s
and a door closing on the car, or more in-depth -
even if more in depth, make sure its still short duration)
10. To sum things up….
You don't have to do everything described,
even just doing a little bit will vastly improve
your video, while still keeping it short.
12. Ten years of training journalists
and students: video storytelling
is the toughest thing to teach
13. Problems
Uncle Ralph video (home movie)
Bad framing
Unusable pans/moves/following the action
Not enough closeups
No clear concept for each shot
Bad audio makes the best footage shot with
the best camera money can buy, look
amateur
24. Adam Westbrook
“What’s the difference between
amateurs and professionals?
Pros shoot sequences.”
http://adamwestbrook.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/10-common-video-storytelling-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them-adam-westbrook-online-video/
25. Why it’s useful
Compels journalist/storyteller to get close
Provides known game plan
Frees up time for story decision making
Web video demands closeups
27. Tools for Evaluation
People other than the divers on the dive looking to see
themselves will watch the entire video (outside
audience appreciation)
People (non divers) will learn something “Wow! It’s so
bright and colorful down there”
If you watch your YouTube Analytics people make it
through the majority of your video
People share your video
28. Keep in mind…
Not meant to be rigid formula
Know when to break rules
Under stress, fall back on basic training:
closeups, faces, holding shots,
line of action
30. Future Possibilities
Build the 5 shot method into device
Hands
Fac
e
OTSWide Unusual
Closeup on
face
WHO is doing it?
• Frame with rule of thirds
• Give “talk space” in front of
eyes/nose.
• Can cut off top of head, but not the
chin.
• SHOW TWO EYES!
FRAMING
EYES
NOSEROOM
e-
workbo
ok
REC
Analyze
Module: BBC 5
Shot