In conjunction with the third annual TechSoup Digital Storytelling Challenge, we are offering three free webinars to ensure you know the nuts and bolts of all the stages of production — and get your questions answered by the experts.

The first part of this three-part webinar series on Thursday, February 2, at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time will focus on all the decisions you need to make before you start recording your video. You'll learn how to tell your story in a way that touches your audience and moves it to action. This includes understanding the basics of good storytelling, translating that story into a script or production guide, and where to find great auxiliary tools and resources to really make your story shine. Register now!

This webinar will cover what you need to know before you record your video. Topics include:

• The importance of storytelling
• Creating a script and production Guide
• Finding free music, stock video and photography

Rich Vazquez is the co-founder and current Board President of Lights. Camera. Help. His current causes include promoting open source software, creative commons, and computer security. He also serves on the board for the Austin Time Exchange Network, Single Parent Resource Network and EFF-Austin.

Rich attended Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, majoring in dramatic writing and serves as webmaster for the Cine Las Americas film festival. Find Rich on Twitter: @drapetomaniac