Concepts and Techniques in Multimedia Storytelling

Editor's Notes

2. Introduce selves: Multimedia Journalists. CLP doing multimedia since it meant a series of photos you could click through. We’ve done a lot of experiementing, as part of local and international reporting. Are informed by all kinds of storytelling What storytellers in residence means: Not that we’re the experts who have all the answers. That we’re here to take a journey with you -- to be a fish bowl, to be collaborators and consultants on your projects, for us to break ground together. In that spirit, tonight should be conversational.
3. We heard Elan talk about this at TED Anecdote about adapting to new mediums. New mediums show up, we don’t automatically know how to adapt -- first fiction writers lied to say they were telling truth, first movies were just filming plays, The new mediums we have to play with (The Big Internet, mobile) all the changes that are taking place in the ways that we can possibly consume media: We have to think outside the box to adapt to storytelling for the web
4. What we’re doing right now is shoveling content made for other mediums on to the web. Newspapers, TV, Movies, Radio. Its easy b/c we already know how to make that kind of content, but it doesn’t live up to the potential. I agree with Elan that this will change. So how do we do better. How do we evolve.
5. What we’re doing right now is shoveling content made for other mediums on to the web. Newspapers, TV, Movies, Radio. Its easy b/c we already know how to make that kind of content, but it doesn’t live up to the potential. I agree with Elan that this will change. So how do we do better. How do we evolve.
6. What we’re doing right now is shoveling content made for other mediums on to the web. Newspapers, TV, Movies, Radio. Its easy b/c we already know how to make that kind of content, but it doesn’t live up to the potential. I agree with Elan that this will change. So how do we do better. How do we evolve.
7. So what’s the next step? We have Elan’s concept : Web-scavenger hunt or gaming/interactivity. That stuff is COOL with a capital C -- and people respond to that wow factor. Arcade fire video: we’ll take a look later? But there’s another very exciting thing happening right now, that’s more simple but very powerful that we want to be a part of:
8. Bef: A video that embodies that. After:I first saw it about 6 months ago and it really opened my eyes. Since then I’ve watched it 5 or 10 times because every time I put it into a slideshow or pass it on to someone else, I end up watching it again. You’ll hear about how people will only watch 2mins of video online, but this grabs you and makes you want to keep watching. After: Its a news story, its a music video, its an art film, its a promo for a non-profit, slap a just do it and a swoosh on the end and its a viral advertisement.
9. Its an example of Web-primary content that draws from the best parts of all past medium -- the storytelling of radio, amazing visuals of film, characters from long form journalism. made to be watched online -- thats a revolutionary concept Much more relevant as TV and Web become one and the same, as the expectation is an all consuming multimedia experience, weather its on TV, computer, mobile
10. Its Real! In a world of ad and entertainment messages that seem calculated, disengenuous, overwrought -- and of “reality” themed messages that are in fact unreal, If you can capture a real genuine person, dealing with a real issue, your message will stand apart. especially when you can make it as engaging as fiction. You’re probably trying to deliver some information -- but its going down like top sirloin because what you’re mostly giving is emotion. And thats what storytelling does and has always done (read the poetics).
11. Tonight talk about how to execute that kind of beautiful, emotional, relatable and real media: Joy Made for TED in a week Using it to talk process. What worked about it?: Real, Emotional, Local, Relatable, Animated/Cool Looking What didn’t?: Not flawed enough of a character (martyr), Pacing
12. We started out looking to show the unexpected face of homelessness. How do you do that via Multimedia?
13. Access -- First thing you need: cant do MM w/o access.Sometimes the instinct is to go for some big issue like I want to tell a story about human trafficking or celebrities. So how do you get access to report on homelessness? Start with Advocates to get to a character who you know you have access to. Or start with someone you already have access to. Single character narratives --each added character makes it more complex and harder. If you’re telling a big story, look for someone who represents that. Who is served by the org you’re promoting. Who uses the product you’re selling
14. Access -- First thing you need: cant do MM w/o access.Sometimes the instinct is to go for some big issue like I want to tell a story about human trafficking or celebrities. So how do you get access to report on homelessness? Start with Advocates to get to a character who you know you have access to. Or start with someone you already have access to. Single character narratives --each added character makes it more complex and harder. If you’re telling a big story, look for someone who represents that. Who is served by the org you’re promoting. Who uses the product you’re selling
15. So you’ve got access, set up an interview. This is Most valuable stuff we have to offer -- done tons of interviews. Do it somewhere that relates to the person. Could have met joy at starbucks, but then no pictures, no kids there.
16. Make it a conversation: Compromise equipment for comfort of your subject. People who are comfortable being interviewed because they’ve done it tons probably arent going to give you very emotional content. But some people are naturally more talkative so : talk to the loudest guy in the room Big picture: People like to talk details so you have to ask them over and over to explain the big pic. Thats what you’re going to use, not details What is your ideal solution? Why do you care about this issue? How would you summarize everything we’ve talked about in one sentence? Repeat the question Not over til its over: Let the interview feel like its ended, but keep going -- you’ll get the best stuff. On that note, the longer you hang around, the more comfortable, more honest the material will get.
17. Make it a conversation: Compromise equipment for comfort of your subject. People who are comfortable being interviewed because they’ve done it tons probably arent going to give you very emotional content. But some people are naturally more talkative so : talk to the loudest guy in the room Big picture: People like to talk details so you have to ask them over and over to explain the big pic. Thats what you’re going to use, not details What is your ideal solution? Why do you care about this issue? How would you summarize everything we’ve talked about in one sentence? Repeat the question Not over til its over: Let the interview feel like its ended, but keep going -- you’ll get the best stuff. On that note, the longer you hang around, the more comfortable, more honest the material will get.
18. Make it a conversation: Compromise equipment for comfort of your subject. People who are comfortable being interviewed because they’ve done it tons probably arent going to give you very emotional content. But some people are naturally more talkative so : talk to the loudest guy in the room Big picture: People like to talk details so you have to ask them over and over to explain the big pic. Thats what you’re going to use, not details What is your ideal solution? Why do you care about this issue? How would you summarize everything we’ve talked about in one sentence? Repeat the question Not over til its over: Let the interview feel like its ended, but keep going -- you’ll get the best stuff. On that note, the longer you hang around, the more comfortable, more honest the material will get.
19. Make it a conversation: Compromise equipment for comfort of your subject. People who are comfortable being interviewed because they’ve done it tons probably arent going to give you very emotional content. But some people are naturally more talkative so : talk to the loudest guy in the room Big picture: People like to talk details so you have to ask them over and over to explain the big pic. Thats what you’re going to use, not details What is your ideal solution? Why do you care about this issue? How would you summarize everything we’ve talked about in one sentence? Repeat the question Not over til its over: Let the interview feel like its ended, but keep going -- you’ll get the best stuff. On that note, the longer you hang around, the more comfortable, more honest the material will get.
20. Make it a conversation: Compromise equipment for comfort of your subject. People who are comfortable being interviewed because they’ve done it tons probably arent going to give you very emotional content. But some people are naturally more talkative so : talk to the loudest guy in the room Big picture: People like to talk details so you have to ask them over and over to explain the big pic. Thats what you’re going to use, not details What is your ideal solution? Why do you care about this issue? How would you summarize everything we’ve talked about in one sentence? Repeat the question Not over til its over: Let the interview feel like its ended, but keep going -- you’ll get the best stuff. On that note, the longer you hang around, the more comfortable, more honest the material will get.
21. Make it a conversation: Compromise equipment for comfort of your subject. People who are comfortable being interviewed because they’ve done it tons probably arent going to give you very emotional content. But some people are naturally more talkative so : talk to the loudest guy in the room Big picture: People like to talk details so you have to ask them over and over to explain the big pic. Thats what you’re going to use, not details What is your ideal solution? Why do you care about this issue? How would you summarize everything we’ve talked about in one sentence? Repeat the question Not over til its over: Let the interview feel like its ended, but keep going -- you’ll get the best stuff. On that note, the longer you hang around, the more comfortable, more honest the material will get.
22. Make it a conversation: Compromise equipment for comfort of your subject. People who are comfortable being interviewed because they’ve done it tons probably arent going to give you very emotional content. But some people are naturally more talkative so : talk to the loudest guy in the room Big picture: People like to talk details so you have to ask them over and over to explain the big pic. Thats what you’re going to use, not details What is your ideal solution? Why do you care about this issue? How would you summarize everything we’ve talked about in one sentence? Repeat the question Not over til its over: Let the interview feel like its ended, but keep going -- you’ll get the best stuff. On that note, the longer you hang around, the more comfortable, more honest the material will get.
23. Scenes/Action We can’t just have her talk, what does she do? She mentions in passing how long she Rides the Bus “Can we go with you”
24. Scenes/Action We can’t just have her talk, what does she do? She mentions in passing how long she Rides the Bus “Can we go with you”
25. Sound is most important! Without good sound we don’t have anything. Without visuals we could have animated all of it. Look at FCP timeline and Talk about how we recorded the sound for the interviews and the bus ride.
26. Sound is most important! Without good sound we don’t have anything. Without visuals we could have animated all of it. Look at FCP timeline and Talk about how we recorded the sound for the interviews and the bus ride.
27. Sound is most important! Without good sound we don’t have anything. Without visuals we could have animated all of it. Look at FCP timeline and Talk about how we recorded the sound for the interviews and the bus ride.
28. Sound is most important! Without good sound we don’t have anything. Without visuals we could have animated all of it. Look at FCP timeline and Talk about how we recorded the sound for the interviews and the bus ride.
29. Sound is most important! Without good sound we don’t have anything. Without visuals we could have animated all of it. Look at FCP timeline and Talk about how we recorded the sound for the interviews and the bus ride.
30. Sound is most important! Without good sound we don’t have anything. Without visuals we could have animated all of it. Look at FCP timeline and Talk about how we recorded the sound for the interviews and the bus ride.
31. Sound is most important! Without good sound we don’t have anything. Without visuals we could have animated all of it. Look at FCP timeline and Talk about how we recorded the sound for the interviews and the bus ride.
32. Anaconda: 5D/t2i/7d/60d, Nikons --Still Lenses with HD video together -- think of them as interchangeable , quick switch between the two, Still camera lenses shooting video so Depth of Field, focus, shutter speed of amazing film cameras
33. Anaconda: 5D/t2i/7d/60d, Nikons --Still Lenses with HD video together -- think of them as interchangeable , quick switch between the two, Still camera lenses shooting video so Depth of Field, focus, shutter speed of amazing film cameras
34. That technology = powerful new aesthetic treating video like photography What our eyes can’t see: Depth of field, Strange Angles, Frame Rates
35. That technology = powerful new aesthetic treating video like photography What our eyes can’t see: Depth of field, Strange Angles, Frame Rates
36. That technology = powerful new aesthetic treating video like photography What our eyes can’t see: Depth of field, Strange Angles, Frame Rates
37. That technology = powerful new aesthetic treating video like photography What our eyes can’t see: Depth of field, Strange Angles, Frame Rates
38. That technology = powerful new aesthetic treating video like photography What our eyes can’t see: Depth of field, Strange Angles, Frame Rates
39. That technology = powerful new aesthetic treating video like photography What our eyes can’t see: Depth of field, Strange Angles, Frame Rates
40. Test project I did with my new camera: ANACONDA
41. If you can, two camera interviews give you something to cut away to. Wider 2 shot for body language, they can also roam for details Easier editing b/c you can make jump cuts with the audio
42. Can be old Family Pictures Sound recording from call in line Or old videos from Archive.org (ie audio on beg. of Scrapertown) Or old Newspapers think outside the box
43. Other general tips for Shooting Visuals: Too much B roll -- Aka too many photos, aka too much ambi/foly (and too much room tone) Get four shots of every situation Shooting for Print you’re looking for that one good shot, shooting for multimedia/video you need tons (some can suck)
44. Other general tips for Shooting Visuals: Too much B roll -- Aka too many photos, aka too much ambi/foly (and too much room tone) Get four shots of every situation Shooting for Print you’re looking for that one good shot, shooting for multimedia/video you need tons (some can suck)
45. Other general tips for Shooting Visuals: Too much B roll -- Aka too many photos, aka too much ambi/foly (and too much room tone) Get four shots of every situation Shooting for Print you’re looking for that one good shot, shooting for multimedia/video you need tons (some can suck)
46. Time to put it all together -- the hardest part -- most conceptual. Kill your beauties is most impt concept -- youre not going to use everything you shot: We collected tons of other material Haircuts at Urban Rest Stop -- another amazing character Expert Interviews Case workers calling new clients Other stuff with Joy
47. Time to put it all together -- the hardest part -- most conceptual. Kill your beauties is most impt concept -- youre not going to use everything you shot: We collected tons of other material Haircuts at Urban Rest Stop -- another amazing character Expert Interviews Case workers calling new clients Other stuff with Joy
48. Time to put it all together -- the hardest part -- most conceptual. Kill your beauties is most impt concept -- youre not going to use everything you shot: We collected tons of other material Haircuts at Urban Rest Stop -- another amazing character Expert Interviews Case workers calling new clients Other stuff with Joy
49. Time to put it all together -- the hardest part -- most conceptual. Kill your beauties is most impt concept -- youre not going to use everything you shot: We collected tons of other material Haircuts at Urban Rest Stop -- another amazing character Expert Interviews Case workers calling new clients Other stuff with Joy
50. Time to put it all together -- the hardest part -- most conceptual. Kill your beauties is most impt concept -- youre not going to use everything you shot: We collected tons of other material Haircuts at Urban Rest Stop -- another amazing character Expert Interviews Case workers calling new clients Other stuff with Joy
51. But they all detracted from the central theme -- most powerful central thesis. Topic sentence -- make everything speak to that! We really struggled with that on this piece -- maybe it shows
52. But they all detracted from the central theme -- most powerful central thesis. Topic sentence -- make everything speak to that! We really struggled with that on this piece -- maybe it shows
53. Additive Editing -- Don’t start with all the material and get rid of what’s bad, Start with whats golden, then get rid of most of that. Once you get down to what you think is the best material, write out a script Max 150 words -- 2 or 3 paragraphs/minute
54. Additive Editing -- Don’t start with all the material and get rid of what’s bad, Start with whats golden, then get rid of most of that. Once you get down to what you think is the best material, write out a script Max 150 words -- 2 or 3 paragraphs/minute
55. Replaced experts with slates -- some people hate em, I tolerate em. Writing them is HAAAARD! If anyone says writing is debased nowdays, try writing some slates. We had three. Do you remember? Good, I hope you didn’t notice them: This one, They have to ride the bus really far, Their shelter is temporary Put all that context on the rest of the webpage -- we expect to read something on the way to the content: ie for Anaconda its: Anaconda, Montana was once a mining boom town built around the world's largest copper smelting operation. The smelter closed in 1980, and after a multi-million dollar environmental cleanup effort, the picturesque town is struggling to attract new jobs and keep younger residents.
56. Replaced experts with slates -- some people hate em, I tolerate em. Writing them is HAAAARD! If anyone says writing is debased nowdays, try writing some slates. We had three. Do you remember? Good, I hope you didn’t notice them: This one, They have to ride the bus really far, Their shelter is temporary Put all that context on the rest of the webpage -- we expect to read something on the way to the content: ie for Anaconda its: Anaconda, Montana was once a mining boom town built around the world's largest copper smelting operation. The smelter closed in 1980, and after a multi-million dollar environmental cleanup effort, the picturesque town is struggling to attract new jobs and keep younger residents.
57. Replaced experts with slates -- some people hate em, I tolerate em. Writing them is HAAAARD! If anyone says writing is debased nowdays, try writing some slates. We had three. Do you remember? Good, I hope you didn’t notice them: This one, They have to ride the bus really far, Their shelter is temporary Put all that context on the rest of the webpage -- we expect to read something on the way to the content: ie for Anaconda its: Anaconda, Montana was once a mining boom town built around the world's largest copper smelting operation. The smelter closed in 1980, and after a multi-million dollar environmental cleanup effort, the picturesque town is struggling to attract new jobs and keep younger residents.
58. Final post production: Music, Sound Mix/Levels, Color Correction two main flaws; too easy on her -- shes martyred, not relatable. ‘its my fault, i made this bad choice.’ Pacing is a little off -- probably too long. Goes up with her travels, background and then back down to ‘she’s getting kicked out’ too awkwardly
59. Final post production: Music, Sound Mix/Levels, Color Correction two main flaws; too easy on her -- shes martyred, not relatable. ‘its my fault, i made this bad choice.’ Pacing is a little off -- probably too long. Goes up with her travels, background and then back down to ‘she’s getting kicked out’ too awkwardly
60. Final post production: Music, Sound Mix/Levels, Color Correction two main flaws; too easy on her -- shes martyred, not relatable. ‘its my fault, i made this bad choice.’ Pacing is a little off -- probably too long. Goes up with her travels, background and then back down to ‘she’s getting kicked out’ too awkwardly
61. Questions, comments, thoughts Other things we can watch.
62. Closing thoughts:Why should you care: Communication is democratized, Everybody can get their message out, Which is good for us as a whole, but as an individual how do you make yours stand apart? Deliver somthing unique Or: Maybe in the future -- that we all have these tools and we communicate our messages at this level all the time
63. Questions, comments, thoughts Other topics: Fields where this is valuable? Non-profit client work, Advertising How does this compare to other storytelling classes? Talk about Narrative: Flawed characters Can you be competitive with low technology?