Checklist for Video Production

Video work is divided into three distinct stages: pre-production, production, and post-production. Unlike a lecture in which the content and delivery usually depends solely on a single person, digital video production for instruction is usually a group process, calling for varied skills. Organization is critical for efficient and solid production. Here are our suggestions to keep in mind when producing digital media:

Pre-production
Once you have identified your instructional goals, follow the process below to plan your video project. Maximize your planning time to minimize your production time.
1. Scripting—If you are filming a scene, write a script of the dialog the actors will be using. If you are conducting an interview, write your questions in sequential order to keep your interview focused.
2. Storyboard— Consider each necessary camera shot and how it relates to dialog. Draw the scene on paper, sketching each different shot needed in production.
3. Crew sheets and equiptment list— A list of all crew positions and equiptment needs will save you time when shooting.
4. Scout location— You must have all locations identified and checked before you shoot.

Production— On Location
Once again, organization is the foundation of good video production. Simple steps such as having the crew and talent on-site at the right time, having on-hand a revisable script, shot list, and storyboard will increase your productivity.
Typical equiptment to bring to your shoot:
1. Digital video camera.
2. A light kit— Usually three lights with stands.
3. Microphones— Do not rely on your camera's built-in microphone. Use a handheld or lavalier mic to reduce background noise. Don't forget your mic cables.
4. Tripod— use one to reduce camera shake.
5. Headphones— The only way to ensure you are getting good audio is to listen to it during the shoot.

Post-production
Post-production descisions differ depending on your selected delivery method: VHS tape, CD-ROM or DVD, online download or online streaming. In most cases you will still need to:
1. View all of your footage.
2. Create a copy of your raw footage, logging the time on your tape counter or time code for each scene.
3. Assemble your raw footage to see how well it flows and make any needed corrections.
4. Assemble initial edit decision list. Generally, this is a list of edits using exact time code, but you can also generate a less accurate list using your tape player's counter.
5. Online edit, or final edit. Depending on budget, can be done in high-end editing facilities, or on the same system used for the rough cut, and can even be a polished version of the rough cut.
6. Master sound. Make sure that there is consistency, no level changes, and room noise where it needs to occur. If you overdub, make sure that there is room noise behind the overdubs. Sound is as important as the picture in making a viewer believe that they are just "flys-on-the-wall".
7. Make master edit. Output to tape or file, uncompressed.

Once you have your finished, uncompressed video, it is time to purpose it for your audience. Please go to our resources section for information on compression, delivery and streaming. Products such as Media Cleaner can easily output many different versions of the same clip. This allows you to broaden your scope of potential audience members. If you need any additional help, please contact Brian Eckstein, Dana DeLoca or Joe Sanchez.