6. Investigative Videos:
- Definition: Deeply probing videos that reveal concealed facts or undiscovered issues/stories through extensive research and analysis.
- Purpose: To reveal truths that are often overlooked or intentionally hidden.
Techniques:
- Stick to a clear narrative to grab viewers’ attention and interest.
- Use interviews, document analysis, and field reporting for comprehensive coverage.
- Ensure factual accuracy and address counterarguments.
Workflow:
- Identify a topic or subject that will serve the public interest, fill a knowledge gap or explore unexplored needs.
- Gather evidence through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, interviews, and fieldwork.
- Build a timeline or storyboard for coherent narration in a storytelling style.
- Edit to balance depth and accessibility for your audience.
Tools to Use:
- Screen Recording: Loom – Screenflow or AI-generated Screencasting like Descript’s Squadcasting to capture on-screen tutorials.
- Diagram Creation: Lucidchart – Create clear, instructional diagrams.
- Editing: Descript – Final Cut Pro (FCP) or Adobe’s Premiere to edit with a focus on instructional clarity and captions.
- Voiceovers: Speechify – Add clear voice narration by selecting a voice that meets the country’s needs..
Process:
- Use Loom to record on-screen steps while demonstrating tools (e.g., verifying images).
- Create supplementary diagrams in Lucidchart for step-by-step clarity.
- Edit the video in Descript, adding captions and removing unnecessary pauses.
- Enhance the narration using Speechify for a clear, professional tone.
Use Case: A documentary exposing the spread of disinformation during a public health crisis.