Hey there, budding filmmakers and creative minds! So, your students have just stepped into the exciting world of video production, armed with a camera, passion, and a boatload of enthusiasm (smidgen of enthusiasm?). But here’s the thing: to truly capture the magic on screen, your students need to master the art of asking the right questions.
The Power of a Well-Crafted Question
Let’s face it – asking questions is an art form. In the realm of video production, it’s not just about capturing moving images; it’s about telling a story, evoking emotions, and drawing the audience in.
Sure, they can ask the standard, run-of-the-mill questions, but where’s the fun in that? Their classmates are not just subjects; they’re storytellers waiting to unfold their narratives. They need to practice drafting questions that delve into their backgrounds, interests, and passions… to uncover the layers that make each person unique, and watch their videos transform into engaging tales that resonate with the audience.
Elevate Your Storytelling Game
Your students need to start thinking of their videos as a canvas, and the questions as the strokes of a brush. Every question adds depth, color, and dimension to the narrative. My students hate taking time at the beginning of any project to brainstorm, but this is a really important piece for them to practice. I’ve put together a student handout that gives them some examples of what good questions look like and some tips on how to write their own to fit the needs of their video assignments. They’ll get a chance to practice with this assignment, too. (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Video-Technology-Writing-Effective-Interview-Questions-Lesson-Grades-7-12-PDF-10650887)
They need to consider the arc of the story and how each question contributes to its progression. This attention to detail will elevate their video production game from amateur to artisan.
Practice Makes Perfect
Crafting killer questions doesn’t happen overnight. It takes practice, experimentation, and a willingness to learn. They may not be thrilled about refining and tweaking their questions based on feedback…. my students are typically more excited about picking up the camera and getting started. But with some guided practice, their interview questions can become more intuitive and make for some much better video results.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the not-so-secret sauce to turning your video production class into a breeding ground for captivating storytellers. Remember, the questions your students ask are the keys that unlock the door to unforgettable narratives. Embrace the art of inquiry, and let the videos speak volumes!
Check out my Writing Effective Interview Questions Assignment here:
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