Blog Posts About: video production

New Explainer Video Workshop: Spring 2024

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Do you have a policy, product, or service you need to explain? It's easier than you think, and you already have the tools to do it: Powerpoint or Keynote.

I'm hosting a ​new workshop​ starting April 17th. We'll meet on Wednesday afternoons (Pacific time).

I will be your guide through every step of creating an animated video that clearly explains your idea. This workshop, our third, has a limit of five participants so I can be a personal resource for you.

The workshop includes:

  • Explanation skills and tips
  • Responsible and productive use of AI in the creative process
  • Writing your script
  • Developing your storyboard and visuals
  • Animating each scene
  • Producing your video

I am happy to respond to emails if you have questions or need direction between sessions.

"The Explainer Workshop was truly a game-changer for me."

Amber Smart, Winter 2024

The Details

  • Five 1-hour online sessions (Zoom) with Lee and the group
  • Limit of 5 participants
  • Three Explainer Academy courses and an online workspace that never expires
    • ​​Explanation Master Course ($199 value)​​
    • ​​Ideas in Motion ($149 value)​​
    • ​​How to Create Readable Videos ($129 value)​
    • Workshop Workspace​ (All session recordings, resources, etc.)
  • Access to our online library of 3,300 Cut-outs
  • Multiple guides, templates, and models in PDF
  • All sessions will be recorded and available in the workshop workspace.
  • Price: $995

Enroll Now

"Lee provided personalized feedback and kept sessions fun and very interactive. I highly recommend this workshop!”

Luisa Molina, Fall 2023

The Schedule:

The Explainer Video Spring Workshop will be in April and May 2024:

  • Session 1: Wednesday, April 17th, 3pm PT (1 Hour)
  • Session 2: Wednesday, April 24th, 3pm PT (1 Hour)
  • Session 3: Wednesday, May 1st, 3pm PT (1 Hour)
  • Session 4: Wednesday, May 8th, 3pm PT (1 Hour)
  • Session 5: Wednesday, May 22nd, 3pm PT (1 Hour)

Can't make a session? All sessions are recorded.

Learn More

"The workshop puts you on the spot to deliver your explanation. I found that it's the practical aspect of actually doing it that matters. The workshop was excellent!"

Clyde Johnson, Fall 2023

Watch a Brief Video

If you have questions, reply to this email or contact me directly at ​lee@commoncraft.com​.

Enroll Now

Explainer Video Workshop - Winter 2024

Creating animated explainer videos is easier than you think. Once you learn the method, you can start solving explanation problems and get the attention you deserve. I'm here to help.

A Live, Online Workshop with Lee LeFever

I will be your guide to explainer video production over five online meetings via Zoom. We'll go through every phase together, from writing the script to recording and sharing the final video. Learn more about the workshop.

Enrollees will receive:

This workshop has 10 seats that may go quickly.

In five sessions of live, online instruction, you'll learn how to create animated explainer videos using common tools like presentation software and screen recorders.

Lee will be your guide through every aspect of video production, from writing the script to producing the final video. You'll learn explanation and video creation skills that will become part of your professional toolkit.

Meeting Schedule: Winter 2024

Session 1: Tuesday, January 9th, 11 am PT (1 Hour):

  • Explanation skills
  • How to use generative AI for scripts
  • Writing your script

Session 2: Tuesday, January 16th, 11 am PT (1 Hour):

  • Review your scripts
  • Moving from words to visuals
  • Creating a thumbnail storyboard

Session 3: Monday, January 22nd, 11 am PT (1 Hour):

  • Review storyboards
  • Build your video scene-by-scene
  • Animate visuals
  • Prepare for production

Session 4: Tuesday, January 30th, 11 am PT (1 Hour):

  • Recording the video and voice-over
  • Editing your video
  • Ideas for sharing

Session 5: Tuesday, January 30th, 11 am PT (30 minutes)

  • Finishing touches, sharing, captioning
  • Share your videos
  • Discuss use cases

All online workshop sessions will be recorded and distributed to all attendees.

The workshop includes an online workspace with helpful videos, documents, templates, and guides that support Lee's online instruction. Access to the workspace does not expire.

What you'll need:

  • The production method requires only common tools and equipment. You'll need:
  • A computer with an internet connection
  • Zoom meeting equipment (headphones/earbuds, microphone)
  • Presentation software (Google Slides, PowerPoint, Keynote)
  • Screen Recorder (I'll share free options)

If you have questions, feel free to reply to this email, or schedule a quick call.

I hope to see you in the workshop!

Explainer Video Workshop with Lee LeFever

Creating animated explainer videos is easier than you think. Once you learn the method, you can start solving explanation problems and get the attention you deserve. I'm here to help.

A Live, Online Workshop with Lee LeFever

I will be your guide to explainer video production over four online meetings via Zoom. We'll go through every phase together, from writing the script to recording and sharing the final video.

Enrollees will receive:

This workshop has 10 seats that may go quickly.

The Schedule:

Session 1: Tuesday, November 7th, 11 am PT:

  • Explanation skills
  • How to use generative AI for scripts
  • Writing your script

Session 2: Thursday, November 9th, 11 am: PT

  • Review your scripts
  • Moving from words to visuals
  • Creating a thumbnail storyboard

Session 3: Tuesday, November 14th, 11 am PT

  • Review storyboards
  • Build your video scene-by-scene
  • Animate visuals
  • Prepare for production

Session 4: Thursday, November 16th, 11 am PT

  • Recording the video and voice-over
  • Editing your video
  • Ideas for sharing

All online workshop sessions will be recorded and distributed to all attendees.

What you'll need:

The production method requires only common tools and equipment. You'll need:

  • A computer with an internet connection
  • Zoom meeting equipment (headphones/earbuds, microphone)
  • Presentation software (Google Slides, PowerPoint, Keynote)
  • Screen Recorder (I'll share free options)

If you have questions, feel free to reply to this email, or schedule a quick call.

I hope to see you in the workshop!

A Readable Videos Use Case

Let's say part of your job is to create documents and media to educate others. You're an amazing communicator and feel confident using media tools. You sometimes create videos and know that they have real power.

But, producing videos can be complicated and time-consuming. This is especially true with animated videos, which often require special equipment and complicated software. Who has time for that?

What if...

  • You could create a powerful animated video in just a few hours?
  • The entire process only required PowerPoint?
  • The resulting video was polished, professional, and accessible?

This is the promise of Readable Videos. Once you learn this method, you'll see that animated videos can be simple and efficient to create. They can solve problems and bring information to life.

"I am able to create instructional videos without the hassle of voiceover, multiple retakes, or special software. I have already created/shared a Readable Video and have several others in mind."

- Jean Potter, Content Specialist

Free Mini-Course

PowerPoint... For Video Production?

Indeed. PowerPoint is a powerful tool for creating animated videos. It has an amazing combination of what you need:

  • Drawing and editing tools for shapes and images
  • Animation tools for text and visuals
  • On-board libraries of images and visuals
  • Screen recorder

You and your team have an opportunity to add a powerful new skill to your toolbox. All you need is the know-how and we've covered every base, from generating ideas to finishing the video.

For Your Class, Your Team

Consider making this course available to groups in your organization. We're happy to talk about discounts and special arrangements. Contact us at info@commoncraft.com.

Start for Free

Why Should You Care About Readable Videos?

You may be wondering:

  • Why should I care about Readable Videos?
  • Do I really need a course for a simple idea?

Unlike normal videos, Readable Videos can be created in hours vs days or weeks. All you need is presentation software. However, Readable Videos require know-how. I've spent years perfecting the method and learning what works. You'll discover a new world of simple video production.

Let's Take a Tour of Course Videos:

The course has over 40 videos and five hours of instruction. It's full of practical walk-throughs, examples, and use cases.

Best Practices: Readability

It's not enough to display words on the screen. How we do it matters in terms of effectiveness and readability. You'll learn best practices from the field of kinetic typography and how to design your messages and animations for polish and accessibility.

Creative Direction, Explanation Skills, Storyboarding

For your video to work, you'll need planning and a focus on clear communication. I've shared multiple lessons from my book The Art of Explanation and Explainer Academy Courses.

"Two weeks after taking the course, I’m using Readable Videos in job support and training for my organization."

- Dawn Weiman

Deep Dive into Presentation Software (PowerPoint and Keynote)

Readable Videos can be created using ONLY presentation software. It's the perfect platform because it combines built-in visuals with powerful tools for drawing shapes, manipulating text, and creating animations, along with a built-in screen recorder. I'll show you exactly what to do.

Bonus Files:

The presentations I use in the course are provided for download so that you can see the options I used.

Animating Text and Shapes

You'll be amazed at what is possible. You'll learn the key skill of Readable Videos: how to animate text in a way that is readable, accessible, and engages the reader. Watch me through every click and learn from my experience.

“This course takes you from zero to hero with the ‘why’ as well as the ‘how’. No new applications to learn, and no expensive equipment to buy; use what you probably already have."

- Sam L. (UK)

Background Music

A lesson I learned in making Readable Videos since 2020: silence can be confusing for the reader. While background music isn't required, I recommend it and show you where to find free music and how to integrate the music file into your presentation.

Recording Your Screen (Mac and PC)

You'll learn simple and free options for recording your screen.

"All educators have a need for this type of instruction. Much-needed. Well-conceived. Well-done."

- Jane Englert, Teacher

Watch Lee Create a Readable Video

Learn more at ReadableVideos.com

An Introduction to Readable Videos

I recently had an idea: what if explainer videos, like we make at Common Craft, were created without a voice-over? What if words and images told the story so that video creators could make them without the hassle of microphones and audio editing? What if videos were more accessible and consumable without speakers or earbuds?

I started experimenting and developed a simple method for making what we call Readable Videos. At the Explainer Academy, we have a free mini-course that teaches the basics of the method. This simple idea makes animated videos MUCH easier to create. Enroll here.

Here's an intro:

Enroll for Free