This document provides guidance on creating engaging short videos through effective storytelling. It discusses key elements to consider in developing the story such as identifying the audience and message. It also outlines the important phases of video production: pre-production which involves developing the story, characters, shot list and logistics; production which is the filming; and post-production which is editing. The overall message is that an engaging video tells a clear, relatable story that moves the viewer to take a desired action.

1. MORE BIG QUESTIONS
Questions to Help You Create a Good Story;
•How is the message tied to the audience?
•What are the emotions around these
messages?
•What values do they express?
•What’s the moral of the story?

2. Who are the Best People to Tell the Story?
Need to choose a good character:
An Actor, Narrator, Interviewer, Performer
•Represents the story well
•Is comfortable on camera
•Responds in a clear voice with concise answers
•Has charisma that translates onto the screen
•Engages with the audience
•Is willing to be filmed

3. BRAINSTORM! Is your story Fictional or Real, or both…?
Take a moment to free associate. Write down words you would
use to describe key components of the story you’re trying to tell.
Who are ideal characters?
Adults, Teens, Family, Friends,
Athletes, Artists, Nerds,
Cops and Robbers…?
What are ideal situations to film?
Dedication, Family, Loyalty, Faith, Love, Compassion, Education
Friendship, Bullying, Energy,etc.

4. Viewer Identification with your Video
Engaging videos present the viewer
with characters and stories with
which they can identify and relate to
their own lives.
You need to create the feeling that
“this video is really about you.”
Through compelling characters and visual
imagery we create videos that viewers identify
with. Through this identification audiences are
drawn into our story and will share the video
and take the action we desire.

5. TECHNICAL Elements
that Help Support a Good Story
Now that we have our goal, basic story premise, IDEA and
best representative characters with action,
we need to think
about what types of footage that best supports our story.
Depending on the type of video you hope to create, there are
different styles of videos to consider.
For example: Interesting location (background scenery),
interesting point of view, costume, lighting, props, appropriate
use of green screen, slow motion or reverse action.

6. Other Elements that Help Support a Good Story
Conflict and/or challenges
Are there any inherent conflicts/tensions in the story that add
dramatic interest?
Does the story provide challenges that could be explored and/or
overcome in the course of our video?
I.E. Following a science experiment or play through its ups and
downs
Changes or developments
Can the video present changes or developments? (the story
arc)I.E. A former student can demonstrate how the school taught
life lessons beyond academics. Becoming a better person,
student, athlete. Love and hate relationships.

7. Find a balance of these elements to identify and support the
story. Not every video has to have all these elements.
The best short videos find one or two aspects to focus on and
presents them well.
Types of Images to Consider in Storytelling
What kind of images, compositions and actions will work best
with the video story? It’s a good idea to start thinking about
visual images and ways of telling the story creatively.

8. A shot list is often a helpful tool to get you to
brainstorm creative story elements.
Types of Images to Consider in Storytelling
For example, for our sports video, our shot list might have these
shots in it:
1.Wide shot of students entering the building, happy faces
2.Close up images of students engaged with the coach
3.Various shots of a school event; football field, gym, hallway, class.
4.Wide shots, Medium shots and Close-ups of a students getting
ready for an event

9. Other Tips to Consider: Keep it Simple
Try to focus on one main topic (i.e. an event, one person’s story, a
lesson, a testimonial).
It’s easier to get excited about a video that is focused and easier to
focus on a video that is simple.
Other Tips to Consider: Be Genuine
Viewers want to connect with the work that your organization is
doing. Focus on content that is compelling rather than what’s
“cool”.
Always be honest and truthful.

10. Other Tips to Consider:
Think about any particular thing going on that could be explored
through a personal video from your point of view?
A response to a local, national or global event.

11. Let’s review.
An Engaging Short Video Has:
•A clear goal
•A story that represents our message
•Compelling characters
•A defined audience
•Identifies with the audience
•Thinks about supplemental footage (b-roll) to support the story
•Has a clear action and points the viewer toward it

12. DON’T FORGET:
Storytelling Begins in Development (Big Idea,
Pitch, Proposal, Story)
Then it Continues Throughout All Phases of Video
Making!
And what are those Phases?

13. Phase I: Pre-Production
Once you have your story, you are ready to begin the prep
necessary to create your video. Pre-Production is the phase of
video making that takes place before you produce your video.
Steps for Pre-Production
•Create a basic video outline. This can be helpful in making sure
you get all the story and visual shots you need.
•Write interview questions and practice them out loud. Practice
helps you get comfortable with the questions before you get to the
interview.
•Create a working shot list of footage that will support your story.
REMEMBER: We are using a visual mode of communication so
think of images and scenes to record that will bring to life what you
are trying to convey with your story. Know that these images may
change once you are in the field shooting.

14. Pre Production continues
Preparing for Production
•Determine who will help you produce the video. A full crew includes a director,
camera, sound and editor. However, you might be the only one there on shoot day
—which is normal. Just note that each role is important in creating a “clean” video
and don’t overlook the importance of any element (sound, picture, storytelling).
•Scout location and make a plan (think about sound, privacy, lighting- how much
time you’ll need for shoot and then add some more time!)
•Create a schedule for the shoot day. Allow ample time for you to set up and tear
down.
•Get familiar with your gear (practice shooting in close to actual conditions and
review the footage). Make sure you are comfortable with camera, sound, tripod,
lights and everything else you plan to use.
•Prep the gear in advance of shooting (charge batteries, make sure all the pieces
are with the kits-extra bulbs, tripod mount, mic cables, etc.)
Now that you are ready to begin shooting, are there any other elements that
would help you get your viewer to take the up your call?

15. Phase II: Production
Phase III: Post Production will be discuss later when you are ready
with your script
Just remember you need a clear story and understanding of the
recommended steps of pre-production, so you are ready to create
compelling, engaging and powerful videos.