Character Design @Chelsea CTE Week 13 - Final Stretch/Video Statements

Here is a crazy long list of suggestions from Creative Art Works about the different components of your Video Pitch - we are gonna talk through effective ways to work with something as detailed and specific as this to make each section feel more digestible. Depending on how much work needs to be done before getting to this part, we may talk though this thursday instead of wednesday - but it (as well as everything else) will be due by midnight of next wednesday. It's real my friends. The end is nigh.

***TECH SPECS***
1. Keep file size small to medium if your camera/software offers that option
   a. MP4 files at 720p are preferred 

   b. Some mobile devices will allow you to specify small or medium file size

   c. If you can’t control the file size or format, just submit what you have

CONTENT
1. Keep it Short. Two minutes max. Focus on the most important points.

2. Five things you have to say:
    a. YOUR NAME, school and grade.
    b. Tell us WHO your character is
    c. Tell us the main CONFLICT in your character’s life
    d. Tell us a bit about your character’s WORLD
    e. Tell us how the DESIGN ELEMENTS express your character


CONTENT DETAILS:

3. WHO your character is includes:
   a. Personality traits
   b. Special abilities
   c. Weaknesses

4. Tell us the main CONFLICT in your character’s life
   a. Fighting for survival?
   b. Looking for love?
   c. Trying to solve a mystery?
   d. Trying to defeat an evil super villain?
   e. Trying to hold down a job and raise a family?

5. Tell us a bit about your character’s WORLD
   a. Realistic, fantasy, sci-fi, historical, or magical realism?
   b. Does your character have friends, family, pets, or a sidekick?
   c. Does your character have enemies, a nemesis, a competitor?

6. Tell us how the DESIGN ELEMENTS express your character
   a. Costume: fashion, uniform, armor, life support system, etc.
   b. Props: weapons, tools, magic elements, transportation, etc.
   c. Body shape, color palette, patterns and textures, line quality, etc.

   d. Inspiration

BEFORE YOU RECORD:

1. Write notes or cue cards
   a. Half a page of text equals about two minutes of time
   b. Five or six note cards will cover about a minute of talking
2. Rehearse a few times before you record
   a. Only refer to your notes to stay on track
   b. Do NOT read directly from a script. You will sound stiff.

RECORDING THE VIDEO:

1. Consider asking a friend or family member to record you.

2. Good lighting helps!
   a. Record in a sunny room if possible.
   b. Windows should be behind the camera, not behind you

3. The camera on your mobile device is good enough
   a. Use a tripod or improvise a stand. Avoid hand-held if possible

4. Audio is more important than video!
   a. Try to find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed
   b. Get close to the microphone or use a headset
   c. Speak slowly and clearly

5. Do at least two takes, even though sometimes the first take is the best

6. Show examples of your work
   a. Hold up drawings on paper or a digital device
   b. Narrate over images of your work

REVIEW YOUR VIDEO BEFORE YOU POST IT! (VERY IMPORTANT)

1. Have a friend or family member watch your video and give you feedback
   a. Is the sound quality good? Are you speaking clearly?
   b. Is your background messy?

2. If you are not happy with your video, consider re-recording it.