Scripting AV material

Videos in a BOC occur at the start of the course (the course ‘trailer’), and usually at the start of each individual week. The purpose of the introductory videos is to provide learners with a sense of what to expect on the course and to spark their interest. They can be used to provide a human ‘face’ for BOCs which would otherwise be lacking. On some BOCs the same person is both author and the person who appears on the videos. Other BOCs separate these roles.

One alternative is to commission an animation by way of a course trailer. An animation can be used to describe key points from the course and is a useful format for syndicating to YouTube and social media to extend awareness of the course.

It is usually the case that the lead academic will write their own script although a Senior Producer in OpenLearn will be available for advice and support in developing scripts should this be required. The script acts as the basis of the filming which will be arranged as part of BOC production. This is generally what the course as a whole or each individual week will cover, but should also contain elements to spark interest. They are also used to encourage learners to do the quizzes, particularly the badged quizzes, remind them of what they have learnt and to stay on the course. Weekly introduction videos are not compulsory and may not represent the best use of an academic’s time where the same budget can be used to interview others who have working insight into the topic being taught.

Video production is one of the more expensive elements of BOC production so we are keen to add value to any newly commissioned videos, and also ensure learners have viewed them. For new BOCs we would like, where possible, to include additional content within the weekly videos which could potentially be used as part of the assessment process (this might simply involve the inclusion of a 'fact' which could then be incorporated in the weekly quiz).

It may also be possible to commission someone who is well known in the field to present elements of the course or course trailer. For our The athlete’s journey: transitions through sport BOC Alex Danson was filmed to both introduce the course concept of transitioning through sport and to provide a personal element to the course. Guide videos and course trailers can be added to other platforms such as YouTube and social media platforms, to attract new learners into OpenLearn and specifically, the subject areas covered by the BOC.

If you are going to be the ‘face’ of your course, you will need to be able to present yourself in a friendly and engaging way and you will find that it is not possible to just read out your script. One possible way to achieve this is to write a script that lasts the 2-3 minutes required and then simply to learn by heart what you have written. Alternatively you could list the key points you need to make and then build your video round these or use an autocue. Either way you will need to practice in advance of the filming to be sure about your timing and what you want to say.

Your script will be reviewed by the Senior Producer in OpenLearn to ensure that the filming team know what you plan to say and are prepared to help you get your message across.