1 of 44

2 of 44

How many of you make videos now?

3 of 44

THE POWER OF VIDEO

THE 3 Ps | HOW WE DO IT

THE TOOLS

THE STORIES

KEY TAKEAWAYS

4 of 44

THE POWER OF VIDEO

THE 3 Ps | HOW WE DO IT

THE TOOLS

THE STORIES

KEY TAKEAWAYS

5 of 44

6 of 44

THE POWER OF VIDEO

IN A WORLD OF SHORT ATTENTION SPANS, VIDEO MAKES PEOPLE PAUSE.

The average viewer decides in 3 seconds whether to keep watching.

MAKE THOSE SECONDS COUNT.

7 of 44

BY THE

NUMBERS

91%

of users Prefer Video Content from Brands over Other Formats

1200%

More Social Media Shares Come from Video Content Than Text and Images Combined

93%

90%

of companies have acquired new customers through video marketing

of marketers say video has helped them generate leads

8 of 44

THE PROBLEM WE ALL FACE

TIME

STAFF

BUDGET

RESOURCES

WHERE TO START

9 of 44

VIDEO VIEWS INCREASE 775% IN SIX YEARS!

2 Hours of Production Yields 30-50 Hours of Video Views

10 of 44

1,046,558 SOCIAL MEDIA IMPRESSIONS IN 2024-25

100 VIDEOS PRODUCED

Top 3 Videos (Across all Platforms)

  • Mikey’s Graduation
  • Dr. Hansen - Gen Z Update
  • Mikey’s Minute - Unified Sports

11 of 44

What’s one type of video that’s performed surprisingly well for your district or school?

12 of 44

THE POWER OF VIDEO

THE 3 Ps | HOW WE DO IT

THE TOOLS

THE STORIES

KEY TAKEAWAYS

13 of 44

14 of 44

DISCLAIMER

WE ARE NOT �EXPERT �VIDEOGRAPHERS

and you don’t have to be either

Please don’t ask me about aperture!

15 of 44

THE 3 P’s OF VIDEO PRODUCTION

PLANNING | Pre-Production

PRODUCTION | The Shoot

POST-PRODUCTION | Editing

16 of 44

PLANNING | Pre-Production

PURPOSE / GOAL

KEY MESSAGE

PLATFORM

AUDIENCE

17 of 44

PLANNING | Pre-Production

PLANNING CHECKLIST

✔ Gather Inspiration

✔ Choose Who’s On Camera

✔ Clarify the Message

✔ Plan Location & Visuals

✔ Storyboard and/or Shot List

✔ Capture A-Roll + B-Roll

18 of 44

PRODUCTION | The Shoot

DON'T BE THIS GUY, AVOID EDITING FRUSTRATION

STABILITY

LIGHTING

AUDIO

Use a tripod, wall, or steady hand.

Face your light source; avoid harsh backlight.

Record in a quiet space, use a mic if possible.

19 of 44

PRODUCTION | The Shoot

QUICK SHOOT CHECKLIST

✔ Clean your lens

✔ Check framing (headroom, background, horizon line)

✔ Test your mic (record a few seconds & listen)

✔ Capture more B-roll than you think you’ll need

✔ Record extra takes for safety

20 of 44

POST-PRODUCTION | Editing

This is where your story comes together…�Beginner | Perfect for quick social media videos.

CapCut

Mobile

iMovie

Apple

Clipchamp

Windows

WeVideo

Web

21 of 44

POST-PRODUCTION | Editing

This is where your story comes together…�More Advanced | Layered edits, interviews, and extended storytelling.

Premiere Pro

Adobe

Final Cut Pro

Apple

22 of 44

THE POWER OF VIDEO

THE 3 Ps | HOW WE DO IT

THE TOOLS

THE STORIES

KEY TAKEAWAYS

23 of 44

GEAR UP | EQUIPMENT FOR EVERY BUDGET

Sometimes we don’t have the fanciest setup… and that’s OK.

24 of 44

TIER 1:

THE POCKET STUDIO

Budget: $0 - $50

Camera: Your Smartphone. (It's more than good enough!)

Stabilizer: A steady hand or a stack of books.

Audio: The phone's built-in mic (in a quiet room) or an inexpensive lavalier mic

Specific type: Bluetooth Lavalier from Amazon

Cons: Blown-out audio

25 of 44

TIER 2:

THE CONTENT

CREATOR

Budget: $50 - $300

Camera: Your Smartphone or an entry-level DSLR/Mirrorless.

Stabilizer: A simple tripod or a smartphone gimbal.

Lighting: Ring Light

Audio: An on-camera shotgun mic (like a RØDE VideoMicro) or a basic wireless mic system.

26 of 44

TIER 3:

THE IN-HOUSE

PRO

Budget: $300+

Camera: A quality DSLR or Mirrorless camera.

Stabilizer: A fluid-head video tripod and/or a motorized gimbal.

Audio: A professional wireless lavalier microphone system.

Lighting: A two or three-point lighting kit.

27 of 44

OUR SETUPCAMERA

Focus made easy.

Camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark II Mirrorless ~$2,300

Lenses: The f/4L “Holy Trinity” (Canon)

RF15-35mm f/4L IS USM: ~$1,499�RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM: ~$1,399�RF70-200mm F2.8 L: ~$2,699

(Mirrorless listed, also available in DSLR)

28 of 44

OUR SETUPMICS

Great audio, every time.

Mics: Dji Mic 2 (Bluetooth Lav Mics)

~$350 (but usually on sale for less)

Pros: Crisp/clear audio, even in loud environments

ACCESSORY: DJI Mic Adapter ~$30

29 of 44

OUR SETUPLIGHTING

Light smarter, not harder.

Panel Lighting: Neewer 18" Led Video Light Panel Key Lighting Kit with Remote

Pros: Easy transportation, doesn’t get hot

30 of 44

Our Setup:�Accessories

OUR SETUPACCESSORIES

Build your capture library for all different scenarios

Be ready for anything.

TRIPOD� K&F CONCEPT 64 inch/163 cm Camera Tripod ~$45

Tripod: K&F CONCEPT 64 inch/163 cm Camera Tripod ~$45

DJI Pocket: ~$280 - $800 (depending on model)

DJI Mic Adapter: ~$30

DJI Mini 4 Pro (Drone): ~$1,500

Teleprompter: Neewer ~$140 (needs tablet)

TELEPROMPTER�Neewer ~$140 �(needs tablet)

DJI POCKET�~$280 - $800 (depending on model)

31 of 44

OUR SETUPACCESSORIES

Be ready for anything.

BACKDROP� 7.87ft x 13.12ft Portable Large Chromakey Green Screen Backdrop ~$160

PTZ CAMERAS�~$300+

DJI MINI 4 PRO DRONE ~$1,500

GoPro 11: ~$300+

Gimbal: Zhiyun Weebill S

32 of 44

OUR SETUPTRAVEL

Ready to roll.

Hardshell Backpack: Protect Equipment and Organize Lenses. ~$50 - $100

EQUIPMENT ROLLER BAG: Neewer Photo Studio 40” Rolling Carrying Case for Lights, Tripods, etc. ~$200

33 of 44

OUR SETUPSTORAGE

Use your space wisely.

Shelving: ULINE shelving & Storage Cabinet

Things to Consider:

  • Charging Units and Batteries
  • Cord Management
  • Tablet Storage Unit

34 of 44

OUR SETUPSOFTWARE

Where the story comes together.

Shelving: ULINE shelving & Storage Cabinet

Things to Consider:

  • Charging Units and Batteries
  • Cord Management
  • Tablet Storage Unit

PRO-TIP

PIT STOP

Partner with other departments to help them meet their needs through video & see what they’re able to purchase

Drone, GoPro, MotionArray

Video Editor

Premier Pro

Graphics, Stock Library, AI Voiceover

MotionArray

35 of 44

Is there any equipment you recommend?

36 of 44

THE POWER OF VIDEO

THE 3 Ps | HOW WE DO IT

THE TOOLS

THE STORIES

KEY TAKEAWAYS

37 of 44

TELLING THE STORIESOUR 4 KEY VIDEO TYPES

HIGH-LEVEL UPDATES

CELEBRATION VIDEOS

STUDENT & STAFF VOICE

IN THE MOMENT VIDEOS

38 of 44

HIGH-LEVEL UPDATES

SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE

Scheduled, High-Level Communication

Purpose: To provide clear, consistent, and professional communication using intentional, focused messaging to keep all stakeholders aligned on district priorities, progress, and key initiatives.

Audience: Families, staff, students, stakeholders

Platform: YouTube, Email, Facebook, LinkedIn

39 of 44

CELEBRATION VIDEOS

Planned Recognition & Spotlight Moments

Purpose: To highlight accomplishments, milestones, and positive stories that reinforce district values and build community pride.

Audience: Families, staff, students, community members & beyond

Platform: Socials

40 of 44

STUDENT / STAFF VOICE

Human Stories & Authentic Perspectives

Platform

YouTube, Socials, Email

Instagram, YouTube, Facebook

“It gets the people going”

Purpose: To spotlight the voices, perspectives, and personalities of our students and staff. Capturing their experiences, ideas, and moments of fun to strengthen connection and celebrate who we are as a district.

Audience: Families, staff, students

Platform: Socials

  • Dr. Hansen - Gen Z Update (cut 3 different ways)

When in doubt, just start recording

Crowdsource your footage

41 of 44

IN-THE-MOMENT VIDEOS

Real-Time, On-the-Ground Storytelling

Purpose: To capture authentic, timely moments that showcase real-time learning, energy, and events happening across the district.

Audience: Community & BEYOND

Platform: Socials

42 of 44

KEY

TAKEAWAYS

KEY

TAKEAWAYS

Budget: $50 - $300

PLAN

Think through your whole project before you ever hit record. Know your purpose, your audience, and the shots you need.

GOOD AUDIO

High-quality sound is non-negotiable. Clear audio instantly elevates your video’s professionalism.

B-ROLL

The secret sauce for polished, professional-looking video, helping create smooth transitions, visual interest, and seamless edits.

3 SECONDS

You have three seconds to grab someone’s attention. Start strong, visually and verbally.

LEVERAGE WHAT YOU HAVE

Use the tools already at your fingertips, your phone, your environment, and your students. Creativity beats expensive equipment every time.

43 of 44

THANK YOU

Erin Kokta

koktae@elmbrookschools.org

Eric Hagen

hagener@elmbrookschools.org

Follow us! @elmbrookschools

Scan to access this presentation

44 of 44

OTHER SOFTWARES WE USE or were mentioned

  • ANIMAKER - EXPLAINER VIDEOS
  • TURBOSCRIBE - AI TRANSCRIPTIONS
  • EDDIE AI - Editing assistant
  • Premiere PRO - Audio Enhance feature