Your goal:
A 2-4 minute video story exploring a specific place with which you have a relationship. The story should reveal some aspect(s) of your relationship to the place–knowledge of details and specifics, emotional attachment, fond or fearful memories, family or friend connection etc.
Pre-Production (Before You Shoot)
- Plan your story structure. Know your beginning, middle, and end. Sketch out how your visuals and sound will express your chose place.
- Scout your location. Look for lighting, sound environment, and unique details that highlight place-based storytelling.
- Charge batteries and clear storage. HD video drains batteries and fills memory quickly. Be prepared.
- Gather your tools. Tripod or stabilizer (or DIY supports), external mic (if available), and any props/references (e.g., hiking map, road signs, location sign etc.).
Filming Tips
- Lighting is everything.
- Shoot in good, natural light (not necessarily a full sun day) when possible. Avoid harsh backlighting.
- If indoors, use windows or soft, diffused light. Avoid phone flash.
- Keep it steady.
- Hold your phone with two hands close to your body, or use a tripod/stabilizer.
- Rest it on a table, rock, or tree if needed.
- Sound is as important as visuals.
- Use an external mic if possible; otherwise, get close to your subject.
- Reduce noise: choose quiet spaces, block wind, or even record voice-over under a blanket for clarity.
- Capture room or location tone–static or blank video footage (or just high quality audio) capturing key sounds of a place.
- Consider recording narration first, then matching visuals to it.
- Frame with intention.
- Always capture in landscape orientation (easier to crop than vertical).
- Use the rule of thirds or fill the frame with your subject.
- Stay close instead of using digital zoom.
- Camera movement = storytelling.
- If your subject is moving, keep the camera still.
- If your subject is still, move the camera (slow pans, tilts, or tracking shots).
- Capture more than you think you’ll need.
- Film extra seconds before and after each clip.
- Collect b-roll: audio, landscapes, textures (water, bark, moss, wind in grass), animals, human activity.
- Respect pacing and rhythm.
- Leave pauses before/after lines to make editing smoother.
- Allow quiet moments where nature breathes.
Editing Tips
- Keep it simple.
- Avoid gimmicky transitions or effects. Let story and imagery carry the video.
- Use effects intentionally if they enhance place-based aesthetics.
- Edit for clarity and flow.
- Slow down on-screen text—let viewers read and absorb.
- Balance sound levels: use compression if needed (free tools like Audacity help).
- Align video to audio.
- If using narration, cut visuals to match your recorded script, not the other way around.
- Think visual narrative.
- Alternate between wide shots (context), medium shots (relationships), and close-ups (details).
- Use editing to build contrast—sunrise vs twilight, industrial vs. regenerative location, decay vs. flourishing ecosystem.
- Review with fresh eyes.
- Show a draft to peers for feedback on pacing, clarity, and emotional impact.
Creative Integration for Your Assignment
- Draw visual cues from your model films: small details of nature, quiet moments, magical realism, etc.
- link your formal and technical choices to both place and story.
- Incorporate original media capture: Local coastlines, forests, rivers, farms, communities, clubs, businesses, churches, etc.
- Cite your sources of information & inspiration
These practices will help you create a polished, professional, and creative final video that balances technical quality with storytelling depth.