The Art of Video Storytelling by Bob Krist

Recent years have seen exciting changes in how we create and consume media. Video is king now, and if you’re a visual storyteller, you need to adapt. Good news: making beautiful, cinematic movies is easier and more affordable than ever, often with gear you already own. This course guides you through the entire filmmaking process, from prep and equipment to editing and sharing, leveraging your still photography skills to excel in video.

🎯 What you’ll learn

• Understand the fundamental principles of visual storytelling and narrative structure.
• Master the technical aspects of video production, including frame rates, resolution, and audio capture.
• Learn practical shooting techniques for capturing compelling sequences and motion.
• Explore the grammar of video through essential framings and shots.
• Develop skills in interviewing, location scouting, and lighting for video.
• Gain proficiency in editing video using open-source software.
• Discover how to share your finished video stories with an audience.

✅ Requirements

• Skills: Familiarity with basic photography concepts is beneficial.
• Tools: A smartphone or camcorder, and potentially a tripod, slider, gimbal, or lights.
• Hardware: Access to a computer for editing.

📝 Description

This course dives into the art of video storytelling, showing you how to create engaging films with accessible equipment. You’ll learn how human beings are naturally drawn to stories and how to tap into that by using universal narrative structures like the Hero’s Journey. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right gear—whether it’s your phone or a dedicated camera—to understanding the technical language of video, like frame rates, resolution, and bit depth.

You’ll discover how to think about shooting for sequence and motion, not just single frames. We’ll break down the essential visual grammar of video with five key framings and ten shots. Plus, you’ll get practical advice on capturing high-quality audio, essential for professional-sounding videos. The course also covers practical aspects like location scouting, lighting, conducting interviews, and finally, editing your footage into a cohesive story using an open-source editing program.

🧑‍🎓 Who this course is for

• Still photographers looking to expand their skillset into videography.
• Aspiring filmmakers who want to learn the fundamentals of visual storytelling.
• Content creators aiming to produce more engaging video content.
• Anyone interested in using video to share stories effectively.

🧑‍🏫 About the Author

Bob Krist is a renowned freelance photographer and filmmaker whose career has spanned over 150 countries. He’s a regular contributor to prestigious publications like National Geographic and Smithsonian. Bob’s short travel films have earned him gold and silver awards in the Lowell Thomas competition, and his work has been recognized with multiple awards, including Photographer of the Year by the Society of American Travel Writers. He brings a wealth of real-world experience and a passion for visual storytelling to this course.

🏁 Final Result

• A portfolio-ready short film that effectively tells a story using learned cinematic techniques, from shooting and audio capture to editing and final output.