Name: Low-Budget Video Production: Visual Communication for Small Charities
Rating: 4.78571 (42 reviews)

Learn how to produce your own low-budget video to convey your charity’s message

Small charities understand that to compete in a tough economic climate they should engage with digital media and video content. But a lack of staff, time, knowledge and resources can get in the way.

This practical video production course is designed to bridge that gap and help small charities develop the skills they need for successful video production.

Understand the strength of video in telling powerful human stories

You’ll gain an insight into the strengths and weaknesses of video as a medium of communication, where and how to use it to powerful effect, and how to tie it in with your charity’s overall message and ethos.

As part of the course, you’ll also have access to a well-researched collection of videos made by small charities, inspirational examples of the type of visual storytelling you could be able to achieve.

Learn the production skills you need to communicate your work and impact

You’ll get to grips with creative thinking and visual storytelling, and work through the editorial decisions that can make your video stand out and deliver its message effectively.

You’ll also master how to make a low-budget production using the technology you have readily available such as smartphones. You’ll develop practical skills to plan and structure a low-budget video production, shoot video in several different visual styles, and tackle a basic edit.

Gain in-depth insight into video production from experts at The Open University

You’ll be guided throughout by Tot Foster, who has just completed research to develop training and support in video production for small charities that takes into account their specific circumstances, together with Senior Lecturer in Design, Dr Theodore Zamenopoulos.

Unable to play video. Please enable JavaScript or consider upgrading your browser.

Download video: standard or HD

Syllabus

Week 1
Anyone can video
- Setting the scene
  An introduction to the structure and content of the course and a rationale for why now is the right time for video.
- The strengths and limitations of video as a medium
  Unpicking what video has to offer your organisation and how to use it well.
- Identifying purpose, message and audience
  Getting to grips with the fundamental decisions that kick off any production.
Week 2
Planning a successful production
- Making production decisions
  How to establish a path to a finished video that will deliver your aims.
- Identifying your resources
  Understanding what you’ve got to work with so that you can be realistic in your planning.
- Developing a creative vision
  Adding the magic ingredient that makes your video stand out, but also fits with impeccable ethics.
- Reaching a shared vision for your video
  Working as a team to get to the stage where you can start filming.
Week 3
Filming techniques
- Putting your plan into action
  Assessing the choices of equipment available and outlining different shooting techniques.
- Interviews
  Offering a range of perspectives on the type of content that is often at the heart of charity videos.
- Other useful shooting techniques – selfies and live action
  Casting light on some other shooting techniques you may wish to consider.
- Content gathering techniques you can use at home
  Production styles and techniques that help you get to a finished video without ever leaving your front door.
Week 4
Making your video count
- Editing basics
  Outlining the basics of what’s involved in getting from raw footage to something that can be seen.
- Unlocking the creative puzzle of editing
  Looking at creative and ethical aspects of editing.
- Reaching your audience
  Getting your finished video to the people you want to see it.
- Making the most of your new skills
  Building your video production practice.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Explore the strengths and weaknesses of video as a medium of communication, where and how to use it to powerful effect
Investigate how to plan and structure a low budget production with available team skills and resources
Develop a range of practical skills in low budget production using readily available technology
Apply creative thinking and visual storytelling skills

Who is the course for?

This course is suited to anyone planning to produce videos who works within the small charity sector such as charity staff, volunteers and service users.

It is also useful to those with existing production and video marketing experience who would like to work within the sector, or those from larger charities interested in a fresh approach to using video as a visual storytelling tool.

Who will you learn with?

Tot Foster

I work with small charities; producing video content and mentoring staff in video techniques. I also work in community heritage, and university-based research. Find out more at wildmanherring.com

Theodore Zamenopoulos

Professor of Citizen-led Design at The Open University and professional architect with expertise on place-making that fosters leadership in design

Who developed the course?

The Open University

As the UK’s largest university, The Open University (OU) supports thousands of students to achieve their goals and ambitions via supported distance learning, helping to fit learning around professional and personal life commitments.

Established
1969
Location
Milton Keynes, UK
World ranking
Top 510Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020

What's included?

The Open University are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:

Unlimited access to this course

Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes

Tests to validate your learning

A PDF Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you’re eligible

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn