Video is the recording, reproducing, representing or broadcasting of moving visual images in either a digital or analogue format. Most videos are now produced in digital formats.

Videos are very effective if you want to engage viewers or explain something. They:

• can help to communicate complex concepts and detailed stories
• can help with visualising 3D detail
• can demonstrate step-by-step methods for a procedure or experiment
• show a wide variety of content, including people, locations, diagrams, graphs, still images, graphical elements, animation, data visualisation, 3D renderings, and footage from experiments or research findings
• can combine visual content with text, speech, effects and music
• can be built into digital documents, slide shows and websites
• can be shown on mobile devices, tablets or large-screen displays
• can take advantage of social media communication.

With digital video cameras now built into SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras and other devices such as mobile phones, video production is becoming more accessible. When combined with the available video production software, these portable devices can produce good results. However, videos can be difficult to produce – you may need expert help; considerable time is required to produce an effective video presentation, and, if not well planned and executed, a video may discourage viewers from watching further. They can also  be inaccessible to some users – alternative means of accessing content may need to be provided.

General video production falls into story, visual and audio elements.

This section covers:

• Story elements
• Visual elements
• Audio elements
• Postproduction
• Working with a producer, director, videographer or animator.