Introduction to Video Testimonials
A course by David R. Romay, Director, producer and writer
Discover how to find great characters in true stories
In the audiovisual world, many times, false testimonial is used for fear of not finding interesting and exciting stories that connect with the viewer; However, it is enough to know how to listen and understand people to discover good stories. That's what David R. Romay specializes in -writer and director of film and advertising- who is inspired by people who have great challenges to overcome in life, but also those who deal with small battles on a daily basis.
In this course he will teach you his method to find interesting characters with stories worthy of being heard and he will show you his creative process and methodology for making interviews, creating testimonies that, telling real stories, get excited.
What will you learn in this online course?
13 lessons & 10 downloads
What's included in this course?
You will begin by getting to know David's work, who will tell you how he began his career as a screenwriter and director and will talk about which directors inspire him most.
David will explain the importance of having people and real stories, instead of actors, in a testimonial work. In addition, you will know how, having clear the intentions of your work, will help you to define better how and where to find its protagonists.
You will learn the fundamental keys to relate to the characters of your testimonial: knowing their environment, the first interview, etc.
You will also see what type of material you need for this type of pieces and David will give you some advice to counteract the lack of technical equipment with a good history.
Finally, you will learn to select the most important elements within the piece, highlighting the most emotional moments that will give strength to the final footage.
- 98% positive reviews (201)
- 3,747 students
- 13 lessons (2h 1m)
- 10 additional resources (7 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: Spanish, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish
- Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
You will make a brief and emotional testimonial piece in which you will tell a story that will allow you to discover the social reality of its protagonist.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
To professionals and students of communication, advertising, film, journalism or any other discipline that are looking for new ways to tell emotional stories with real and inspiring people.
Requirements and materials
No prior knowledge is necessary. With regard to the materials, you will only need a video camera -which can be your mobile phone-, a tripod and a computer with some editing program (there are some free video editing software).
Reviews
David R. Romay
A course by David R. Romay
His work as a scriptwriter and director, which he has been developing for more than a decade, has led him to work for commercial brands such as Coca-Cola, HSBC, Procter & Gamble, Motorola, Pfizer, Volkswagen or Televisa, among others. However, it is in the documentary field in which David R. Romay moves with greater ease. In 2005, he produced the documentary Toro Negro , which won numerous awards at international film festivals such as San Sebastian, Toronto, Rotterdam, Havana and Cannes.
In addition, he has directed and written documentaries for Clio TV (the producer of the historian Enrique Krauze) and, in 2010, he wrote and directed several chapters of the documentary series Heroes de Carne y Hueso , premiered on the occasion of the bicentennial of the independence. In 2012 he co-directed and co-wrote the documentary Oro, the day that everything changed , a film that tells the story of the Olympic football team, which won the gold medal in London 2012 and, it has become one of the most watched sports documentaries in Mexico.
In the field of fiction, he highlights A solas , a short film premiered at the 2009 Morelia Festival and winner of the Best Actor Award at Short Shorts México. And the recent premiere, at the Shanghai Film Festival 2018, of his first feature film: Behind the Mountain .
Content
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U1
Introduction
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Presentation
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Influences
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U2
Preproduction
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The importance of the characters and the real stories.
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What do we mean by the piece?
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Where to look and how to choose the characters?
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U3
Scouting
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Get to know your characters and their surroundings
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The first interview
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Scouting and model
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U4
Production
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Technical team
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Questionnaire and final interview
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Image lifting
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U5
Postproduction
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Dramatic elements to edit
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Start again
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FP
Final project
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Introduction to the testimonial video
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
This course teaches you how to identify, select, and interview authentic people for documentaries and advertising campaigns, using scouting techniques, testimonial storytelling, and audiovisual direction to craft believable and moving stories.
Yes, the course is designed for people with an intermediate level in audiovisual production, ideal if you already have basic knowledge and want to deepen your skills in casting and testimonial production.
Basic experience in film, advertising, or audiovisual communication is recommended to get the most out of the course, though you don’t need to be an expert.
You’ll learn how to scout characters, design effective interviews, select relevant protagonists, plan shoots, and edit authentic testimonials for campaigns and documentaries.
You’ll explore scouting methodologies, open calls, social media use, and exploratory interviews to discover and evaluate people with meaningful and genuine stories.
It’s recommended to have a digital camera, microphone (a smartphone mic works), tripod, and a computer with basic video editing software.
Yes, you’ll learn strategies to create a safe environment, quickly connect with people, and get honest answers during interviews.
Perfetc!
Muy claro con ejemplos reales, el tutor redomina el tema y los recursos muy buenos
Es la primera vez que llevo un curso de video testimonial y la verdad me gusto mucho
Como primer acercamiento al video testimonial me ha sido muy útil. ¡Es justo lo que buscaba!
Es muy honesto decir que es una introducción, los temas no son desarrollados tan a profundidad sin en embargo esto los vuelve muy accesibles para quienes no tenemos tanta experiencia con el mundo de la grabación. Considero la duración suficiente para comenzar proyectos sencillos, completos y satisfactorios para diversos propósitos.
Sugiero a quienes tomen el curso tomar apuntes para recuperar aspectos importantes, aunque no se mencionan muchos términos por sesión suelen ser relevantes.