A brief comparison between writing a paper and creating a video. There are a lot of similarities, but also some key differences. For instance, the writing process is embedded inside the video creation process when you write a script. You’ll want to pre-write, draft, revise, and proofread your script before you start filming.
We’ve found that many students, when asked to make a video for class, start by picking up a video camera (by the way–the StudioLab has cameras available for check out by Furman students). However, look at the table below. Where in the video process does filming fall?
We’ve also found that many students don’t come to the StudioLab until after they already have filmed some footage. The StudioLab can help with more than just how to use the computer to edit your video–we can help you plan the entire process so that you make the best video possible! If you’ve never tried storyboarding a video before, or writing a script, then next time a professor assigns a video project, come to the StudioLab early in the process!
We promise that the editing process on the computer will be much easier if you’ve planned ahead with a storyboard.
Writing an Academic Paper
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Creating an Academic Video
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Pre-write
- Brainstorm
- Freewrite
- Research
- Concept map
- Outline
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Pre-plan
- Brainstorm
- Freewrite
- Research
- Develop film concept/story
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Draft
- Writer-centered process (writer gets ideas on paper for self)
- Begin connecting/supporting ideas
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Script
- Draft (writer-centered)
- Include scenes, settings, visuals & movement in addition to dialogue
- Revise (reader-centered)
- Edit (Grammar/mechanics)
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Revise
- Reader-centered process (writer alters text with the reader in mind)
- Pay attention to higher-order concerns
- Define terms & ideas
- Develop ideas & supporting arguments
- *Stage at which most Furman students seek out the StudioLab
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Storyboard
- Develop sketches
- Layout for each shot or scene with changes in plot or action
- Usually visual—physical drawings or computer renderings
- Most similar to Outlining a paper
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Edit
- Proofread
- Fix grammar & mechanics
- Pay attention to lower-order concerns
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Film
- Create a shot list & schedule
- Film multiple takes of each shot/scene
- Most similar to Researching a paper because you’re gathering your raw materials for the final product
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Publish
- Print
- Turn in assignment
- Post on blog
- Submit for publication
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Edit
- Use a computer editing program to piece together shots
- Add transitions, music, voiceovers, & title sequences
- Special effects if relevant
- Most similar to Drafting & Revising a paper at the same time because you can use the same scenes in different variations to tell different stories or make different arguments
- *Stage at which most Furman students seek out the StudioLab
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Export/Publish
- Mechanical step that can take a long time—need to know where or how the video will be viewed in order to export properly
- Burn to DVD
- Upload to YouTube/Vimeo/Moodle (file size & length limits vary)
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