Moving into movies - using video in E-Learning

www.aurionlearning.comE-LEARNING | TRAINING AND SUPPORT | PLATFORMS
Moving into Movies!
Mairin Murray
Learning Services Manager

Masterclass:
Getting the most out of E-Learning
Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, October 2015

Why use Movies in e-Learning?
• Engage our learners.
• Make topic real and relevant.
• Demonstrate process/best practice.
• Motivate and inspire.
• Inform and help memory retention.
• Share on multi-platform.
• Offer just in time learning.

Focus on
learning
outcomes
and key
messages.
Make it
credible.
No video is an
island.
Think budget
and
opportunity.
Ensure
accessibility.
Keep it
simple
(and
short).
More than
show and
tell.

Keep it Short and Simple

Ensure Accessibillity

More than Show and Tell

Formats of Movies
• Piece to Camera.
• Interview Style.
• Mini-doc.
• Tutorial.
• Scenario.
• How to.
• Explainer Animation.
• Digital Story.

Piece to Camera
Format:
Short movie featuring one person looking into camera while
reading a script or presenting (used in news on TV or by TV
reporters).
Get the lingo:
A piece to camera is the television and film term used for when a
presenter or a character speaks directly to the viewing audience
through the camera.
When to use:
• Positioning piece by a leader in the team or organisation to
provide a strategic context and the bigger picture.
• Peer learning for people sharing their experiences.

Piece to Camera – Key Points
Pros:
• Scripted in advance so ‘on message’.
• Simple format one camera, tripod.
• Controlled environment.
• Quick to edit.
• Efficient to use same set-up for multiple subjects.
Cons:
• Not particularly visually engaging.
• Need someone who can read out in a natural, animated way.
• Effort in advance of shoot to create a detailed script.
Tips
Use an autocue app for ipad and experiment with speeds so suit
delivery of person interviewing. A green screen can make video
more visual and relevant by positioning interview in a different
locations.

Interview Style
Format:
Movie featuring one or more interviewees who are responding to
questions.
Get the lingo:
Talking head refers to a person speaking directly to camera usually
in a medium shot, meaning they're cropped at the head and
shoulders.
When to use:
• If subject is not able to write or approve detailed script.
• Basis for a more ‘mini-doc;’ approach with video footage or stills
to illustrate key points.
• If subject matter more discursive or sensitive and lends itself to a
conversation as opposed to formal written delivery script.

Interview Style – Key Points
Pros:
• May end up with more natural delivery.
• Basis for mini-doc.
• You may be able to accommodate more than one interviewee.
• Draws out reflections and narratives with emotional depth.
Cons:
• Works best with two cameras - more equipment can impact costs.
• Longer shoot time as not so tightly scripted.
• As not tightly scripted, sometimes issues with answering in full sentences.
• Some believe less engaging as subject isn’t looking directly at camera.
Tips
• Ask interviewee to answer in complete sentences, repeating the answer.
• Cut out the interviewer – they are not the focus.
• Ensure you don’t interrupt the interviewees answer or make sounds or
noises of agreement (this is harder than you think).
• Warm up the interviewee with some lighter chat.
• Send them key messages to be covered in advance rather than exact
questions so responses not too wooden.

Mini-doc
Format:
A short documentary that tells a story with interview or voice over
as the basis and a variety of action and static shots and
sequences.
Use the lingo:
A cut-away is the interruption of a continuously filmed shot by
inserting a view of something else. It is usually, although not always,
followed by a cut back to the first shot, when the cutaway avoids
a jump cut
When to use:
• Topic lends itself to sourcing interesting, visual footage.
• Combine telling with showing to explore context or challenges.
• Bring the learner visually into different situations and contexts.
• Reinforce key messages visually.
• Avoid jump cuts.

Mini-Doc – Key Points
Pros:
• Potential for highly engaging storytelling that informs and motivates.
• Makes it real.
• Shows the evidence not just someone talking.
• Makes learning relevant and real with actual footage.
Cons:
• More effort and time needed to prepare and script.
• Longer shoot as not simply capturing piece to camera or interview.
• Variety of locations – consider permissions, noise etc.
Tips
• When scripting consider sequences of shots that will tell the story.
• Ensure the backdrop for key interview is ideally relevant to the story
that’s being told.
• Get shots from different distances and angles.
• Think of establishing shots – buildings, door ways, signs etc.

Tutorial
Format:
Tutorial delivered via expert which mimics the experience of a
lecture.
Get the lingo:
On screen graphics – lower thirds are commonly found in TV news
and documentaries and in their simplest form, a lower third can
just be text overlying the video.
When to use:
• You have access to an expert in their field.
• Teaching, information rich piece or complex concepts.
• Strong presenter.

Tutorial – Key Points
Pros:
• Fast way to convert classroom to virtual learning.
• Lends itself to efficient use of templates for implementation.
• May be a stand alone topic in a programme design – less ID effort.
Cons:
• Push – may be passive experience for learners.
• Heavily dependent on presenter for engaging delivery and content.
Tips
• Include graphics and illustrations.
• Intersperse with learning activities, pause points, questions, reflections.
• Reinforce key learning with summary screens.

Tutorial – Template
Aurion templates developed with transcripts, contextual information
and summative assessment.

Scenario (video)
Format:
Using movies to tell an online interactive narrative which
challenges learner at key points to reflect, make decisions and
choices.
Use the lingo:
Recce is from ‘reconnaissance’ and refers to the preparatory visit
made to a location to establish if feasible as filming location.
Sound, lighting, access, car-parking, key contacts and rooms for
sets are researched and agreed.
When to use
Very engaging way to bring a scenario to life from introducing
characters, setting the scene and illustrating the consequences.
You want emotional impact.
It is feasible to video – no complex props, settings needed (in that
case consider using illustration or photos).

Scenario (video)

Scenario (video)
Pros:
• Memorable if narrative credible and realistic.
• Motivational as illustrates the impact and consequences.
• Effective at showing the dilemmas of characters via dialogues with
others and internal dialogue - ‘big brother’ diary room style.
Cons:
• Expensive as time lots of effort with scripting and shoots .
• Need an experienced crew’ to direct actors and ensure shots and
editing have emotional impact.
• Too expensive to film everything, every branch and option.
Tips:
• Use actors where possible – and when you need to stick to script.
• Volunteer actors can work when role-playing familiar work situations.
• Choose wisely what to film with limited budget - film competent
behaviour.
• Weave in the movies with other types of interactive and static
screens.

Scenario (animations)
When to use:
• Not feasible to film due to variety of locations needed, stunts,
risky behaviour.
• Character led programme design which is carried into
scenarios.
• Inject element of fun, gamification into the learning.
Pros:
• Highly engaging.
• Creates a brand asset.
Cons:
Animated character not as expressive as a real actor.
Maybe less realistic– but you can collage with photos.

How to
Format:
Format: Short instructional video which demonstrates how to
complete a task or process.
Get the lingo:
A Prod Sim is a movie which captures screen and cursor
movements, to demonstrate an on-screen process. It may involve
audio and reinforcement with text.
When to use:
• Skill based learning demonstrating ‘how to a process.
• Illustrating a step by step sequence of actions.
• Instruction need to show how to solve a specific problem or
complete a procedure.

How to – Key Points
Pros:
• Good for showing craft or technical skills.
• Excellent for demonstrating processes.
• Just in time resource to solve a problem.
Cons:
• Needs careful scripting.
• May be slow and too detailed.
Tips
• Base it on what people find difficult so doesn’t miss the mark.
• Populate with realistic context and sample content if online.
• Use active tense and address learner directly in script.

Digital Stories

Process
1. Scripting
2. Pre-production
3. Production
4. Post-production

Scripting
Key Steps:
Deliverables:
• Script.
• Decide on format for video based on budget, programme design,
other factors.
• Include video treatment in Content Plan.
• Select/recruit contributors.
• Write script with key messages, audio script, visuals

Scripting Templates
Questions Key messages (to be
completed for each film)
Illustrated by a shot list
(to be completed for
each film)
What is your name? Close-up of name badge.
Framing shot from
interview.
What is your role in SVUH? What
are the particular challenges of role
and ward?
Wide shot of interviewee
walking through doors of
ward and through
corridors, or in main
hospital reception.
Establishing where they
work and their role in
SVUH.
Interview Style

Scripting Templates
Requirement Types of shots Location Description
Main interview to take place in
quiet location with work related
visual setting.
This will provide the audio track
for the film. The interview will be
illustrated with cutaways from
shot list. It needs to be a work
related backdrop to place the
interviewee in work context.
Secondary interview to take
place with interviewee
describing the work related task
e.g. in front of PSAG board, or
dispensing medicines from the
new medicine trolleys or walking
Mini Doc

Pre-production
Key Steps:
• Research locations.
• Complete recce.
• Select, contract and brief crew and contributors or
actors.
• Complete risk assessment.
• Source props.
• Create a call sheet.
Deliverables:
• Risk assessment.
• Call sheet.

Pre-production Risk Assessment
(1)
Activity /Area
of Concern
i.e.: what is
taking place
as part of the
event?
(2)
Hazards
Identified
i.e.: what
can cause
harm?
(3)
Persons
at Risk
i.e.: who
could be
harmed
by the
hazard?
(4)
Current
Risk Factor
(high,
medium or
low)
i.e.:
determine
the level of
risk
(5)
Actions to be
Taken to
Minimize
each Risk
i.e.: what
action can
you take to
lower the
level of risk
(6)
New Risk
Factor
(high,
medium or
low)
i.e.: risk factor
after action
taken to
minimize the
risk
Equipment
and cables.
Potential
tripping on
wires.
Video
crew and
HSE
low Briefing video
crew and
interviewees.
Experienced
crew.

Pre-production Call Sheet
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
EQUIPMENT +
STOCK
Access to a single standard plug socket, all equipment is low wattage.
The lights I use are LEDs and 2 of them will be used unless there is
very good natural light.
Location issues TBC: Any access issues - stairs, small spaces, light -
what kind of lighting is there (halogen, strip lighting, are there any
windows where filming is taking place?)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
 Risk
Assessments
 Currency
 Flight Tickets
 Driving Licence
 First Aid Kit
 Insurance documents

Production
Key Steps:
• Setting up location.
• Setting up equipment for different set-ups, shots.
• Briefing contributors, actors.
• Shooting and takes.
• Capturing details of takes.
• Signing talent release forms.
• Ensuring order on set.
• De-rigging equipment.
Deliverables:
• Shot list.
• Talent Sheet.

Production Talent Release Form
Talent Name: ________________________
I hereby consent, without further consideration or compensation, to the use
(full or in part) of all images, films or audio recordings, in whole or in part, for
use in the **** online Learning Environment and/or through digital
distribution and/or in marketing/information activities undertaken by
the ******* Location of recording:
Date of recording:
Talent's signature:
Address
___________________________________________________________________
Email: ______________________________________________________
Date: ____/____/____

Post-production
Key Steps:
• Editing interview/audio track.
• Adding cutaways.
• Designing title screens, lower thirds, end screen.
• Colour correction.
• Compression.
• Hosting.
Deliverables:
• Edit List.
• Final movie!

Post-production Cut List

Moving into movies - using video in E-Learning

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