Editor, revised

I blogged last month about making a how-to video (paper flowers) based on an assignment at work. Since the column the video accompanied is a monthly feature, I got another opportunity. This time the subject was felt faux food. You can check out some examples at Megan Cooley’s blog (she’s the star of my video).

I learned a few more things I thought I’d pass along:

• Avoid reflective tables when taking stills (doh).
• Recording the audio of the instructions in a separate take is good. But encourage your subject to write out a script. Use short declarative sentences in said script. This will save you lots of audio editing work.
• Be creative with your still/static shots. Like with the sandwich stacking.
• Use titles/text to save time. It’s just as effective as the narrator’s audio instructions.
• Kids make great ambiance.

How to make a paper rose from Andrew Zahler on Vimeo.

Before I went on vacation last week, I shot and edited a video to go with a story running in our Home section. The subject: How to make a paper rose.

I had never made a how-to video before. Here’s what the experience taught me.

More… »