Video & Photography Course Overview
This 12-week course provides a foundation in storytelling and scriptwriting for video and photography projects, focusing on techniques to craft compelling narratives. Ideal for beginners and creatives interested in video production, photography, or content creation, this course covers visual storytelling, scriptwriting, shot planning, and storyboarding. Through practical assignments, students will learn to write scripts, plan shots, and develop cohesive stories for multimedia projects. By the end, participants will be able to write engaging scripts and narratives that captivate audiences across digital platforms.
Course Outline
Week 1-2: Introduction to Visual Storytelling
- Basics of Storytelling in Visual Media: Key elements of story structure, plot, and character.
- Understanding Different Formats: Overview of short films, commercials, and photo essays.
- Visual Narrative Techniques: The role of visuals in supporting and enhancing a story.
- Project: Develop a short story idea for a video or photo series.
Week 3-4: Scriptwriting Fundamentals
- Introduction to Scriptwriting: Formatting, structure, and writing for the screen.
- Dialogue and Voiceover: Writing authentic dialogue and impactful narration.
- Scene Breakdown: Organizing ideas into scenes and writing concise descriptions.
- Project: Write a short script for a video or photo series based on the initial story idea.
Week 5-6: Photography Storytelling
- Basics of Photography Storytelling: Using images to tell a cohesive story.
- Shot Composition: Framing, angles, and visual impact in photography.
- Creating a Photo Narrative: Arranging images to build a compelling visual story.
- Project: Develop a photo story concept, including shot list and narrative flow.
Week 7-8: Shot Planning & Storyboarding
- Shot Lists and Scene Planning: Structuring shots for clarity and impact.
- Introduction to Storyboarding: Translating a script into visual sequences.
- Timing and Pacing: Planning scenes for the right rhythm and visual flow.
- Project: Create a storyboard and shot list for the script or photo project.
Week 9-10: Writing for Different Video & Photography Formats
- Commercials and Short-Form Content: Crafting brief, persuasive messages.
- Social Media Videos: Writing concise scripts tailored for online engagement.
- Photo Essays and Documentaries: Writing narratives that guide visual storytelling.
- Project: Write and plan a short-form video or photo essay concept for social media.
Week 11: Editing and Refining Scripts & Narratives
- Editing for Clarity and Impact: Techniques to enhance readability and flow.
- Feedback and Revisions: Peer review and applying constructive feedback.
- Project Refinement: Revise and polish storyboards, scripts, or photo narratives.
Week 12: Final Project & Presentation
- Final Project Completion: Produce a completed script, storyboard, or photo essay.
- Presentation & Review: Share final projects and receive feedback.
- Next Steps: Tips for building a portfolio and creating engaging multimedia content.
Outcome: By the end of this course, students will be equipped with skills to write scripts and narratives that complement video and photography projects, preparing them for work in content creation, digital media, and multimedia storytelling. They’ll have a polished final project to showcase their skills in visual storytelling.