Introduction to Producing a "Vlog"
Vlogging is simply telling mini-stories that interest you and hopefully your audience. You will be creating a Vlog as a class assignment.
Vlogs are typically ongoing. The content you produce for an individual Vlog is called a Vlog entry.
Your completed Vlog will consist of multiple entries. Each entry must be a story on an individual topic or idea. You can repeat a Vlog entry idea if you'd like. For example, maybe you include 2 movie reviews in your overall Vlog.
However, for this Vlog you will need to come up with a variety of story ideas. 10-15 Vlog entries would seem to be the minimum to show a range of ideas and a variety of content.
Remember, only yourself and your teacher will be viewing your Vlog. It will not be posted or share with the class - so don't stress, it will not be perfect. you may not feel comfortable at the start. It's OK, do your best. You will gain confidence as you go. Don't try to be scripted or perfec - that will take away from it seeming natural. But do have ideas before shooting - see pre-production.
Do your ideas have to be complicated? Absolutely not! This is your Vlog. In fact, keeping your ideas fairly simple is important so the audience can follow along. The Vlog's need to have a focus and a point or perspective but don't over complicate what you are saying or doing.
KEEP IT SIMPLE!
What will the Vlog look like when we complete it?
You will be editing together your 10 favourite Vlogs into 1 video that will follow your journey through the days. Can I add more Vlog's? Of course, you can add as many as you'd like - this is yours. But I would like 10 Vlog entries by the end of the assignment.
How long should each Vlog entry be?
That is up to you. Some might be a 2 or 3 minutes if you have lots to say and show (make sure you include visuals for long Vlog's.)
Some might be 20 seconds if it is only a quick snapshot of what your are thinking or feeling on the day. You may not need visuals for every Vlog - do what makes sense to get your point across or tell your story for that entry.
When is this due?
At this point I see this as being the major assignment of the course. I expect it will be due around the beginning of June - depending on when we return. So take your time in creating interesting content for your Vlog.
A marking emphasis will be placed on your visual storytelling in your Vlog's. Some entries are bound to be better than others - and tha's OK.
One of the keys to making your Vlog interesting is to include visuals that support what is being spoken about. This is called B roll in the industry and is the most basic building block in video production. Imagine if you did a music review and didn't show any scenes form the movie - boring. Imaging if you review a song or artist and didn't play a short clip of a portion of the song! Boring. Imaging talking about making a cake without ever showing the cake being made! Boring. Supporting visuals (B roll) will be at the heart of an interesting Vlog. There will be a mark for effective use of B roll in your Vlog's. Of course not all Vlog's will have B roll. If it is straight opinion Vlog on your thoughts regarding an issue or straight information (like my Vlog introduction Video) then B roll is not required. But overall I would like to see you build B roll into most of your Vlog's.
Remember - Tell a variety of simple, individual stories. I know there is a limitation of what is actually happening right now, but try to come up with even the smallest of activities or ideas.
You are now in the business of producing video prodcutions! There is money online for those who are really good at capturing and engaging a loyal audience. This is also a time where you can captrue your own thoughts and experiences.
PLEASE HAVE FUN WITH THIS!
You will follow the 3 stages of Production in video production and filmmaking.
Production Stages:
1. Pre-production
2. Production
3. Post-Production
Pre-Production
This is the thinking and planning stage before shooting any video or film. This is where an idea is developed and specific details of the needs for the production are identified. This is the overall plan for the production that will guide everyone during shooting and editing.
Pre-production activities would include:
Assignment Production Process
Vlogging Pre-Production
For each of your Vlog's the planning is important but limited in scope. Without very basic thought and preparation you are likely to to forget the ideas you had when planning a topi or you might not have the people or props you need when filming.
This is not an exhaustive list - you will submit your lists for each Vlog as part of your mark for the pre-production planning stage.
If you have already done some recording don't worry about it now. Simply make your rough outline before shooting future Vlogs.
You have to think of and jot down (point form) the following for each Vlog:
1. What is the Vlog about - what are the main 2 or 3 points you want to cover in a Vlog entry
2. Who will be in your Vlog - do you need family to help out, including operating your camera for you at times
3. Do you need any props or set-up any activity for filming - eg. baking a cake, exercising, interviewing family members
4. Do you need any resources online to visually support your Vlog entry
Production
Production is the stage where you actually are shooting your Vlog. OK, the question everyone asks is how
Vlogging is simply telling mini-stories that interest you and hopefully your audience. You will be creating a Vlog as a class assignment.
Vlogs are typically ongoing. The content you produce for an individual Vlog is called a Vlog entry.
Your completed Vlog will consist of multiple entries. Each entry must be a story on an individual topic or idea. You can repeat a Vlog entry idea if you'd like. For example, maybe you include 2 movie reviews in your overall Vlog.
However, for this Vlog you will need to come up with a variety of story ideas. 10-15 Vlog entries would seem to be the minimum to show a range of ideas and a variety of content.
Remember, only yourself and your teacher will be viewing your Vlog. It will not be posted or share with the class - so don't stress, it will not be perfect. you may not feel comfortable at the start. It's OK, do your best. You will gain confidence as you go. Don't try to be scripted or perfec - that will take away from it seeming natural. But do have ideas before shooting - see pre-production.
Do your ideas have to be complicated? Absolutely not! This is your Vlog. In fact, keeping your ideas fairly simple is important so the audience can follow along. The Vlog's need to have a focus and a point or perspective but don't over complicate what you are saying or doing.
KEEP IT SIMPLE!
What will the Vlog look like when we complete it?
You will be editing together your 10 favourite Vlogs into 1 video that will follow your journey through the days. Can I add more Vlog's? Of course, you can add as many as you'd like - this is yours. But I would like 10 Vlog entries by the end of the assignment.
How long should each Vlog entry be?
That is up to you. Some might be a 2 or 3 minutes if you have lots to say and show (make sure you include visuals for long Vlog's.)
Some might be 20 seconds if it is only a quick snapshot of what your are thinking or feeling on the day. You may not need visuals for every Vlog - do what makes sense to get your point across or tell your story for that entry.
When is this due?
At this point I see this as being the major assignment of the course. I expect it will be due around the beginning of June - depending on when we return. So take your time in creating interesting content for your Vlog.
A marking emphasis will be placed on your visual storytelling in your Vlog's. Some entries are bound to be better than others - and tha's OK.
One of the keys to making your Vlog interesting is to include visuals that support what is being spoken about. This is called B roll in the industry and is the most basic building block in video production. Imagine if you did a music review and didn't show any scenes form the movie - boring. Imaging if you review a song or artist and didn't play a short clip of a portion of the song! Boring. Imaging talking about making a cake without ever showing the cake being made! Boring. Supporting visuals (B roll) will be at the heart of an interesting Vlog. There will be a mark for effective use of B roll in your Vlog's. Of course not all Vlog's will have B roll. If it is straight opinion Vlog on your thoughts regarding an issue or straight information (like my Vlog introduction Video) then B roll is not required. But overall I would like to see you build B roll into most of your Vlog's.
Remember - Tell a variety of simple, individual stories. I know there is a limitation of what is actually happening right now, but try to come up with even the smallest of activities or ideas.
You are now in the business of producing video prodcutions! There is money online for those who are really good at capturing and engaging a loyal audience. This is also a time where you can captrue your own thoughts and experiences.
PLEASE HAVE FUN WITH THIS!
You will follow the 3 stages of Production in video production and filmmaking.
Production Stages:
1. Pre-production
2. Production
3. Post-Production
Pre-Production
This is the thinking and planning stage before shooting any video or film. This is where an idea is developed and specific details of the needs for the production are identified. This is the overall plan for the production that will guide everyone during shooting and editing.
Pre-production activities would include:
- Idea development
- Writing script
- Script breakdown scene by scene
- Hiring actors
- Hiring crew
- Selecting and securing shooting locations
- Deciding on set requirements
- Props
Assignment Production Process
Vlogging Pre-Production
For each of your Vlog's the planning is important but limited in scope. Without very basic thought and preparation you are likely to to forget the ideas you had when planning a topi or you might not have the people or props you need when filming.
This is not an exhaustive list - you will submit your lists for each Vlog as part of your mark for the pre-production planning stage.
If you have already done some recording don't worry about it now. Simply make your rough outline before shooting future Vlogs.
You have to think of and jot down (point form) the following for each Vlog:
1. What is the Vlog about - what are the main 2 or 3 points you want to cover in a Vlog entry
2. Who will be in your Vlog - do you need family to help out, including operating your camera for you at times
3. Do you need any props or set-up any activity for filming - eg. baking a cake, exercising, interviewing family members
4. Do you need any resources online to visually support your Vlog entry
Production
Production is the stage where you actually are shooting your Vlog. OK, the question everyone asks is how