If you’re planning a screen capture video for your software, website or online platform, it helps to know what the process looks like before production begins.
This type of video is often used to help people understand how to use an app, navigate a system or complete a particular task. The aim is to make things clear and easy to follow for your audience.
Here’s how the process usually works, and what we’ll need from you along the way.
1. Research and background information
The first step is getting familiar with your app, your users and the wider context around the project.
We’ll look at anything that helps us understand how the product works, who it is for and what people need to get from the video. This could include your website, brochures, documents, existing videos, screenshots or any other material you have available.
Some clients have a lot of existing information to share. Others do not have much at all. Either is fine. We work with what we’ve got and ask the right questions to fill in any gaps.
2. Script development meeting
Next, we arrange a meeting and guide you through the script development process.
We’ll ask questions about your audience, what the video needs to achieve, how the app works and the most important things viewers need to understand. This gives us a clear sense of what should go into the video and how to communicate it in the best possible way.
It is also a good opportunity to make sure everyone involved in the project is aligned before we start writing.
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3. Voiceover script
We then write the voiceover script.
At this stage, it is simply the words that will be spoken in the finished video. We send the script to you for feedback, and you can share it with any other stakeholders who need to be involved.
You can suggest changes, add information or let us know if something important has been missed. We refine the script until it captures what needs to be communicated.
4. Storyboard
Once the voiceover script is approved, we create the storyboard.
The storyboard is divided into two sections. On the left is the voiceover script. On the right is a description of what the viewer will see at that point in the video.
This could include screen actions, screenshots, text, graphics or notes about where we will zoom in and what we will highlight. It gives everyone a clear picture of how the finished video will work before we begin recording and editing.
You will have another opportunity to provide feedback and make changes before the storyboard is signed off.
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5. Screen recording and editing
Once the storyboard is approved, we move into production.
We record the screen and the actions we want to show in very high resolution. This gives us flexibility in the edit, allowing us to zoom into particular areas of the screen without losing quality.
We also add visual elements to make the video clear, engaging and easy to follow. Depending on the project, this might include:
- Zooming into important areas of the screen
- Using arrows, circles or highlights to direct attention
- Adding animation like motion graphics text to reinforce key information
- Creating subtle 3D movement to give the screen more depth and energy
Rather than completing the whole video before you see anything, we usually create the first 30 seconds and send it to you for feedback. This helps us establish the visual style early. Once you are happy with the look and feel, we apply that style to the rest of the video.
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6. Voiceover selection
We will also recommend a voiceover artist based on your brief and the audience you are trying to reach.
Before recording begins, we will send you an example so you can confirm that the voice feels right for the video.
7. Review and delivery
When the video is complete, we send it to you for review.
You and any other stakeholders can provide feedback and request changes. We work with you until you are happy with the final result.
Once everything is approved, we deliver the finished video so you can start using it to help your audience understand and use your software.
We have produced many screen capture videos and you can view examples of our work.
Ryan Spanger is the founder and managing director of Dream Engine, a Melbourne video production company established in 2002. Over the past two decades, he’s produced hundreds of videos for businesses, government departments, universities and healthcare organisations across Australia. Ryan specialises in helping organisations explain complex ideas through clear, engaging video content, with particular experience in corporate communications, training and education.
