Getting Started: Writing Video Letters (page 3)

Speaking of narration, a video system that allows audio dubbing will let you watch your edited footage while laying down a running commentary. If you can't do this, try shooting bookends--brief introductions and conclusions in which you or another family member speak on camera to the viewer. In effect, this trick moves the commentary from the middle of each section to the beginning and end.

And finally, a word about structure. Since you're assembling your program after the fact, you can organize its component parts in any order you choose. So don't be a slave to chronological order, summarizing events in their original sequence. Instead, arrange your vignettes in ascending order of interest, saving the most fascinating stuff for your big finish.

And within that hierarchical structure, shuffle sections to achieve variety--that is, place a family interview between the trip to the zoo and the trip to the theme park.

Finally, consider bookending the entire program by introducing the tape yourself, on camera, and then wrapping up the show with a few last comments and an affectionate farewell.

Speaking of which, (affectionately), farewell.

Good shooting!

Contributing Editor Jim Stinson makes industrial videos, teaches courses in professional video production, and writes video textbooks.