Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Best Practices for Developing and Creating Video Screencasts
Panelists: Joel Howe, Doug Hull, Steven Mayer, Jack Thompson, Linda Fritz (moderator)

More and more companies are turning to video screencasts for training and sales presentations. Many companies also use the Web to showcase their products and train users. If you have not already produced a video screencast, you may be asked to do one soon. Knowing the best practices is invaluable and may just help you to find your next job or convince your boss how valuable you are.

Come hear from a panel of experts, experienced at producing video screencasts. Hear the best practices that they use in producing their video screencasts.

Each panelist will briefly describe the process he uses for creating video sreencasts. After a brief discussion among the panelists, we will open it up to audience for questions.

Joel Howe creates 2-D and 3-D technical animations at Framework Media (http://www.frameworkmedia.com), as well as interactive Flash content and rich media applications. Joel's work as both a part-time technical trainer and full time production artist keeps him busy and always learning! A firm believer in adopting the latest workflows to maximize efficiency and capability, Joel is always trying to squeeze more productivity and improved results from Adobe and Autodesk software.

Doug Hull creates video tutorials for The MathWorks, a multi-national, high-tech, software company. The software is for engineers and scientists. Doug just finished producing number 147 in his series of brief 2-8 minute videos. Because these videos premier in a rapid weekly blog format (http://blogs.mathworks.com/videos), the videos are improvisational in nature. There is no script, yet the videos have very high production values. Doug is completely self-taught in video production and editing. He draws heavily from his background in public speaking and improv theater for the production of these videos.

Steve Mayer is a Senior Technical Writer at Avid Technology, Inc., a company that makes editing software and hardware for audio, video, and film production. Steve has been at Avid for 9 years and has created tutorials and feature demos using Macromedia Director, Flash, and Camtasia. Steve came to Avid from academia, having taught literature and general humanities courses at Suffolk University and Boston University.

Jack Thompson has 20 plus years in documentation and training development and management. During the past four years, he has implemented programs within companies to add screen casting as a way to improve customer satisfaction and reduce documentation and training costs. Most recently, he led a program at Avaya, Inc., a large telecommunications company, to reduce training costs by moving the training development in-house and with new qualified vendors. In addition, he has helped two hardware/internet start-ups produce technical "how to" videos for supercomputing and business intelligence products. These videos helped dramatically improve visits to their web sites, as well as, provide the needed training for early customers.

Linda Fritz (moderator) is a member of the STC Boston Program Committee and organized this program. She is currently a contract technical writer. Her experience with screencasting includes creating short demonstrations used in classroom training and developing a long video recording targeted for trade shows. She has used both SnagIt and Captivate to produce her video screencasts.

5:45 - 9:00 PM - Dinner meeting
(6:30 - Dinner, 7:30 - Presentation)

Hilton Garden Inn
5 Wheeler Road, Burlington, MA 01803
Phone: 781-272-8800
Map and Directions

Payment received by May 17:
     $25 for STC Boston and Northern New England chapter members
     $15 for full-time registered students*
     $35 for other STC members and non-members

Payment received after May 17 (space permitting):
     $35 for STC Boston and Northern New England chapter members and full-time registered students
     $25 for full-time registered students*
     $45 for other STC members and non-members

* Student ID from an accredited college is required and must be shown at the registration desk prior to admittance.

Cancellations must be made by May 17 to receive a refund.

Registration and Payment Instructions

Contact Cindy Cookson, Accountant for the Boston Chapter, by e-mail or phone at 978-409-6112.