Keep them watching - Tips for better story telling!

JesseDriftwood

31 Jan 202209:09

Summary

TLDRThis video script delves into the importance of sequences in visual storytelling, emphasizing their role in shaping audience perception and advancing the narrative. It illustrates how a sequence, typically consisting of 3-5 shots, can change the tone and character understanding by structuring shots to evoke questions and provide answers. The script uses examples, such as contrasting reactions to different scenes, to demonstrate sequence impact. It also highlights the significance of a strong resolution in sequences and the concept of 'show, don't tell' to create intrigue and engagement. The creator shares personal experiences with filming and editing, including the challenges of maintaining natural light and the use of stock footage to enhance storytelling.

Takeaways

🎬 Sequences are crucial for visual storytelling in filmmaking and content creation, often determining the success of engaging the audience.
📹 A sequence typically consists of 3 to 5 shots that are combined to advance the narrative and can significantly affect the tone and audience's perception of characters.
🤔 The concept of 'questions and answers' in sequencing is vital, where each shot should either raise a question or answer one previously posed.
🕵️‍♂️ Each shot should instill simple, subconscious questions in the viewer's mind, such as who is involved, what they are doing, and why they are doing it.
🏔️ Setting the scene with the right shots can establish the environment and contrast, as demonstrated by starting with a snowy shot to set a cold tone.
🔒 The use of mystery in shots, like showing winter gloves unlocking a lock without revealing who or what, can create intrigue and keep viewers engaged.
🛠️ A strong resolution is essential in a sequence to provide a satisfying conclusion and tie up the narrative, as shown by revealing the character's actions with shipping containers.
🕰️ Showcasing the passage of time through a sequence, like the gradual turning on of lights, can enhance the storytelling experience.
💡 Utilizing resources like Storyblocks for high-quality stock footage and assets can greatly improve the quality and cohesion of your sequences.
🛒 The principle of 'show, don't tell' in video creation encourages creators to use visual storytelling rather than relying on verbal explanations.
🔍 Leaving space for the audience to ask questions and find answers on their own can create a more engaging and satisfying viewing experience.

Q & A

What is the importance of sequences in filmmaking and content creation according to the video?
-The video emphasizes that sequences are one of the most important foundational aspects of filmmaking and content creation. A poorly built sequence can confuse the audience or bore them, leading them to click away.
What is a sequence functionally in the context of video editing?
-Functionally, a sequence is a few shots, typically around three to five, that are strung together in order to help move the story along.
How can the structure of a sequence affect the tone and audience's understanding of characters?
-The structure of a sequence can drastically alter the tone of the video and the audience's understanding of the characters and their motivations, as demonstrated by the example of a man's reaction to different scenes.
What is the concept of 'questions and answers' in sequencing?
-The concept of 'questions and answers' in sequencing means that each shot should either instill a question into the viewer's mind or answer questions previously set up in other shots.
What are some simple subconscious questions that shots in a sequence might address?
-Simple subconscious questions that shots might address include 'who is it?', 'what are they doing?', and 'why are they doing it?'
How does the video use the snowy environment to set the scene?
-The video uses a long lens shot compressing a lot of snow to make it seem cold and uninviting, providing contrast and setting the scene for the location they are heading to.
What was the purpose of obscuring the image of the video creator in the sequence?
-The purpose of obscuring the image of the video creator was to create intrigue and mystery, delaying the reveal of the character's identity until later in the sequence.
What is the significance of a strong resolution in a sequence?
-A strong resolution in a sequence is important as it provides a sense of completion and satisfaction, tying together the narrative elements introduced throughout the sequence.
What is the backstory behind the sequence involving Kristoff cutting holes in shipping containers?
-The backstory is that the video creators were evicted from their studio and decided to buy used shipping containers to build their dream creative space, which is the context for the sequence.
How does the video suggest using visuals to move the plot forward instead of dialogue?
-The video suggests starting with a scene that raises questions in the viewer's mind, such as starting at the grocery store and letting the audience wonder about the character's actions, rather than explaining everything through dialogue.
What is the final tip given by the video for internet video creators?
-The final tip is to 'show, don't tell', meaning that filmmakers should rely on visuals and allow the audience to discover the story themselves, rather than spoon-feeding them information.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 The Art of Sequencing in Filmmaking

This paragraph discusses the importance of sequences in filmmaking and content creation. It emphasizes that a poorly constructed sequence can confuse or bore the audience, leading them to lose interest. A sequence is defined as a collection of shots, typically around three to five, which are combined to advance the story. The speaker illustrates how the arrangement of shots can change the tone and the audience's perception of characters. The concept of 'questions and answers' within a sequence is introduced, where each shot should either raise a question or answer one previously posed. Examples are given to demonstrate how the sequence of shots can set the scene and build intrigue, such as starting with a snowy environment to contrast with the subsequent action. The paragraph concludes with a focus on the need for a strong resolution in each sequence to maintain audience engagement.

05:00

🛠 Building a Creative Space and Storytelling Techniques

The second paragraph delves into the process of creating a video, specifically the challenges and techniques involved in building a creative space using shipping containers. The video's production is described as time-consuming, with lighting setups and the use of various equipment mentioned. The paragraph also highlights a partnership with Storyblocks, a resource for stock footage and other digital assets, which is used to enhance the video's sequences. The concept of 'show, don't tell' is explored as a storytelling technique, advocating for a more engaging approach that allows the audience to discover the story rather than being explicitly told. The importance of leaving room for intrigue and audience engagement is stressed, with the suggestion that this method of storytelling is more satisfying. The paragraph ends with a reminder to ensure that sequences, like the overall story, have a clear beginning, middle, and end, to maintain narrative coherence and viewer interest.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Sequences

Sequences refer to a series of shots or scenes that are organized to advance the narrative in a film or video. In the context of the video, sequences are crucial for storytelling as they can influence the audience's perception and engagement. The script emphasizes the importance of sequences in filmmaking and content creation, illustrating how different sequences can change the tone and interpretation of a character's actions, such as a man smiling at a baby versus a man smiling at a girl in a bikini.

💡Filmmaking

Filmmaking is the process of creating a movie or video, which involves various aspects such as directing, producing, cinematography, and editing. The video script discusses the foundational role of sequences in filmmaking, highlighting how a well-constructed sequence can captivate the audience and prevent confusion or boredom. It also touches upon the challenges of shooting videos, such as lighting and timing.

💡Storytelling

Storytelling is the art of narrating stories, which can be done through various mediums, including film and video. The script underscores the significance of storytelling in visual media, where sequences play a vital role in conveying the narrative and character motivations. The video creator uses the concept of 'show, don't tell' as an example of effective storytelling, encouraging creators to let the visuals and actions speak for themselves rather than relying on verbal exposition.

💡Editing

Editing is the process of selecting and arranging film or video shots to construct a coherent sequence or final product. The script mentions editing in the context of creating sequences, which requires careful selection and arrangement of shots to effectively convey the story. The video creator emphasizes the importance of editing to avoid confusion and maintain audience interest.

💡Character Motivation

Character motivation refers to the reasons and desires that drive a character's actions and decisions in a story. The script discusses how the structure of a sequence can alter the audience's understanding of a character's motivation. For instance, the same smile can be interpreted differently based on the preceding and following shots, changing the perception of the character from sympathetic to inappropriate.

💡Visual Storytelling

Visual storytelling is a method of conveying a narrative through visual means, such as images, body language, and setting, rather than through dialogue. The video script highlights the power of visual storytelling by advocating for the 'show, don't tell' approach. This technique allows the audience to infer information and draw conclusions from what they see on screen, as opposed to being explicitly told through dialogue.

💡Stock Footage

Stock footage refers to pre-recorded video clips that can be purchased and used in various projects. The script mentions Storyblocks, a platform that provides high-quality stock footage, sound effects, and other digital assets. The video creator uses stock footage to enhance the opening sequence, demonstrating how it can help tie sequences together and add depth to the storytelling.

💡Resolution

In the context of a video or film sequence, resolution refers to the conclusion or the final part of a sequence that provides closure or a sense of completion. The script discusses the importance of a strong resolution in a sequence, using the example of a character cutting holes in shipping containers. The resolution helps the audience understand the purpose and outcome of the actions depicted in the sequence.

💡Subconscious Questions

Subconscious questions are the implicit inquiries that a viewer might have while watching a video, which are not explicitly stated but are triggered by the content. The script explains that each shot in a sequence should either instill a subconscious question in the viewer's mind or answer a previously posed question. This technique helps to engage the audience and guide their understanding of the story.

💡Show, Don't Tell

The phrase 'show, don't tell' is a principle often used in storytelling to emphasize the importance of conveying information through actions, visuals, and events rather than through direct narration or exposition. The script uses this principle to advise video creators to let the audience discover the story through what they see and experience, rather than being told everything through dialogue or voiceover.

Highlights

Sequences are crucial for filmmaking and content creation as poorly built sequences can confuse or bore the audience.

A sequence typically consists of around three to five shots that move the story forward.

How a sequence is structured can drastically alter the tone and audience's understanding of characters.

The example of a man's reaction to different scenes shows how quickly perceptions can change with sequence.

Each shot in a sequence should instill a question or answer one previously set.

Simple subconscious questions like 'who is it', 'what are they doing', and 'why are they doing it' are essential for sequences.

The video uses a snowy environment to set the scene and create contrast.

Obscuring the identity of the character in the sequence can create intrigue.

The importance of a strong resolution in a sequence is emphasized with the example of Kristoff cutting holes.

The backstory of being evicted from a studio and building a creative space adds depth to the sequence.

The video discusses the challenges of shooting sequences in low light conditions.

Storyblocks is introduced as a resource for high-quality stock footage and assets.

The use of digital snow assets from Storyblocks to tie sequences together is highlighted.

The concept of showing the passage of time through lighting in a sequence is explained.

The principle 'show, don't tell' is suggested for more effective storytelling in video creation.

The video concludes with the advice to ensure sequences have a clear beginning, middle, and end.