Writing, Producing and Directing Your DVD

Today, we are bestowed with an array of tools for producing visual and audio presentations that far surpass those of professional filmmakers and TV directors, just a decade ago. But, how do you use these tools to plan, write, produce and direct a DVD that will compel viewers to action, through a creative blend of entertainment and informational materials?

Start with the story

Writing is challenging for most of us, but "the play's the thing"¹ when it comes to DVD production. Fortunately, we now have video to tell much of our story ("a picture's worth 1,000 words"² and audio to emotionally involve our viewer/listener. Both tools are super friendly to our little silver friend with the hole in the middle: the DVD disc. In addition, we have an array of various DVD-ROM assets to choose from: still photos, historical video footage, Power Point^® presentations and print resources (includes artwork, news clippings, written text, trademarks, etc.). Interactivity and DVD (or, CD) go hand in glove!

Knowing your resources at the start helps you imagine, visualize and hear your story. And that is how you "rough out" your script.

We use the word "imagine" because DVD welcomes your imagination to pour forth with ideas, and see them materialize as if by magic!

Begin visualizing your DVD

Now begins the fun part. You know a lot about your future DVD. Others around you may know more about certain resources, so you'll tap into those resources soon.

But first, imagine your own disc. Visualize the finished package on the store shelf. Pretend you buy it, put it into your DVD player or laptop and start enjoying the show! Jot down short bullet points. Try to think in both visual and in audio terms. Ask yourself: Will this topic be covered by talking (interview or voice-over narration) or through visuals (videotaped footage, archival or new still photography, artwork, models, on-screen print, etc.). Dream on and take notes of your dreams, before you awake!

Outline the sections of your disc first, making visual notes. Some producers prefer to devise a page with two vertical columns. On the top of the left column, they label it "VIDEO." On the right side column, the top label is "AUDIO." Now they can summarize the visuals they imagine and write it in the LEFT COLUMN; while writing the imagined audio in the RIGHT COLUMN.

If working on a computer, you can cut and paste the order later. If using a lined tablet or "typewriter"³ you can (literally) cut and paste later. Whatever, it works. Don't worry about the order of your story; just the ideas.

Put all of your ideas into your "first draft" video/audio script outline. Some will never see the light of day; some will emerge as jewels on your final DVD. But, good or bad, all ideas go into the rough draft script notes, since you may not remember them later, when you might need to go back to your inspirational resources.

Round up those resources

Pretend you're a cable news show producer. To compete in ratings (and, attract advertisers), today's "segment" must include:

A. Interesting topics
B. Fascinating people with entertaining personalities
C. Information that is NEWS to your viewer
D. Visuals and/or props that are "eye poppers" to support your story

Suppose you're creating a DVD of your band's tour. Being pro entertainers, each member is probably of great interest to your viewers/listeners. Plan to include lots of "talking heads" that capture on camera the spoken words of each personality. If he/she won't speak, then grab the visuals by haunting that member with your camera.

Most of us don't know what to say when someone sticks a video camera in our face. So, make a list before "rolling the cameras."²

Lets play 20 questions

Believe it or not⁴,most topics can be covered in 20 questions, or less.

Get your personality in front of the camera, mic on lapel. Now, ask your pre-planned 20-or-less questions and let her/him answer. CAUTION: Never (ever) ask any question she/he can answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Don'tgo through that door. Write questions in advance of the interview that force'em to talk. Use opening phrases like:

1. Describe for us ...
2. Tell us all about your ...
3. Give us an account of ...
4. Explain how ...
5. Account for us, if you will ...
6. (You get the idea)

Listen to their answers; then ask follow-up questions

As the off-camera interviewer, you are able to - and should - ask more questions if you get an interesting answer from your on-camera subject. Later, the editor can cut out your questions, to make it seem like it all came from your on-camera subject. Again, NEVER⁵ ask a yes/no question.

CAUTION: Spontaneously firing off on-the-spot follow-up questions requires careful attention on your part. Leave your 20-question list for a moment, to listen to your subject's answer. If his/her answer demands further probing, go ahead and ask more questions -- but NONE that can be answered with ... (you know what).

Don't sweat asking a dumb question. Remember, through the magic of editing, your questions will likely never see the Light of the Laser. The goalis to get your subject to TALK.

After you "get what you want"⁶ go back to your "20 Questions" and continue where you left off (unless some have now been answered or you got even better stuff than you expected in dreaming up your list).

ALWAYS wrap up your "shoot" with an open-ended opportunity for your subject to talk about the stuff you did not think of putting on the 20 Question docket.

Invite her/him to "have the final word" in all of this process. But, don't fall prey to the common approach of asking questions like:

A. Do you have anything to add?
(He may just take out a calculator)
B. Can you sum up this topic for our viewers?
(its bad form to assume you have a "viewer" at this point)
C. We're almost out of tape. Did I miss anything?
(reveals the budget)

These are poor, low-energy questions that beg for poor, low-energy answers.

You know the interviewee's "buttons to push" now that he/she is "warmed up," so push 'em! And PERSONALIZE:

"Listening to you, I get the feeling ______. Correct me if I'm wrong ... Is there a reason you didn't mention ... ? By now, I bet people are going to wonder ..."

Your role just switched from Interviewerto Audience. You just injected a shot of adrenalin into the "end" of the about-to-get-wrapped-up session. Like a great date, plan this one right and you may be surprised at what unfolds. Keep the camera rolling ... this is the stuff tears, applause and Awards⁷ are made of.

Think of this final wrap up as a "Curtain Call" for your subject. From such moments come great Sound Bites! And...you can create a lot of tease and attention "up front" on your DVD Main Menu, later on, using clips of these most-human-of-all-moments.

What is "B-Roll" footage?

Glad you asked. It's what makes a TV dinner a 4-course Banquet. What makes a boring, channel-changer "Talking Head" a Great Moment In Cinema.² In other words, if you dream of winning that award, don't forget to shoot "B-Roll" footage for your editor.

Let's talk post-production for a moment. ("Post" is producer-director talk for everything that goes on after videotaping is over). Your editor will create a "rough cut" of your DVD production, once all of your "assets" for your DVD production are done, gathered, ready and delivered to the editing room.

When your editor tackles the interview you just shot, he will have in his/her hands your list of questions, revised by you with your directions as to where this interview - in edited form - will likely appear on your DVD; what order, how long, etc.

If all you shot was the interview - no "B-Roll" - then no editor will have much fun. Why? Because all editors need eye-gawking visuals to cut into the interview. We all get tired of watching a "Talking Head." So give your editor video "B" Roll shots of WHAT your interview subject talked about. If he/she described how they write the music; record an album; set up for the concert -- SHOW THAT STUFF GOING ON. Now, your editor is a "Happy Camper."⁸

You and your editor will soon be sitting down together (if only by internet) to partake of the joyful task ahead: putting the DVD show into the exciting and creative "rehearsal" stage. Otherwise known as a "Rough Cut."

Fortunately, you shot so much fantastic "B" Roll material, you and your editor enjoy a feast of riches. The interviews themselves are worth the price of admission; and once your video surgeon excises the excesses, Wow! Nothing left but stuff everybody else in your shoes wishes they!⁹

PRODUCING TIP: Buy at least two (2) tapes for each interview shoot. Put all the Interviews on Tape #1; then reserve Tape #2 for all of the "B" Roll footage for each interview. This will save lots of time later for your editor as he/she "captures" and "logs" all of the great stuff you got. The Boss will also save money and you can brag that you belong to a rarified, select group: the Under-Budget Producers/Directors League.¹⁰

A box of parts does not a Ferrari make ¹¹

Before we rent our tux/gown (or, choose the upholstery) let's take a bird's eye peek at the whole process of producing your DVD:

These are the steps:

1. Rough Draft of Script
2. Listing your DVD Assets
3. Laying out a Template for Authoring your DVD
4. Shooting video footage
5. Editing video footage
6. Editing Audio for your DVD
7. Reviewing the Rough Cut of your Video-Audio segments
8. Revising the Editing of segments
9. Final Script
10. Designing DVD Menus
11. Authoring the DVD
12. Designing the Label
13. Designing the Package
14. Designing any Inserts to go inside the finished Package
15. Manufacturing the DVD

I know what you're thinking. Why didn't he mention all this work before I got excited about producing a DVD for my band, business, school, church, public service organization?

And what about the cost? We don't have the budget of a major studio! Why send out an invitation when I can't afford the admission? Or maybe even the parking.

The good news

Yes, there are more steps you must follow to reach that Goal of a new, original, creative, compelling, effective, DVD for your needs. But, the Good News is that what youwill do in creating it is (frequently) the most expensive part; and, you can control that expense.

Don't own a video camera? Borrow or rent. Can't afford expensive computer editing programs? Time and money don't allow for becoming an editor or authoring expert?

At Disc Wiz® we are ready and able to supply everything you need to assemble the box of parts; to morph, massage and materialize your dream into reality. Our team understands keeping costs down to minimum. We have many years of experience in writing, producing, directing, editing, post-producing, designing, authoring and replication/duplication of DVD and CD projects (as well as TV and film). Once we discuss your project together, we can provide ongoing guidelines to help you tackle the list above.

For starters:

• Rough Draft of Script
  You know what to do already. Imagine. Write it down. Discuss with others. Add their ideas. Write your Rough Draft Script.
  
  
• Listing your DVD Assets
  An "Asset" in DVD production talk, is simply any item or thing that can be used as a part of the finished DVD.
  The interviews you shoot are "assets"
  Still photos you can include somewhere are "assets"
  Music you have the right to use is an "asset"
  "B" Roll footage you shoot is an "asset"
  Historic video/home movies/still photos are an "asset"
  Artwork, models, designs, anything visual; once you shoot video or digital still pictures of it, is an "asset"
  Anything tangible that pertains to your DVD story and developing script is an "asset"
  List them. Gather them. We'll use them. Together.
  
  
• Laying out an Outline for Authoring your DVD
  By now, we've all become handy at "navigating" our way through a DVD from its "menus." We all understand our options, shown on screen in each Menu.
  Laying out an Outline consists of the planning how and where the navigation "buttons" on your DVD Menus will take your viewers.¹²
  This is the "roadmap" for your DVD navigation. Planning it is fun, but the real journey is about to begin.
  
  
• Shooting video footage
  Spielberg, move over. This canvas chair isn't big enough for both of us.
  I always wanted to be a director. This is mytime! Borrow equipment; borrow people; borrow people with their own cameras; make a production of it, 'cause that's what it IS. Get the word out that you're producing a DVD and watch them volunteer. What does it pay? Something producers call "Screen Credits!"
  
  
• Editing video footage
  Our editor will work with youas the producer/director, to fulfill your passionate vision. Ryan Taylorwill put your box full of video Assets into Final Cut Pro^® to edit the video segments. Once a "rough assembly" is done by Ryan, you and he will view it by e-mail and discuss it by phone and internet. Share ideas. He is great at explaining your options and making recommendations to help you reach your vision - and Beyond.¹³
  
  
• Editing Audio for your DVD
  Same process as for the "Video" assets; except that Ryan will enlist the help of Kevin Lucero design the sound for your DVD. Lots of audio possibilities abound in the World of DVD: Stereo, Surround Sound, HD Audio, and others.
  If the Band rocks, maybe it should cut loose in Dolby^® Digital 5.1?
  
  
• Reviewing the Rough Cut of your Video-Audio segments
  As the box full of Assets each find a home on the about-to-be DVD, Ryan will show you samples of how it will all play once it settles into position and form for the soon-to-occur process of Authoring. You, as Producer/Director, now see your Vision materialize. You are about to deliver a newborn DVD into this waiting World!
  Now is a good time to share this Rough Cutof the video segments with other insiders who are eagerly awaiting the finished product. Revisions are still possible and much more economical to make now, before the Authoring of your final DVD begins.
  
  
• Revising the Editing of segments
  At Disc Wiz^® we include three (3) revisions in your low cost quote for Editing video and audio for your DVD.
  Extra re-editing costs more, and our experience verifies that most segments begin to "stale" after too many re-edits. Compelling, involving video has an "edge" to it that serves to pull in the viewers. Don't fall into the trap of making your original, inspired video too "polished." Plan to stay fresh and original!
  
  
• Final Script
  If certain segments need Narration, now is the time to write and record it. Combined with the "live" narrative you recorded with your video segments, you now have your completed Final Draft Script.
  
  
• Designing DVD Menus
  Using your still photo Assets, or "grabs" from your Video Assets; plus artwork, titling and Audio "grabs" from your video and music Assets, Ryan will work with you on designing your DVD Menus. Each one will contain "buttons" that take the viewer wherever he/she wishes to navigate. Just like the grand Proscenium Arch of Greek Theatre, your exciting Menus are the door to the Wonder about to unfold. Choose a button, click it, and enter the enchanting and magical world of your new DVD!
  
  
• Authoring the DVD
  Here's where it all comes together: menus, video segments, music, DVD-ROM elements, even Links to your website! Revising the "Outline" (Item #3) to accommodate everything that made the "Final Cut" and is to be included on your new DVD. Your DVD is about to be born!
  
  
• Designing the Label
  Name your baby. The moment has arrived to Title your production and design the full color label art.
  
  
• Designing the Package
  What motivates your intended customer to want to own and view your DVD? We'll help you decide on a packaging concept, then execute the design of all the final files for printing.
  
  
• Desiging any Inserts to go inside the finished Package
  2-panel, four-panel, six-panel insert? If it folds and fits inside the CD or DVD case, we'll design it and print it for you. Three revisions are included in everylow cost design quote we provide. And nobody beats our top quality, full color printing prices!
  
  
• Manufacturing the DVD
  There is never any minimum or any maximum number you will need to order. Unlike the others, we do notrequire our producers to buy thousands of units to get competitive manufacturing prices. And, you can always re-order as your needs dictate.

We help you create your Budget and Stay On Budget. Call or e-mail us to discuss your project and we'll provide a comprehensive Quote!

(530) 895-5440
info@discwiz.com

Nobody is better than the Disc Wiz^® team at joyfully and productively collaboratingwith you to keep yourcreative process flowing and your new DVD On Budget and On Time. We never quote you a price, then place your project on a conveyer belt for "assembly." At Disc Wiz^® we're on a first-name basis in an ongoing working relationship with you, as the producer. When you call or e-mail us, you are always communicating with a person- not a department.

Want more DVD pre-production, production, post-production and marketing tips? Send us an e-mail and we'll send you our growing "DVD Producer's Q&A" at no charge. Send a new Question and we'll publish it - with our Answer - in this free internet resourcefor DVD writers, directors, camera operators and producers.

† Receive updates regularly by visiting www.discwiz.com and sign up for the newsletter.

¹ William Shakespeare
² Cecil B. DeMille
³ Ancient cave device with keyboard and a built-in printer
⁴ Ripley
⁵ Ever
⁶ Ruthless, self-serving network news phrase
⁷ Academy, bonus, money, fame, more money
⁸ Yogi Bear
⁹ Next time your price goes way up
¹⁰ Not really a group, yet, but let's start it up and I'll nominate you and you nominate me
¹¹ Me
¹² you're about to have some
¹³ Lost in Space - B&W TV Show - 1950s