A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/a-blueprint-for-success-your-video-pre-production

Introduction

**Course Review: A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production** In the digital age, the ability to create high-quality video content is no longer reserved for industry professionals. With platforms like Coursera making educational resources more accessible, enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers can take their first steps into the world of video production with ease. One standout course that does just this is "A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production." This course is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in the intricacies of video production, focusing specifically on the crucial pre-production phase that lays the groundwork for successful projects. ### Course Overview "A Blueprint for Success" is meticulously designed to teach learners about the extensive planning and preparation required prior to filming. From understanding the essential terminology of video production to selecting affordable gear and storytelling techniques, this course equips participants with the skills needed to bring their creative visions to life. ### Detailed Syllabus Overview #### 1. **Introduction and Gear Recommendations** The course kicks off with a welcoming introduction from the instructors and a deep dive into the world of video production. Learners will be introduced to essential industry terminology, ensuring that they are fluent in the language of production. The module also outlines key equipment and software recommendations that won't break the bank. Expect insights into affordable camcorders, essential accessories, and tips on how to transform your smartphone camera into a powerful recording tool. Moreover, the materials cover lighting, sound devices, and editing applications, ensuring comprehensive guidance for both Mac and PC users. This section is particularly beneficial for beginners who might feel overwhelmed by the technical jargon typically associated with video production. #### 2. **Finding and Telling Your Story** Once the groundwork is laid, the course shifts its focus to the heart of any video project: storytelling. Here, learners will explore classic narrative structures and gain an understanding of the differences between written and visual stories. The emphasis on techniques to discover compelling characters and narratives is invaluable. By teaching methods to conduct pre-interviews and cultivate storytelling sources, the course empowers participants to unearth rich, dramatic narratives that engage viewers. The analysis of varied story structures (like the Inverted Pyramid and Hourglass) helps learners anticipate how they wish to convey their stories, making this module a cornerstone of the course. #### 3. **Script Formats, the Treatment, and Pitch** The final module emphasizes the importance of planning and drafting before any filming begins. Just as an architect wouldn’t build a house without blueprints, a filmmaker should have a strong foundation to guide their creative efforts. Participants will learn to write treatments and scripts, as well as design storyboards that visualize their scenes. The exploration of the treatment, which serves as a narrative overview of the story, equips learners with critical insights into connecting various narrative elements. Additionally, understanding the evolution of a script through revisions enhances their storytelling adaptability. ### Recommendations This course is a fantastic recommendation for both novice and aspiring filmmakers who want to build a strong foundation in video production. It provides not only technical skills but also fosters creativity and storytelling, ensuring that participants are well-rounded creators. The instructors are knowledgeable and provide practical advice tailored for those working with limited resources. The course's focus on affordable tools and accessible editing applications will appeal to many, especially those just starting out. In summary, if you’re looking to elevate your video production skills and understand the nuances of pre-production, "A Blueprint for Success – Your Video Pre-Production" is a superb choice. Enroll today and take a significant step toward crafting captivating video content with purpose and professionalism!

Syllabus

Introduction and Gear Recommendations

The start of this module begins with an Introduction to Video Production and to the instructors. You will learn about the most common terms used by industry professionals when describing the elements to your video production. You will also learn to identify the equipment and software needs that will produce video with high production value. We will make recommendations for affordable camcorders, and accessories, and about apps that can convert your smartphone camera into a professional recording device. You will learn about lighting devices, media cards, and microphones. We will also make recommendations on affordable editing applications such as Adobe Premiere, or even free editors like iMovie or FilmoraGo, depending on whether you’re using a Mac, PC, iPhone or Android devices.

You might have an idea for a video, but you have yet to know the story. Essentially, you need a plan. In this module, you will learn about classic narrative structure for storytelling, and come to understand the difference between print and visual stories. You will also be able to identify different story structures such as the Inverted Pyramid, Hourglass and Diamond. Additionally, you will learn how to cultivate sources through pre-interviews to find compelling characters that personalise the story, generate drama, and show the audience what’s at stake. The main goal will be to anticipate how you want to tell your story.

Would you ever build a new home without blueprints? A home needs a strong foundation, and so does the story you want to tell. In this module, you will learn how to write treatments, scripts and draw storyboards -- tools that will carefully craft your story before you ever pick up a camera. The treatment is a narrative description of your story, which will help you understand how the parts of your story connect. The script shows the specific words that are written to both images and sound, which typically undergoes many revisions. Storyboards are a collection of drawings that help you visualise a scene, and to troubleshoot potential problems before they occur. These documents are key to helping you reduce the uncertainty that is common in many video productions.