During the shoot
Audio
Reduce background noises as much as possible. The speaker needs to be the most prominent source of audio and loud enough for play back. Increasing audio after filming will also increase unwanted background noise.
Lighting
Ensure the subject is illuminated. If back lit (e.g. in front of window) ensure an additional (spot) light is directed on the subject to counter silhouetting.
Lead In
Start recording slightly before the beginning of action or speech to avoid cut offs when editing. There is often a slight shake at the beginning of the footage that needs to be cut out.
Lead Out
End recording slightly after the action or speech to avoid cut offs when editing. Consider the fade out of a clip once the speaker has finished talking. This may require a few extra seconds of footage before you stop recording.
Cutting
Keep sections short and concise for easier editing. Make sure there is a lead in and lead out between sections.
(Hint - If you intend to use an important sentence as a sound bite make sure the speaker doesn’t run into another sentence. You might end up having to cut in the middle of a word).
Continuous running
Too many short clips can lead to large increases in the tie it takes to organise your video when you get to the editing stage. Continue to record between short sections as this will keep your footage together and give context to content.
This also minimises the potential of missing the start or end of a comment by pressing record too late or stop too early.
Consistency
Keep both camera and subject in the same position for the length of shoot for consistency of editing. Additional shots can be made to be cut in. Repeat content from different angles if required.
Interviewer/ee
When recording an interview record the questions and the answers separately. Position the interviewee and interviewer so that edited footage appears natural. e.g. Interviewer on right of screen looking left with interviewee on left of screen looking right.
All efforts have been made to ensure materials created by the EDU comply with current accessibility guidelines (JISC: Support for learners with disabilities).
If further assistance is required with accessibility matters please contact the student support section in your academic partner UHI: Accessing learner support.
We welcome any comments on how to improve this unit. Please feel free to pass these on at any time.
If you have any difficulty viewing this resource please contact EDU (edu@uhi.ac.uk) with:
- the name of the resource;
- a description of the problem (please give as much detail as possible);
- the section of the resource where the problem occurred;
- your internet browser (you can check your browser version at: http://detectmybrowser.com/).
UHI provides links to external sources of information and may refer to specific Web sites, products, processes or services within this resource. Such references are examples and are not endorsements and whilst every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of information provided UHI is not responsible for any of the content or guidance. You are advised to exercise caution.
Audio
Video
Reading
Download
Information
External link
Activity
Question
Asterisk
Discussion
Collaboration
Reflection/journal/log
History
Download a copy of this resource in PDF format.
You can also print individual pages by printing directly from the browser.