In an effort to get acquainted with the video editing tools, your first task in this workshop is to create the World’s Fastest Video. This is a very short (less than 30 second) piece that will help introduce you to the concept of digital storytelling. You will learn more about the storytelling process later in the course but this is your first chance at telling your story.
Write a script
A short script should include your name, pronouns (if you would like to share), department, a favorite thing that you’d like to talk about (be it a food, animal or place) and what you love or hate most about your work or research.
Gather visuals
Using your own materials or those available freely online (Pexels and Pixabay are good resources) that represent your script. Try to include an image of yourself or something that represents you, an image of your favorite thing, and an image that conveys your feelings about your work or research.
Record your script
Use your smartphone or computer microphone to generate an audio file. For iPhones, the Voice Memos app is a native option for your device. For Android users, the Voice Recorder app is available on your device. For computer users, consider using an app already on your operating system or consider downloading a third-party app like Audacity for recording.
Put it together
Using your video editor of choice, put your newly recorded narration and visuals into a new project. Import the media into your timeline and sync up and match the narration with the intended visuals. You may need to stretch the visuals, particularly still images, to match the audio recording. This is usually accomplished by clicking on the edges of the clips you inserted into the timeline.
Take note of how tracks work in terms of layering. Tracks typically take priority from top to bottom so shifting visuals up or down in your timeline will impact the end product.
Captions
If you have the ability to add captions as subtitles in your video editor, use that function to copy, paste and sync your script with the recorded narration. Captions are important elements to ensure that your video is accessible for all audiences.
Producing your video
Video editors will have different options for producing your video. If possible, we suggest producing a video file in 720p quality. Higher quality video outputs will impact the file size and upload/download speed of your production so be cautious when exploring 1080p or higher video qualities.
Making your introduction using Clipchamp
Making your introduction using iMovie
Sharing your introduction
If you’re participating in a Storytelling Fellows workshop, please see the Discord for instructions on sharing your World’s Fastest Video.