Online Storytelling: TechSoup Canada Video Tips

Many of you may not know, but TechSoup Canada has its own site and services for nonprofits in Canada. If you've not visited their blog yet, you should, regardless of where you are.

They have a terrific recap of a recent Net Tuesday held in Toronto that was focused on online storytelling with video. They highlight a variety of attendees' experiences and list some really useful tips for getting started even if you don't have any video experience. It can be a great way to tell your organization's story or to tell the story of the people you're working with, in order to grow supporters, broaden your reach, and deepen the relationships you have with the communities where you work.

Some of my favorite (simplified) tips are obvious when reading them, but often skipped by non-pros:

• Don't try to film through a window or other reflective surface
• Label your tapes and files
• Start with a storyboard
• Create a script

Check out the full post for more detail and links to resources. We also have a variety of articles on our site about video and digital storytelling that might provide other in-depth advice about how to get started, what tools are available, and some legal considerations.