As you probably know, we create rich-media experiences about a variety of subjects. We call these experiences "Interactive Conversations." The success of these Conversations depends largely on how the assets: the script, art, host audio, etc - are timed out and assembled on screen. That's where the Flowmaster comes in. We need someone to put the puzzle together.
What we want you to do:
We want you to create a short video about diamond brilliance using the provided assets and your own ingenuity. The goal of the video is to educate the user. This video can be done in any AV format. As long as we can hit play and see your work, it's cool. If you post your audition to YouTube or Vimeo, please make it private so that other candidates cannot view your work.
This video needs to:
- Feel natural (like a real person is talking to you)
- Be easy to understand (since that's core to our business)
- Be dynamic (textbooks already have educational and boring nailed)
Some rules to keep in mind:
- The visual elements should tell a clear story even without the audio on. If someone wouldn't understand with the sound off, something is wrong. Inevitably, some detail and nuance will be spoken with the audio off - the experience won't be as complete - but it should still make sense.
- You should show as little text as possible to cleanly communicate an idea. (The less there is, the faster the idea can be absorbed.)
- Again, the on-screen text should always match what the host says. For example: I think vanilla cupcakes are the best should not appear as Vanilla cupcakes are my favorite. The displayed text is intended to reinforce the audio and be processed simultaneously. If the user has to process two different ideas (even if they're pretty similar), it throws everything off. Proper formations of displayed text in this case might include: Vanilla cupcakes are the best, or Vanilla cupcakes = best.
- Proper timing is key. The host audio is really the central element in our work.
For reference, here are some examples of work we've produced: Interactive Conversation examples.
Description of assets (what we want you to use):
- Host audio
Use this in its entirety. You may edit it by adding or subtracting pauses to make it more naturally paced and easy to understand. - Graphics
Must be included as noted in the script, though feel free to edit or alter them as necessary. In addition to the provided graphics, you can add any of your own as you see fit. - Script
Important text that should be shown onscreen is bolded. As a general rule; text onscreen should mirror would the host actually says. Only using key segments of what is said is fine: paraphrasing, not so much. (If you feel the text onscreen is inadequate, add more. If you feel it's more than enough, show less.) - Sound Effects
We didn't include any. Bummer. So take advantage of the library over at FindSounds.com, or whatever library you're most comfortable with. Seriously. Use Sound Effects. They're key. Just make sure any sound effects you're using aren't distracting from the message.
Where you can find the assets:
You can download a zip file with all necessary elements here.
What you can do once you've finished your audition:
Reply to the email about this audition with a link to what you've done, or include it as an attachment.
Final words of encouragement:
Go get 'em tiger!