Lab Entry #6

Video Production & Digital Storytelling

Today in class we looked at video production in the classroom. We used a phone application called Pause Video. The application allowed us to take short clips one after another and automatically compiled them together in sequence.

This application is very useful and user-friendly. The camera apps that come preinstalled in smartphones are not generally programmed to do this. This facilitates inspiration and creation for any aspiring filmmaker or videographer. The instantaneous results are satisfying.

We wrote, shot, directed and published a movie using Pause Video. The writing having been the most important and most difficult part, took the longest. Because of very minimal editing requirements, the process was quick and seamless. Having been given a very short amount of time I am pleased with the results.

My biggest criticism of the application functionality is that it is not possible to rearrange the clips out of their original sequence. Also, there is a watermark on the final product (as a result of us using the app freely).

Uses for Teachers:

1. The classroom is split into groups of four. The four students are tasked with writing the script for the film that will be shot. The two of students will be tasked with creating a storyboard, while the next two will be tasked with shooting the film using Pause Video. They will learn how to be organized, quick, and precise in their filmmaking techniques. It will teach them the value of preplanning and foresight in an easy way.
2. The classroom is split into pairs. One student is tasked with writing one screenplay. The other student is tasked with creating a storyboard for their own story. The students will swap papers and will both be tasked with shooting the movie. This will teach them adaptability to different mediums and planning methods.
3. Students will be divided into groups of varying numbers and are each responsible for filming and writing a different segment for a news broadcast. They will then collect all the videos and compile them, teaching them the value of teamwork, filmography media literacy.