Loop Me In

Story Booth: Why Is Tobacco
Prevention Important To You?

Alan and I completed our first story booth today with all the new equipment.
Here are some lessons learned:

We can do this!

• We recorded 13 stories in 2 hours, that's 6-7 stories/hr!
• We need at least a 10x10 space, ideal is 12x15.
• It still takes us about 30-45 minutes to setup.
• The video quality looks great (especially for closeups)!

Coaching improved our videos!

• Having time to develop the story limited rambling and integrated "asks".
• There honestly was not a single bad storyteller or story.
• Our familiarity with the storytellers helped them be authentic and emotionally present.
• One "director" is better than two.
• Remind the storyteller to speak as if they're talking to a close friend or relative.
• We need prompts that lead to fun stories, not just sad stories. (there was lots of sadness)

We still have some learning to do about our equipment.

• The quieter the room the better. Regardless, we need to purchase headphones and regularly check sound quality.
• Clear the SD cards (well) before shoot.
• Create equipment checklist. Check before every departure so we don't forget stuff.
• Maybe decrease video quality for storyboothing to limit file size.
• White balance often when working with natural light.
• Bring backup flip for emergencies!