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Multimodal Projects: Videos

A practical guide to getting started

Videos

A storyboard is a visual plan of your video. Each frame (or slide) represents a shot or scene.

In a storyboard, you should include: 

  • Visuals: A sketch that describes what the viewer sees
  • Audio: Notes on narration, sound effects, music
  • Camera movement and angles

You can hand-draw your storyboard, use Canva, Google Slides, or find online templates. 

For faster planning, use a two-column script (visuals | audio).

Basic 3-Point Lighting Setup

  1. Key Light – Your main light source; place it at a 45° angle from your face.
  2. Fill Light – Softer light opposite of the key light to reduce shadows.
  3. Back Light – Placed behind you, adds depth and separates you from the background.

Budget-Friendly Version:

  • Use a window as your key light (face it, don’t sit with it behind you)
  • Add a desk lamp for fill (soften it with a paper diffuser or lampshade)
  • Avoid overhead lights that create shadows under your eyes

Tips

  • Use natural light when possible, but be consistent across takes.
  • Avoid mixing color temperatures (daylight + yellow lamps = weird).
  • Use soft lighting. Harsh direct light creates unflattering shadows.
  • Check your white balance before recording (most phone cameras do this automatically).

Basic Shot Types

  • Wide shot (WS): Shows the full scene or subject in context
  • Medium shot (MS): Waist up; great for interviews or explanations
  • Close-up (CU): Emphasizes emotion or detail (e.g., hands or facial expressions)
  • Over-the-shoulder (OTS): Common in interviews or dialogue
  • Point-of-view (POV): Camera shows what a character/person sees

Framing Tips

  • Use the Rule of Thirds: imagine a 3x3 grid over your screen. Place key subjects or objects at the intersections to create visual interest.
  • Leave headroom (space above the head)
  • Keep eyes around the top third of the frame
  • Center the subject (unless intentionally off to the side for artistic or narrative reasons)