Storytelling For Video - How I Script My Ideas

In this article, we will explore the process of coming up with stories and planning video shoots before actually going out to shoot. The author shares their changed perspective on vlogging and emphasizes the significance of storytelling in creating engaging and watchable videos. They also discuss the overall strategy for a YouTube channel and how it affects the way videos are made.

The author initially started making videos in a daily vlog style, capturing whatever happened and turning it into a video. However, upon reviewing those videos as an outsider, they realized that they lacked substance and were dull to watch. This realization led them to understand the importance of storytelling in creating videos that viewers would genuinely enjoy.

The overall strategy of a YouTube channel plays a vital role in determining how videos are crafted. If the goal is to build something consistently over time, it is crucial to think beyond one-off videos. The author distinguishes between a typical vlog channel where viewers simply follow the creator's experiences and a channel focused on a specific topic or idea. The latter requires a more strategic approach.

The second channel of the author serves as an example of this approach. It focuses on stories and interesting topics in the outdoor and adventure space. The author discusses how they aim to engage a broader audience by combining vlog elements with storytelling and education. They share their experience of evolving the channel's content and adapting their video-making strategies to effectively reach and connect with viewers.

To illustrate the process, the author presents a specific video idea centered around a giant rock in the desert. This rock has a unique history, attracting UFO enthusiasts and serving as a meeting spot for Native American cultures. The author wanted to explore and narrate the story of this rock in a captivating manner. They decided to create a mix of vlog-style footage and storytelling to engage a broader audience.

Before diving into the storytelling aspect, the author emphasizes the significance of defining the video's overall objective and strategy. They outline the bullet points of the story, such as the rock's association with Native American cultures, a man building an underground apartment, another man's belief in aliens and UFOs, and the construction of a time travel rejuvenation machine. These bullet points provide the foundation for crafting the story.

The author then proceeds to outline the structure of the video. They begin with a hook, introducing the concept of the giant rock and hinting at the intriguing history that will be explored. Setting up an element of mystery helps capture the viewer's attention. Furthermore, the author carefully plans the ending to ensure a satisfying payoff for the audience. In this case, the ending reveals that the machine builder died before completing his plans, leaving behind a mysterious and unsolved story.

Additionally, the author aims to deliver a takeaway for the audience, connecting the story to a broader theme. They emphasize the existence of unexplainable phenomena and the ability of places like the giant rock to inspire curiosity and imagination. The takeaway encourages viewers to explore such intriguing locations themselves or contemplate similar mysteries in their own lives.

With the story structure outlined, the author suggests writing a script for the video. While they write a line-by-line script for this particular story-centered video, they acknowledge the possibility of adapting and ad-libbing during the actual shoot to make the delivery feel more natural. Practice and experience enable creators to find a balance between scripted content and spontaneous delivery.

Overall, the key takeaways from the author's approach to storytelling for video creation include the importance of defining the overall strategy for a YouTube channel, incorporating storytelling techniques to engage a broader audience, and crafting a well-structured story with an intriguing hook, satisfying payoff, and a takeaway that resonates with viewers.

Keywords: vlogging, storytelling, YouTube channel, scriptwriting, video creation, strategy, engagement, audience, YouTube content, vlog structure

FAQ

Q: What is the importance of storytelling in video creation?
A: Storytelling is crucial in creating engaging videos that viewers will want to watch. It helps capture and retain audience interest, making the content more enjoyable and memorable.

Q: How does the overall strategy of a YouTube channel impact video creation?
A: The strategy of a YouTube channel guides the direction and content of videos. It determines whether a channel focuses on a specific topic or follows a vlog-style approach. Considering the channel's overall objective and target audience helps creators plan and execute videos more effectively.

Q: How can storytelling and vlogging be combined in video creation?
A: By incorporating storytelling elements into vlogs, creators can make their videos more appealing to a broader audience. This involves structuring the video as a story, including captivating hooks, satisfying payoffs, and takeaways that resonate with viewers.

Q: What is the significance of a well-structured video with a clear beginning and ending?
A: A well-structured video captures and maintains viewer attention. A strong hook at the beginning draws viewers in, while a satisfying payoff and takeaway at the end provide a satisfying conclusion.

Q: How can creators make their videos feel more natural while using a script?
A: As creators gain experience, they can find a balance between adhering to a scripted content and adding spontaneous delivery to make the video feel more authentic. Adapting and ad-libbing during the shoot can help maintain a natural flow of speech and emotions.