Comprehensive Video Production Guidelines: Equip, Film, Process & Submit

1. Video Preparation Guidelines • Equipment • Filming • Processing and, • Submission

2. Equipment – Options and recommendations • A high-definition camera with a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio is recommended • Ideally video should be recorded to a memory card for good quality future-proofed footage • A tripod or other stabilizing mount should be used to ensure a steady, clear picture • An external microphone should be used for recording audio - the majority of cameras allow for an external microphone to be attached but ensure that it is compatible

3. Filming – Preparation • Test the equipment beforehand and familiarise yourself with their use if possible • Background noise should be minimised when recording audio e.g close doors • Ensure you obtain sign-off from all people and images used in the recording where applicable

4. Filming – Picture quality • A high quality camera that records in HD is preferable to ensure a clear detailed picture: MMCTS 2015 : mmv012 YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SDXsjM23_E

5. Filming – Setting up shots • The focus should be on the subject which should be centred in the frame to allow a clear view of the procedure: MMCTS 2016 : mmv039 YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS5twGT-epo

6. Filming – Lighting • The major lighting source should be behind the camera and broad soft lighting is preferable to harsh spotlights YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5iEKiDkH5c MMCTS 2013 : mmv012

7. Filming – Narration • Preferably videos should be submitted with narration • Narration can be recorded either during filming, though for optimum results it is recommended that audio is recorded afterwards and added to the video as an audio track so it can be edited separately • Preferably a script should be used and rehearsed before recording • The microphone should be placed 6 to 12 inches away, to avoid distorted clipping sounds and to avoid picking up ambient noise; it is best to practice recording to work out the optimum set-up

8. Processing – Importing footage • Transfer the footage from the camera to a computer using a USB cable or remove the memory card and insert it into an external card reader or the appropriate slot in the computer • Depending upon the model of camera used you will either be able to import the footage directly to the computer or it may need to be processed by software that will have been supplied with the camera • There are several types of editing software available though the basic applications iMovie and Windows Movie Maker are more than capable of producing very good edits with the simple addition of any necessary text

9. Processing – Editing • Videos should be as succinct as possible: less is more in video editing • Several short sequences that can be combined are preferable to a single long video • Video can be submitted with all sequences assembled or this can be completed by a member of editorial staff YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8D9BZ4BcCQ (102 minutes, 46 seconds) MMCTS 2015 : mmv037 (1 minute 6 seconds)

10. Processing – Incorporating audio • Editing audio simultaneously with video may require an additional plugin depending upon the software used, such as SolveigMM WMP Trimmer plugin for Windows Movie Maker • Audio can be added and edited similarly to the video streams • For further guidance on incorporating and editing audio with video consult the guidelines for the software used

11. Processing – Exporting and encoding • Initially footage should be exported in the original format to obtain a high quality video for archiving • Footage should then be encoded to reduce the file size and ensure that the video can be optimally uploaded and downloaded • The editing/encoding software used may simply offer the choice of small, medium and large encodes or refer to a delivery destination, e.g. ‘iPad’ or ‘web’ – in this scenario select whichever is closest to the ideal

12. Processing – Exporting and encoding • Depending upon the software used the encoding and file type may or may not be selectable, if possible the following are recommended for High Definition video: Video Codec – MP4*Encode method – Multi-PassAspect ratio – 16:9Video size in pixels – 1920 x 1080Frame rate – 1:1Key Frame – Auto or 200 framesData rate – 3,000 Kbps Audio codec – AACAudio data rate – 128KbpsChannels – Stereo or monoSample Size – 16 *MP4 is the preferred format however other file types such as .mpeg, .wmv, .mov are acceptable

13. Processing – Exporting and encoding • If filmed in standard definition (such as using a DV tape-based camera system) then the settings should be as follows: Video Codec – MP4*Encode method – Multi-PassAspect ratio – 16:9Video size in pixels – 1024 x 576Frame rate – 1:1Key Frame – Auto or 200 framesData rate – 2,000 Kbps Audio codec – AACAudio data rate – 128KbpsChannels – Stereo or monoSample Size – 16 *MP4 is the preferred format however other file types such as .mpeg, .wmv, .mov are acceptable

14. Submission – BenchPress • MMCTS uses the BenchPress system for submitting and managing manuscripts • To submit to MMCTS simply sign in with your username and password. If you do not already have an account with either EJCTS or MMCTSCreate a new account • Material relating to papers accepted in either EJCTS or ICVTS may also be published in MMCTS

15. Submission – Video transfer • Video can be submitted through the BenchPress system however it can take some time • Preferably video should be submitted via a transfer service such as WeTransfer or DropBoxto the MMCTS Editorial Office

16. Submission – Further guidance For further information on writing, filming, editing and uploading your submission the following resources are available: MMCTS Instructions to Authors Video help and support BenchPress submission system BenchPress submission help