This week’s challenge is to create an interactive video conversation, and there was only one guy I wanted to have a sit-down with.
The Idea
I thought chatting with Bert, who made his challenge debut in a video entry last year, might help his fans get to know him a bit better. What would coffee with Bert be like?
The Design
The Shoot
My goal was to keep this quick and simple. We propped Bert up in front of a background image of a cafe on a computer monitor, and Bert (aka Dan Sweigert) popped his iPhone on a tripod so we could capture both audio and video. I added some lighting and we knocked it out. I asked my scribbled questions and Bert answered on the fly.
The Edits
I was determined to only do video edits I could accomplish in Storyline to keep it simple. The result is the straightforward cuts you’d expect without the bells and whistles of having used an outside video editor.
The Interaction
I wanted one slide with a menu of questions you click to hear Bert’s answers. When you do, his video answer appears on a slide layer. The ambient sound of a restaurant is steadily looping underneath on the master slide.
I also added an outtake slide (the “Bonus Material”), and used a separate master slide with no audio on it so you could get that satisfyingly unedited effect.
The Result
I don’t know if you really want to have coffee with this guy, but he’s waiting at the cafe right now just hoping you’ll spend a little time with him, and you can enjoy your triple espresso with him right here. Have fun, you two!
Kristin Augusta says
I love this, Jackie! You always get my wheels spinning! I could definitely see using this type of design for an FAQ with video responses for complex answers. You truly are the life of the ELHChallenge party – I love how you have mad design skills, but know how to have fun with these challenges, too!!
Jackie Van Nice says
Thank you, Kristin! Everything you said makes me so happy I just want to frame your comment. (And don’t think I won’t!) Your kind words and support mean a lot – especially that my silly little challenge entries help get your wheels spinning with ideas you can use. Woo-hoo! :-D
David Anderson (@elearning) says
This is the most priceless work of elearning art I’ve seen. If we closed the challenges today I’d have no regrets. Thank you.
Jackie Van Nice says
Thank you, David! Bert and I are humbled by such praise; though we sincerely hope that if the challenges ended today we wouldn’t be held responsible.
David Anderson (@elearning) says
He’d be martyred.
Anne Seller says
Bert’s back! And he’s looking mahvelous… I loved this – especially how he gets all emotional over Norah… Great job, you two (three)!
– Anne
The Bert Appreciation Society of Germany
(Heidelberg Chapter)
Dan Sweigert says
Danke Anne, Ich bin wirklich durch Ihr Lob gedemütigt! – Bert
Jackie Van Nice says
I never thought I’d get to see Bert work with Google Translate. Gut gemacht, Du!
Anne Seller says
Ich war auch sehr beeindruckt! :) But, Bert should never be underestimated – he is a multi-talent!
Gina Evans says
This entertained me to no end! I think you must be my elearning spirit animal.
Jackie Van Nice says
Thanks so much Gina! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Bert will be very pleased.
I’ve never been someone’s elearning spirit animal before – but I’m happy to give it a go! :-D
Barbara Yalof says
Great interview with this sophisticated fella. Love the coffee shop ambiance in the background. It’s your little touches that make me smile!
Jackie Van Nice says
Thank you, Barbara! (Bert will appreciate the “sophisticated” part.)
I was just thinking about you. Hope things are going well and you’re having a wonderful spring so far! :)