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Wikipedia:WikiProject Screencast/Scripts/Script 10

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Outline and Working Draft

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Script Visual
Welcome to a Screencast from Wikipedia WP:ScreencastLogo
<silence> Slide saying: Intro
So you have a wonderful idea for a screencast, you've written the script, have all your tools in place, and maybe you've even created and uploaded a video. But you feel it lacks a certain something that you can't identify.

In this screencast, we'll just try to point out some of the ways in which you can enrich your work--working through the cycle of planning, scripting, producing and publishing your screencast.

Let's take a step back, for a moment. There are three ways you can do an instructional video. You can capture what is happening on a screen and create what is called a "Screencast"; you can create a video from a slide presentation such as one created with Powerpoint, or you can create a video with live actors, such as yourself.

Each of these formats have their strengths and weaknesses. The WikiProject site for Screencasts has a list of websites where you can learn more about which type of presentation is most appropriate for your needs.

Picture of a person looking down on a wikipedia logo/globe
  • then a screencast running
  • then powerpoint being switched from editing to presentation mode
  • then a video of a person walking around explaining (the german video?)
Slide saying: Advance Planning
Slide saying: Script
"Whether you're creating an entire screencast by yourself or you're only working on a small portion of it, it is always good to have another person review your script. This can help minimize errors, improve the clarity of and accessibility of the content, and insure that the tone is appropriate for your target audience."
  • Humour: Commons and public domain humourous content
  • Quotes: Wikiquotes
  • Slides: Our stash on WP:Screencast
  • Other content we put on WP:Screencast
Slide saying: Material
* Consider mixed-source stuff
  • Consider ???
Slide saying: Pre-Production
Some screen capture software can slow down your computer, and as a result, the transitions between visuals may not be smooth. In order to minimize this, try shutting down any programs that may be running in the background of your computer. Also, consider experimenting with different screen capture software to see which one works best with your setup.
When recording someone's voice, it is important to keep in mind that the distance between their mouth and the microphone can have a big impact on sound quality. Too far away, and the vocals may come out distorted and echo-y. Too close, and you may notice "popping" sounds on some syllables, especially on the letter "P". Try recording samples of your voice at different distances from the microphone, and see which distance minimizes these effects.
Slide saying: Tools & Production
Look at the advanced features of your tools
  • Slide software (such as PowerPoint, OpenOffice, StarImage, Google Presentations)
    • Good Powerpoint practice
    • Transition Effects (pieces on a slide gradually appearing--or on cue; transitions between slides)

Screencast Software

    • Mouse highlights
    • Pausing and switching
    • Sound fades out, so use video

AudioVisual

    • Captions
    • Transitions
    • Mouse highlights
    • Sound Effects
    • Transition Effects
Slide saying: Post-Prod

Consider learning some production skills such as advanced editing techniques, adding music (but not such that it gets in the way), scrolling credits, and so on.

Slide saying: Publishing
  • Formats
  • Size
  • Quality
  • Alternative options for each of above