Project 2: Place-Based Video Story
Final Deliverable
Create a 60-100 second video story that explores a story connected to a specific location in Maine (or elsewhere) with which you have a particular relationship. Draw inspiration from models in each week’s video and readings.
Video Tips
Your final video should show thoughtful use of:
- Story structure and visual narrative: This Changes Because
- Original media capture (footage, images, sound)
- Creative references or models (e.g., mention the model and specific tips you used for your project.)
- Editing, sound design, and pacing
Stage 1: Proposal & Inspiration (Project 2a)
- Draft a video proposal describing your concept and story idea. This should be a few paragraphs addressing what changes and why.
- Gather inspiration models (film clips, images, artworks, etc.) and make a list of key features you’ll adapt.
- Capture a short sample video clip to test your approach (e.g., location, lighting, movement). 30-6- seconds is ideal, a few shorter videos (rather than one long one) can give you options. This is unedited capture video with explanation of what changes and why.
- Upload you video to your @maine.edu YouTube channel
- Post to course site:
- Youtube URL of your sample video
- List of tips or techniques you used with names of models. All video should be URLs.
- Title: Project 2a–YourName
- Featured image, short excerpt, and category “Project 2a”
Stage 2: Story Layout & Test Media (Project 2b)
- Develop a storyboard or visual outline for your video.
- Three beat story: This Changes Because OR
- A 5 line story–in Project 2b
- situation – whats the starting point
- desire – what does the character want
- conflict – what gets in the way
- change – what happens that shifts something
- result – how does it end
- Capture and upload and describe importance of test video clips to try out shot styles, camera movement, or settings.
- Post to course site:
- Updated storyboard or storyboard URL
- Youtube URL of your test clips
- Title: Project 2b–YourName
- Featured image, short excerpt, and category “Project 2b”
Stage 3: Media Capture & First Draft (Project 2c)
- Capture the primary footage and audio for your story.
- Update your storyboard based on what you actually captured.
- Begin editing and create a first draft video edit (rough cut with sequencing of your main footage).
- Bring your captured media (on hard drive) to class for editing support.
- Provide feedback: review and comment on at least two classmates’ final projects.
- Post to course site:
- Youtube URL of your first draft video edit
- Updated storyboard
- Title: Project 2c–YourName
- Featured image, short excerpt, and category “Project 2c”
Stage 4: Revision, Sound & Final (Project 2d)
- Refine your video with edits, pacing, and transitions.
- Add background audio, sound effects, and/or voiceover as needed.
- Capture extra B-roll if you need to strengthen your story.
- Complete a brief reflection identifying:
- strongest capture decision,
- strongest story decision,
- biggest revision,
- next production skill to improve.
- Post to course site:
- Youtube URL of your final polished video
- Add 1-2 paragraph description of project, reflection, intended audience.
- Title: Project 2d–YourName
- Featured image, and category “Project 2d”