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Video Production Fact Sheet

CMW compiled the following fact sheet outlining ways to enhance the quality of your final video. We hope these guidelines create an awareness of the nuances of video production.

Video Format

• If the final video is being used on only one type of device, it is recommended that the video be filmed with the specifications for that particular device in mind. For example, if the final DVD is going to be a Lunch-and-Learn DVD that sales reps will use on standalone DVD Players that are in widescreen format, the video should be shot in widescreen.

Attire

• Clothing is an important aspect to keep in mind for the shoot. Solid color clothing is preferable over busy patterns or thin stripes, which can cause a "wave" effect in the video. Solid black, white and bright red however, should also be avoided.
• For men who are wearing suits, a light blue or solid colored shirt is preferable to a plain white shirt.
• Please ask the male talents who are wearing ties to bring a few extra ties in case there is a color issue with the one they are wearing.

Grooming

• It is also recommended to remind male talent that they are being video taped, and should ensure that they are well groomed (neatly combed hair, trimmed facial hair, etc.), which is especially important if the video is being shot in high-definition format.

Shoot Location

• If the video is not being taped in a studio setting, a hotel suite, conference room or office can be used under the right conditions. For example, the room should be at least 16 x 20 feet in size. The room does not have to be this large, but a smaller room will limit how the talent can be framed, and the lighting options. If there is any furniture in the room, it should be furniture that can be moved easily in case there is a need to.
• The room needs to be very quiet—any noises in neighboring rooms (e.g. people talking or phones ringing) may be picked up by the microphones. If the building is near a busy street, please try to pick a room that is on a higher floor if at all possible.
• If there is a HVAC system in the room, having the ability to turn it off is needed in the event that the humming noise is too loud.
• If the room has windows, the fewer the better, however, light can always be blocked out if needed.
• The video crew will need access to power outlets on at least 2-4 separate circuits, which will be needed for all of the video and lighting equipment.
• If budget allows, most video crews would prefer to do a site scout, and see the shoot location ahead of time. If your budget does not allow for this, you can instead take a few digital photos of the room (or rooms if you are not sure which one), and then send them to your videographer. The photos should be taken from different angles so that your videographer can assess if the room will work or not.

Script

• If your talent is reading a script from a teleprompter at the shoot, please email the final script to your videographer (in Microsoft Word format) prior to the shoot date. If last minute changes to the script are required, please bring a copy of the final script with you to the shoot on a USB-thumb drive.

Continuity

• If during a shoot a talent happens to make a mistake during filming a slide, it is recommended that he/she start over from the beginning of that slide. By restarting it will lessen the number of “jump” cuts that need to be made, and will help make the continuity of the final edited video.

If you have questions about how CMW can assist you with producing video shoots, please call 800-737-1123 and ask to speak with a multimedia developer.

About Creative MediaWorks, Inc.
Creative MediaWorks is committed to being a full service graphics provider—offering creative design, digital imaging and digital media services. The goal of each project is to achieve the highest levels of client satisfaction while producing excellent quality graphic media on-time.

For over 20 years we've built a solid reputation as a trusted digital media partner in the healthcare community. Creative MediaWorks specializes in the development and production of compelling visual graphics for healthcare meetings, which include: interactive CD/DVD-ROM programs, website development, mechanism of action animation, animated directional signage, digital media presentations, scientific poster layout, large-format digital printing, dynamic PowerPoint presentations and more.

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