Seven steps to the audio slideshow

Getting prepared for the upcoming semester, I took a shot at codifying the procedures for creating an audio slideshow. If any journalism instructors out there want to use this, they're welcome to it (credit JPROF.com).

Seven steps to the audio slideshow

JEM 200 and 230 students (and beyond)

An audio slideshow is a journalistic form that combines sound and still pictures to tell a story.

1. FORM THE IDEA

-- what’s the slideshow about; what story is being told

2. DRAFT THE SCRIPT

• two to three minutes (or as long as necessary)
• time the script (remember: 10-15 pictures per minute

3. SHOOT THE PHOTOS

• Rule No. 1: Take lots of pictures
• Long-range, midrange, close-ups
• Control the background, fill the frame, wait for moments
• Rule of thirds
• Last rule: Take lots of pictures

4. REVISE AND EDIT THE SCRIPT

(and shoot more photos)

5. Record and edit the audio (Audacity)

• narrator
• interviews
• ambient sound
• music and sound effects

6. SELECT, EDIT AND SEQUENCE THE PICTURES

• software: Picasa, iMovie, Soundslides, Animoto
• create title, credit and date slides

7. COMBINE SOUND AND PICTURES

• convert to video file
• upload (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.)
• breathe a sigh of relief
• tell your friends