How to Make Tutoring Look Awesome 101

I was recently presented with the challenge of developing a commercial for a student tutoring center in my University.

A script and basic concept were provided for us to expand or improve upon.

There would be several students faces and voices which would fade in and out to create one dialogue which is spoken to the viewer about the Writing Center. The viewer would be represented by text without a face and will comment and react to what the students were saying.

Initially, I liked the idea. However, I have thought long and hard about the concept and production of this commercial and I have decided, I really like the idea. I have not been able to come up with anything that would be more effective or practical.

However, in the spirit of self-improvement I have forced myself to expand upon this idea and make it fit more fully into our classroom experience, therefor making myself feel superior to its original creator.

I have heard some other ideas that have been batted around, things like extreme lighting or sweeping camera shots, but I just don't think they would be right for this project. We are beginners and we need to start at the basics. Sometimes doing something simple, if done well, if far more effective than doing something more extreme, but not being able to fully realize it.

My plan is this:

I edit the script to be more concise and accessible-

WEBSITE COMMERCIAL FOR TUTORING CENTER—DRAFT 1

2-16-12

tc williams

Notes: Each line will be spoken by a different “face,” except for the lines marked “TITLE CARD.” Those lines will be typed and that will take up the entire screen and will make it seem like there is someone “in the computer” talking to the faces on the screen. The conversation begins…

Hello.

Hello!

(MAYBE ADD ANOTHER VOICE HERE SO IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS MORE THAN JUST TWO PEOPLE AT THE BEGINING)

TITLE CARD: Hello.

Do you struggle with writing?

TITLE CARD: Um, yes.

Well, you’re not alone. The great news is that there is this fantastic FREE

Free

Free resource

Free resource on campus called the Academic Support Center

The Academic Support Center

that is here to help.

TITLE CARD: Who?

You, silly! Here to help you!

TITLE CARD: Oh, how?

Well, I’m glad you asked! The Academic Support Center employs student writing tutors that are highly trained and specialized in their field.

( SEPERATE INTO TWO PEOPLE)

They can meet with you one-on-one during any stage of the writing process

Your writing process

To help you brainstorm,

fine-tune a thesis,

work on grammar,

(a different person makes a face and sticks out their tongue)

narrow a topic, …(will add more)

TITLE CARD: Why?

Tutoring can make a big difference in your essay grade,

not only on the essay you bring in,

but on future essays.

It helps you become a better writer.

A better writer

A better writer

And, it’s fun! 

TITLE CARD: Where?

The Tutoring Center is conveniently located on the lower level

the lower level

the first floor (KEEP THIS THE SAME, COULD BE CONFUSING)

On the lower level of the Scarborough Library.

the Scarborough Library

TITLE CARD: When?

The Tutoring Center is open from 8 am to 6 pm

Monday through Friday

for face-to-face

one-on-one tutoring.

TITLE CARD: How?

To sign up, go to the Academic Support Center’s website

and click on “Sign up for a tutor.”

Then, use our scheduling software to choose a date and time that fits your schedule.

TITLE CARD: Then what?

Just show up with your essay materials and meet your tutor!

It’s that simple.

You’ll be surprised

(a face with a very surprised look) WOW!

how much you can accomplish one-on-one

in just a 30- or 60- minute session.

It’s important to note that writing is all about revision,

so if you don’t try it,

you may never know what a good writer

what a good writer you can be!

Remember, it’s free and it’s fun!

(many voices; Many faces?): We’ll be waiting!

Then, I come up with a shooting game plan-

• Have each student read their script in front of a camera.
• The shot should be a very tight close up in order to make consistent shots with each students easier to achieve.
• Be mindful and alert the students of what they should wear that day (something bright and not green!)
• Have each student recite the line before and after the line we want to use to make for smoother transitions.

*It should be set up something like this*

Finally, do it.

When working with people this is easier said than done,but I have confidence in the abilities of our directors and the students who wish to support the Writing Center.