Welcome back to the Book Video Workshop. If you’re just joining us, please be sure to visit the Day 1 and Day 2 posts.
Today, we’re discussing the imagery aspect of building your book video. Once you’ve got your script exactly as you want it — pared down to the most essential, provocative lines and as short as you can make it, it’s time to add images.
Storyboarding
Before we delve into the specifics of choosing your images, I want to share with you a technique I use when building videos: Storyboarding. Basically, storyboarding is pulling all your elements together in one place so you can plan out the entire project. When creating a video, this serves two purposes: 1) it gives you a place to list all the elements of your video, so as you’re searching for images you like, music you like, you can jot down the URLs to easily find them again. And 2) it helps you to get a visual of just how long your video is going to be. When you suddenly have to take that script and apply it to images, you can see where timing issues might crop up.
For example: if you have too much text for each slide, then your script is probably too long. Or if your storyboard is dozens of rows long, then …once again, your script is too long or you’ve used too many images. It can be tough to gauge exact length from a storyboard, because that will depend on your transitions and timing, as well as the music. But it’s a very helpful place to start.
Finding the Emotions In Your Images
In our last post, we discussed finding the emotion in your video script and the same is true for the images. Often times, one of the mistakes I see in videos is that the image is an exact replica of the words. For example, let’s say that a line in the book video is: “kidnapped from her bed”. The most literal image would be, obviously, a bed – like the one below:
This is a stock photo of a child’s bedroom with no graphic changes , but it’s pretty bland. It tells you exactly what it is, but when you’re dealing with a phrase like “kidnapped from her bed”, you need to focus on what isn’t in the those words. What is the underlying emotion? Think keywords–Alone. Afraid. Sad. Frightened.– and then think of an image that might convey more of an emotional hit toward those words. So instead of the pretty pink bedroom, perhaps an image like this:
A teddy bear left behind, in a dark corner definitely conveys sadness, fear, alone to me. For good comparision, here is a mockup of that slide with each image:
Which ones conveys the right emotions more? By choosing a strong image, you can punch to the script that wasn’t there with just the words.
A good rule of thumb if you’re unsure of your image choices is to consider how specific it is. Whereas with the script, often times you need to be a little less detailed (for lack of a way to explain the words in so little time), with your images, you can take the opportunity to show something extra.
If you have a line in your script that says something like, “she fled alone across the countryside”, what sort of image would you consider? Let’s say the book is historical, the countryside in question is England and the woman fleeing is running away from a dangerous situation. What would you think a good choice?
The easiest option would be a nice picture of an English countryside – there are plenty to choose from, like this one:
But it’s bland. It doesn’t show the story, it only mimics the words on the screen. How much more specific or compelling could you get? A woman in history would rarely be alone, certainly not traveling. If she’s fleeing a dangerous situation, there are a lot of emotional pulls there. What would you look for to further illustration the emotion of the moment?
To continue with the blog series, I took one of the videos commented on last week and created an alternative — just to get the discussion moving further. One of the slides in particular, I think shows a strong connection between what the words say and what the image adds to it:
Read the words by themselves: Is honesty important to you?
It’s a basic question and you could assume that anyone would think with an automatic answer: Yes. But if you heighten that question by presenting a situation? Someone drops money in front of you. You could give it back to them or keep it yourself… it turns that question into an actual character presented issue. That’s your goal with choosing images for each line of your script: heighten the emotion and pull something out of it that wasn’t there with just the words. Dig deeper.
To further the discussion, I took the book Character Happens by Garry M. Graves, who has been sharing and participating with us all along, and created an alternate book video. This was simply to offer up other options for discussion, talking points and get your feedback on what you think works and doesn’t work. I focused specifically on drilling down the script to the basics and finding images that conveyed the emotions behind the questions. So discuss below. 🙂
Creating a Cohesive Look
One thing you may notice is that all of the images accept for the last ones are black and white. That was done specifically, because often times it’s said that more emotion is pulled from a black and white photo than a color one. And since this book is about character, the emotion of the image and not the details is really what you want the viewer to focus on.
But it’s also created with the intent on giving the video a “look.” One mistake I see often is when so many different types of images are used in one video. They can be black and white, color, sepia, bright primary colors and then dark earth tones in the next one. The mix of elements can at times be overwhelming and your message can definitely get lost in the shuffle.
So another element to think about when selecting your images is truly how well they blend with each other. Do they work as a set? Whether that means you need to do a little graphic enhancement (shading, etc, if you know how) to match the tones of the pictures or they work on their own, there should be a natural flow from one picture to the next.
The Legal Considerations
Any time you create something for promotional value, you have to be very careful that all the items you include, from images to music, come with the appropriate license. Most important, this means you cannot just grab images from the net wherever you choose. Basically, you cannot use any photo or music source that you haven’t purchased a right to — this means royalty-free options or public domain or licensed under a creative commons license that allows free usage. (or if you have the money, you can purchase a rights-managed license, which allows for specific usage only. These are often far more expensive.)
If you are working with a website that provides images for free, such as the sxc.hu site listed below, you still need to carefully read the license agreements. While their photos are royalty-free, often times the owner will include a provision of credit or a link to where the picture is being used.
Where To Get Images
There are a host of royalty-free stock photography sites you can visit. Some of those include:
There are also some free options:
Public Domain Pictures
Dreamstime also has a free section: https://www.dreamstime.com/free-section.php
And a site that helps you search through the sites: https://www.everystockphoto.com/
However, no matter what source you use, it’s important to pay attention to the license options. With free usage or any “free” works – music or photo, you have to be careful to read the usage agreements that go along with the license. The website sxc.hu gives their specific allowances for usage on their site, but they also indicate that the artist who uploaded the photo may have additional requirements.
In Summary…
So, to summarize, choosing your images isn’t that different from writing the script. The medium may have changed, but the goal is still to find that hidden emotional punch. An image shouldn’t just look pretty…it should work on context with the hidden meanings of your script lines, and hopefully the images will create a continuous, cohesive look from beginning to end.
And as before, please share your scripts, your image thoughts or question below and we’ll discuss through the next week. Next week’s workshop post will be on choosing the music for your video, so stay tuned (no pun intended…)!
Hey Jeannie, I can’t get in to see the video you’ve created. It’s on that privatae setting. Can you give me details on how to get in or make the video public for awhile?
Choosing my project as a sample for your teaching is beyond belief. I’m not used to being this lucky. I can’t begin to say how much I thank you.
Advise me asap when that video is open? Here’s my email; garry@characterhappens.com
Thanks for doing the workshop Jeannie…its better than I could’ve ever imagined.
–gg
Whoops, sorry about that! The video is now public. 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYfx69-SJm4
Oh my…I’m speechless! My wife and I cried through several replays. The script, the pic’s, the timing of the words, there placement, the music… The flower coming from the snow…geeish! From the first frame, the old tried and true ‘found money’ dilemma, and what is a person to do…perfectly on point. How the frames seem to zoom-in was magical. I love, yes, love, how you’ve called out the virtues with a ‘red’ color and it appearing first in the frame. It took my breath. Asking the viewer…if they knew what ‘Integrity really is’ Incredible! The frame of the ‘hands’ made me gasp! (Jeannie, what can I say), and the frame ‘humility’ with the Confucius quotation…I am in awe! What an incredible tribute you have given the book. Candidly, when the last frame came up with my book cover and how the script said — ‘the book that may change your life’ OMG, tears began to flow.
Jeannie…I’m humbled. I’m now bowing to you. How you can teach your workshop participants to do something like this is unimaginable. If we accomplish half of this quality, the shop was well worth the time.
THANK YOU, garry m graves
…again many thanks for your putting on this workshop.
Garry, I’m humbled by your response. Thank you so much – I’m glad you loved it. And I absolutely believe anyone can accomplish this with the right nudges and a willingness to try. 🙂
Also I wanted to let you know that the music was produced by my extremely fabulous hubby — I told him I needed something 1 minute long with an inspirational/motivation undertone, and there you go. A custom song just for you. (It pays to be married to a DJ. LOL) 🙂 And just to clarify, you absolutely have my permission to use this video anywhere for your own promotional value.
I’ll explain MY process of choosing these images and culling the script down (in another comment in a little while) to help you in making your videos as well because again, the goal of this workshop is to give you the tools to make your videos the best they can be.
…I don’t know how you can do this. Use this video, are you sure? How can I ever begin to repay you? Obviously, you do this professionally–what sort of charge would a person have to pay for something like this? Your husband must be incredibly perceptive…given the information needing ‘something 1 minute long that’s inspirational/motivational,’ he comes up with the ‘perfect’ match. That’s incredulous! Please thank him for me…his talent is beyond measure. (I’ll be happy to write supreme accolades for both of you, should you desire). Is there ‘anything’ I can do?
Again, thanks Jeannie (I love that name, as one of my book characters is named Jeannie). And…I really love participating in your trailer workshop.
Big applause now! –gg
…oh, Jeannie…when the flower showed its color…matching the virtues with the flower color…I’m stunned!
Jeannie,
Well done on Garry’s video! It definitely sells the book! What a great promotional tool. Here is mine, posted finally to youtube. I’d be grateful for feedback, and I’m unsure about a few scripties still.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWtOKXo2GSQ
Monica
sorry, that link is off. Try this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWtOKXo2GsQ
Hi Monica, Thanks – glad you liked Garry’s video.
Okay, on to your video…
On the script, you said in a previous comment that this was really a coming-of-age story – for Jack, I’m assuming? One issue with the way it’s currently written is a lack of subject. It starts talking about the Montgomery family, then a girl, then a boy and then Jack’s name is in there somewhere a little later. It’s tough to really know who the subject of the book is.
If this is Jack’s tale (mostly in his POV), I’d suggest trying to think of an opening line that gives us our first glimpse at JACK. Brainstorm some words around coming of age, new discovery, destiny, mystery…what is his journey? What starts his story? Consider the exact moment in your book (usually the first plot point) where everything shifts and kicks into gear – what is at stake for Jack then?
I think once you can focus the topic on him, the rest of the script will fall into place.
On to imagery:
I like the sepia tones to a lot of the pictures. It definitely works to create a mode of another world and the second font choice (papyrus) is a great one. I’d stick with that font throughout the video for a more cohesive look.
I think you could find images that convey a stronger emotional connection with the context, though.
With the words “otherworldly” and “exotic”, you have an image of a tree. On an emotional level, a tree gives me very different words. When I think otherworldly or exotic, I think of things you don’t see every day, something unique, something extraordinary. A tree is a pillar of strength, of longevity, of mother nature. Something very much born of this world.
If you google “otherworldly” and click on “images” (here https://tinyurl.com/yl8eydb) you’ll get a very different sense of the word. Same for exotic. The images should convey that thought – they should extend the words otherworldly and exotic with specific meaning to your story. What is exotic about it?
The bird photos for the “orphan” boy – what’s the emotional connect to your story with those? Is it the location?
I LOVE the image at the very end – you need to use that toward the beginning. It’s provocative, secretive and definitely implies the concept of looking deeper into a mystery. I’d look for images at each slide that echo that concept – deeper into the mystery.
Hi Garry, yes, I’m absolutely sure. You can go to the YouTube page to get the embed code to plug in to your blog or website.
And yes, I have worked in marketing communications and design for over ten years — so this is my “day” job. As for pricing, you can get a feel for pricing by visiting my design website: https://www.willdesignforchocolate.com — but the prices range depending on the person doing them. Book videos can take a tremendous amount of time overall, from the research aspects, to the script revisions, putting it all together, testing it, timing it. When you pay to have one done, you’re paying for a lot of hours as well as the person’s expertise.
But again, this workshop is to help people learn the ways to build their own videos. A lot of what you saw is my experience with graphics, typography and writing for marketing communications. This is what I do. I’m happy to share whatever I can. 🙂 As for what you owe me, nothing — I intended to do this as a part of the workshop series. It’s a way of teaching and helping those in this industry. Just pay it forward. 🙂 Enjoy.
Jeannie,
I’ve since changed the script–it’s amazing what you can pull out at midnight!–and it’s as follows:
For centuries the Montgomery family has harbored a secret
And Jack Winters is determined to uncover it
An otherworldly girl
An orphan boy
Become inseparable
And make their own rules
The mystery binds her to a life she fears
Treaty
Enchanted
Legend
he’s determined to help her
And gets more than he’s bargained for
She’s gone!
How do we break the pact?
As for the images I’ve chosen–Jack’s first sight of Anwar is in an orchard, sitting in a cherry tree, eating cherries and hurling the pits at the cousins. Waterfowl hunting plays a huge role in their story, which is why I’ve chosen the bird tumbling from the sky image. The picture you loved at the end of the full moon thru the trees was actually snapped from our upstairs window, so thanks ;). I’ll think carefully about your feedback, but in the meantime, if you have any input on my script or reasons behind some images, let me know. Thanks,
Monica
Hi Monica,
The script is coming along! I like the changes you’ve made. The beginning seems much stronger. I think the ending could be a little more, though. Comments below:
For centuries the Montgomery family has harbored a secret
And Jack Winters is determined to uncover it
An otherworldly girl
An orphan boy
Become inseparable
–> I like this opening. It’s a good beginning with a focus on the topic and subject. It does read like a romance to me. So if this is more about Jack’s coming of age than about their romance, think of ways to make that beginning more focused on him.
And make their own rules
–>what does this mean? can you be more specific, more compelling?
The mystery binds her to a life she fears <--great line. he’s determined to help her And gets more than he’s bargained for --> These lines could be stronger. More specific on his goals. What’s at stake for him?
She’s gone!
How do we break the pact?
–> These lines are a bit confusing still, and you could end on a stronger note. They break from the flow of the script into a conversational mode and without an understanding of the actual book, don’t make a lot of sense.
Could you end more on a note within the flow of the script? She obviously disappears — they know where she is and how to get her back, but Jack doesn’t? Is that what he needs to learn? What does he have to give of himself in order to break that pact?
You’re doing great, though — it’s really coming together.
Jeannie,
I’m really about to tear out my hair. You’re tough! I have no idea what to do to improve this script…agh. Well, let me see. First, I must say this IS a type of romance, after they’ve grown. Secondly, they make their own rules by disregarding all adults. Basically they’re allowed to do what they want b/c she is the link to the family’s prosperity and he is her protector. So how can I possibly fit this into a small, readable, understandable line?
For centuries the Montgomery family has harbored a secret
And Jack Winters is determined to uncover it
An otherworldly girl
An orphan boy
become inseparable
and make their own rules
They mystery binds her to a life she fears
treaty
enchanted
legend
His life is eclipsed by her existence
but she fades from his world too easily
driven to get her back…
he must discover
how to break the pact.
LOL, Monica, please don’t tear your hair out. You’re doing great, truly. I just want to give you the best opportunity I can to make this really sing. 🙂
I love the new ending:
driven to get her back
he must discover
how to break the pact.
Very strong. Anyone else want to chime in here?
I want to focus on the connection here:
The mystery binds her to a life she fears
His life is eclipsed by her existence
but she fades from his world too easily
These are really strong sentences by themselves. Much better, IMO. You could possibly remove that middle line to it reads something like:
The mystery binds her to a life she fears…
and takes her from his world too easily.
driven to get her back…
he must discover
how to break the pact.
What do you think?
Monica’s script has evolved from scattered independent thoughts to some semblence of a story with romance AND mystery/sci-fi components. She’s come a long way. Some of the video frames I liked, others seemed out of place. Looking forward to the second version.
As for me…I could work on a video til the cow’s came home and not have anything comparable to Jeannie’s. I watch it a lot!. Tell hubby the music is incredible! How did he know?
I’m still going to play with my pics, now using some b/w photo’s though, and see if I can improve on frame zooming, movement, etc…I need to be able to do this with some modicum of understanding of the process. Thanks again Jeannie, I owe you. –gg
…hopefully I’ll have something to submit soon.
Here is my updated video…there are two things I’d like to tweak–I would LOVE to upload a different image for the “otherworldly girl,” but I’m on dial-up and it is TORTUROUS to sift through millions of photos which take days off your life to view. So when I’ve found one, I will replace the tree. Also, no matter how many times I mess w/ it on Movie Maker, I cannot get the timing right at the end w/ the music. I’d like it to flash to the moon and trees pic when the voices are uplifted. On Movie Maker it looks perfect, and when I publish to my computer, it’s screwy. Any suggestions?
Anyway, here is the link. I feel like I’m getting somewhere now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56WmXdoyvJw
Thanks,
Monica
Jeannie, here is a revised version of my video. I’ve used some b/w pics (same but larger), and tried to play with the fading/coloring of script. And, new music. It still has many glitches. I’m thinking that in my conversion from a ppt file to a wav file, something happens to cause things to jump around and not perform correctly. Will continue to edit and look at your suggested image sites for better pics. Also, on my powerpoint, looks like the zoom-in and out feature does not exsist, or I couldn’t find it. I love the movement of your pics in and out, most dramatic. Then again the music accompanies the trailer, ‘perfectly.’
Thanks for doing the workshop, I’m learning a great deal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylQXRd063xY
Hello Jeannie,
I am enjoying your book video trailer workshop immensely and learning a great deal. While I wish I had time right now to dive in and start creating my own trailer, I am grateful that Garry and Monica have graciously shared their learning process with all your readers. The evolution of their trailers is heartening and thrilling. Thank you for starting off with the the list of software packages designed to do this type of creating. Without the proper tools it is nearly impossible to end up with a professional presentation. I’m really looking forward to the rest of this workshop.