Workshops
Learn the art and craft of creating effective scripted instructional videos.
There are no available registration dates at this time.
Note: This workshop will be held in a live, online format utilizing the Zoom platform.
Class meets for 6 Wednesdays, Feb 21, 28, Mar 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 3-5pm ET.
There are more career opportunities in non-broadcast video production than ever before.
Explore the dynamics of planning, writing, and prepping for the production of scripted instructional videos in this six-session online winter workshop. Sessions are presented via Zoom in real-time, so students may participate from the convenience of their home or workplace.
This workshop is designed to be the first part of a two-part sequence of workshops that may be taken individually or together, depending on a student’s area(s) of responsibility in the overall workflow of producing training videos.
The second class, SHOOTING & DIRECTING TRAINING VIDEOS is a week-long summer workshop that takes place August 5-9, 2024 on the campus of Maine Media in beautiful midcoast Maine. In the second workshop, the focus shifts to shooting, directing, and editing a finished instructional video – using the script and other materials that were previously created by the students who participated in this first class.
Each of these workshops is ideally suited for independent video producers, freelancers, and corporate, government, or military production staff.
This pair of workshops imagines that a business has hired the students to produce a short “how to” instructional video for one of their consumer products. You will learn techniques applicable to most types of scripted corporate videos, training videos, instructional videos, and explainer videos.
These workshops will be guided by experienced corporate/instructional video producer and production company owner, Doug Jensen. Doug has more than forty years of experience producing instructional videos for small businesses, Fortune 500 corporations, and government agencies; and has educated thousands of students via his workshops and masterclasses.
In WRITING & PRODUCING TRAINING VIDEOS, the focus is on establishing the goals and objectives of instructional/training videos; the elements of an effective instructional video; the differences between instructional and promotional videos; writing an excellent and effective script that provides the necessary information to the viewer in an engaging manner; proper script formatting; the dynamics of obtaining input and approvals from clients and/or colleagues; determining the budget; identifying the necessary visuals; and creating shot lists and other resources that will be used during shooting and editing phases examined and practiced in SHOOTING & DIRECTING TRAINING VIDEOS.
Major topics covered in this workshop:
- Establishing objectives for the video
- Creating an outline
- Evaluating your resources: equipment, crew, budget, and deadline
- Managing clients, bosses, crew, talent, and colleagues
- Writing the script using Doug’s proprietary two-column script template
- Techniques that ensure clear, concise, and effective training videos
- Obtaining approvals and finalizing the script
- Creating a detailed shot list that dovetails with the script
- Organizing, scheduling, and managing the production
- Bonus: Business advice for freelancers and small production companies
The class will involve both lectures and group discussions. Students should expect writing exercises, homework assignments with submission deadlines, and feedback discussions. Each online session is followed by an optional informal 30-minute chat session each week that is open to discussion of any video production-related topics of interest to the students.
This course is open to students of all experience levels.
Requirements
It is recommended that you have Microsoft Word. Students should plan to spend $50 – $100 to purchase necessary classroom materials (available through Amazon or a local retailer).
Second Workshop
Learn more about SHOOTING & DIRECTING TRAINING VIDEOS, the second workshop in this sequence.
All images copyright Doug Jensen.
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Instructor: Doug Jensen
Doug Jensen is a cinematographer, producer, director, editor, consultant, and founder of Vortex Media. He is a member of Sony’s independent Certified Experts, and he brings his real-world perspective into the classroom. His various professional roles have included: freelance ENG/EFP owner-operator; hand-held camera operator for live sporting events and concerts; television news photographer; director of photography for documentaries; corporate video writer/director/producer specializing in training and promotional videos; and a development consultant for such products as Sony’s camcorders.
