EXT Comms: Creating Short Form Videos

Short videos with bite-size information are growing in popularity. Whether it's a recipe demonstration or a how-to on gardening care, effective videos can capture your audience's attention. Presenter: Heather Willis.

Dig deeper into the training: 

1:17 What should I video?
2:35 What is essential to show and what can we skip?
3:20 Location, location, location.
4:45 Setting the stage

• Clear the background of clutter
• Pick an appropriate location (kitchen for recipes, greenhouse for plant care)
• Proper lighting (recommendations on lighting)
• Gathering all necessary items (recipe ingredients, gardening tools, etc.)
• Wear branded apparel (Extension, 4-H, Eat.Move.Save. apron)

6:50 Audio considerations

• Record your video in a quiet space
• 9:23 Suggested microphone: Comica V30 Pro Microphone for DSLR Camera.
  • Ken Johnson suggested the following wireless microphone.
  • Matt Wiley also offered this lapel mic.
  • Grant McCarty suggested using a remote clicker that allows you to start and stop the camera.
• Erin Garrent recommended purchasing a gimbal that stabilizes your phone and leads to smooth video footage.
• Consider things that may make noise (utensils scraping, jewelry or watches, or outdoor elements like wind)
• 15:40 Consider voice-over audio with script instead of speaking directly to the audience while taping
• Consider no audio options for short videos. Examples:
  
  • Cutting a Pepper
  • Illinois Junior Chef

18:27 Taping considerations

• Consider multiple camera angles for variety 
  • Example: Dividing a Peace Lily
• Get right to the point – don’t waste time on lengthy introductions
• Cover brand labels
• Keep the video short and to the point

24:02 Putting it all together

• Include an intro slide with branding and approved bumper
• Adobe Premiere Rush is an easy editing tool. Staff have access to LinkedIn Learning tutorials as Extension employees. A keyword search for Adobe Premiere Rush will bring up many helpful videos on how to use the software.
• Canva  also has a simple video editor. Here are examples created in Canva:
  • Harvesting Loofah Gourds
  • Breakfast Parfait
  • Get Involved with Perry County 4-H
• Add closed captioning
• Add to playlist on YouTube or Facebook
• Establish a crossposting relationship with the Illinois Extension Facebook page to share content