MANUAL

Revised Spring 2010

 Table Of Contents
2 Media Staff Protocol
3 Equipment Use
4 Marketing Checklist
5 Calendar
7 Communication & Marketing
- Posters
- Flatscreens
- Brochures
- Videos (w/ shoot guidelines)
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- T-shirts
17 Projects & Tasks
- Monthly Press Releases
- Feature Stories
- Year-End Report
- Passport/Visa Photos
23 Events
- Missionary Reunion
- Missions & Community Outreach Rush Weeks
- Fall Outreach & Spring Outreach

Appendices
27 Video Reference Guide
35 Forms

1
 Media Staff Protocol
Equipment:
1. Check all equipment in & out. We don’t want anything getting lost/misplaced or
miscommunication getting in the way of projects.
2. Proper care of all gear is top priority. There isn’t budget or time for unnecessary
repairs. If you’re not sure how to use something, find out from someone who does. If
something is lost or broken, let the Media Coordinator know immediately.
3. Gear should never be left lying out in the office – it should be put away in the closet
immediately. The only exception to this rule is batteries currently being charged.
4. No one is allowed to check out or use equipment unless they are on the equipment
check-out list. All non-media staffers must be trained on the JVC and lights before
they are allowed to use them.

Workflow:
1. The staffer who goes on a shoot is the one whose responsibility it will be to properly
transfer and label all media. This includes filing release forms and shot sheets.
2. All media should be erased from camera as soon as it has been transferred so that the
next person to use the camera has plenty of memory and doesn’t have to worry about
deleting untransferred media.
3. If someone else is working with/editing/using media that you captured, contact them
as soon as it is transferred and labeled so that they can access it.
4. If you work on your personal computer or use your own equipment, make sure that all
files are transferred to the S: drive for backup and archival purposes. This includes
photos, design work, etc.
5. Unless directed otherwise, the sooner a project is due, the higher its priority. If
another media staffer is working on a project with an extremely close deadline, help
them out and return to your own project afterwards.
6. Inform the Media Coordinator immediately when a project is completed or when you
reach a dead-end. There will be time for just brainstorming and hanging out, but there
will also be times where we need to move quickly from one project to the next.
7. All videos/articles/projects MUST be approved before they are posted.

Vision:
1. Our first responsibility and primary purpose is to be a witness and a voice, seeing and
sharing the unique things that God is doing in the Outreach Ministries department. Our
goal is to find the passions of those involved and the ways they are advancing the
Kingdom, then to articulate their heart in a way that not only relays information but
also imparts vision.
2. Your job is your ministry; do everything you do with excellence and as unto the Lord.
Especially when you go out on shoots, don’t get too distracted by hanging out with the
team or even doing ministry with them.
3. The creative process can and must involve sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Don’t just do
what you know how to do – be open to His leading and direction.
4. Humor must be appropriate. Joking around with each other is fine, but when you
represent the department keep it absolutely clean.

2
 Equipment Use
All media gear is to be used by authorized persons ONLY.

Digital cameras (Cybershot) and Sony Handycams may be used by any ORU Outreach staff
member or team leader. All cameras must be signed out and returned promptly (“Camera
Signout” form at back of this manual – keep either at front desk or in drawer with cameras)

If desiring more than one camera or longer than 24hrs of use, the requester must fill out an
Equipment Request form (located at the end of this manual).

JVC camcorders, Manfrotto tripods, light kits, and audio gear are only to be used by the
Media Staff and Media Missions team. If another student wishes to use the equipment, they
must obtain permission from the directors and fill out an Equipment Request form.

3
 Marketing Checklist
Keep branding consistent, get proper approval, and include Outreach logo.

Department-wide Events:
- Facebook fan page – create an event, send invites, update status
- Twitter announce in advance, remind day-of

All-Campus Events:
Week before:
- Hall meeting/chaplain notes
- Request GC flatscreen, turn in slide info/jpeg
- Chapel slide
- Facebook
o Create event on fan page (MEDIA STAFF ONLY PLEASE!)
o Update fan page/Oru Missions/ORU CO status
o Ask staff to post to profiles, update their status
- Press Release (include in monthly updates)
o Oracle
o Post as note on Facebook

Week of:
- Hall meeting/chaplain notes
- Begin running GC flatscreen
- Posters in dorms, GC
- Videos to facebook event, youtube:
o Teaser videos
o Information how to get involved
o Motivational, come/do/be/serve…
- Twitter
o Countdown
o Post links to videos

Day of:
- Twitter/facebook/staff status updates
- Check out all necessary media gear to cover event
- Continue to update throughout event
- Get feedback from students, video pop interviews

After:
- Write press release/article about event, include quotes & photos
- Twitter/facebook status updates thanking people for coming
- Post videos/pictures to facebook, youtube

4
 Calendar
Fall Semester
August:
- Train all Media Staffers on S: drive, database
- Missionary Reunion Video
- Community Outreach Rush (brochure, marketing)

September:
- Missions Rush (brochure, marketing)
- Year-End Report (photos, testimonies & statistics, layout)

October:
- Fall Outreach (31st)
- Year-End Report (summaries, statistics, final text)
- Passport Photos
- Support letters

November:
- Giving Back program
- Passport Photos

December:
- Semester summaries
- Summary video (optional)

Spring Semester
January:
- Community Outreach documentation, promotions

February:
- Community Outreach documentation, promotions

March:
- Spring Outreach marketing
- Spring Break Teams – collect media,

April:
- Spring Outreach
- Summary/reflection videos

5
COMMUNICATION
& MARKETING

6
Posters
GRAPHICS, PR ASSISTANTS
ALL-CAMPUS EVENTS

Complete design a minimum of 10 days prior to event

Have proofread by Media Coordinator & Directors
Save as PDF for printing
After approval, print & post 7 days before event (work w/ Events)

8½ x 11 for posters to be placed on every floor (print ~80)

11 x 17 for GC and dorm lobby posters (print ~15)

Include:
- Event name & tag line
- Information about the event
- Date & time clearly stated
- Facebook, twitter, phone, and web info (if pertinent)
- ORU Outreach logo
- Administrative approval (initials - SMG)

Permitted locations:
- GC stairwell corkboards
- Dorm lobbies & floors
- Outreach office corkboard

7
 Brochures
GRAPHICS, PR ASSISTANTS
CO RUSH, MISSIONS RUSH

Brochures must be completed and submitted to the directors at least 2 weeks prior to
CO/Missions Rush to ensure an on-time approval and delivery.

Traditionally, brochures have been tri-fold and full color. In 2009 the department began using
1/3 sheet B&W response card inserts instead of the more expensive perforated tear-off option.
Files can be found in the S: drive.

Necessary information:
- List of trips/countries
- Length/dates of trips
- Trip costs
- Response details
- Outreach contact information
- Social media links

8
 Videos
VIDEO EDITOR
MISSIONARY REUNION, ALL-CAMPUS EVENTS

All finished videos should be saved on the S: drive under Marketing/Media/Photos.

If being shown in chapel:

Videos that are being shown in chapel must be approved by the office of the President and be
finalized/sweetened by University Media Productions. Submit videos no later than 5 days
prior to desired showing date.

**All videos intended for chapel or television MUST NOT use licensed music and all who
appear in the video MUST sign an image release form. Music is available from University
Media Productions.

Videos must also meet the following requirements:

- Check Your Levels - if on Final Cut they must be between 12 and 18db on Final Cut's VU
meter.
- Be sure your video/graphic levels are broadcast safe.
- Be sure to fade up from black at the beginning and fade to black at the end.
- Always 4:3 protect when working in HD. Keep this in mind when you're shooting,
editing, and working on graphics.
This will prevent things/people/graphics from being cut off the screen in Chapel.
- All HD projects must be put in a SD Timeline, scaled down and subsequently output SD. 
In other words....SD files only, when dealing with Chapel.

9
 Shoot Guidelines
Important: Get release forms from everyone who is a primary subject of your shot,
especially if they also heard on tape. Interview subjects must ALWAYS sign release forms,
otherwise your footage will be useless for promotional/broadcast/internet purposes.

Also Important: Transfer all media and charge batteries immediately upon returning from a
shoot. Golden rule of media professionals 

Gear Checklist:
- Release forms
- Shot logs
- Pens
- Cameras
- Tripod
- Microphone/headphones
- Charged batteries, AC adapter
- Cleared memory space/blank tapes

Shoot Checklist
Audio:
- Ambient sound: 30-60s
- Unique sounds: people, environments, machines, etc.
- Interviews
 Quiet environment if possible
 Wear headphones/check your levels
- Important conversations, comments, prayer

Video:
- Environment, setting, location
- Motion, activities, details
- People
 Interviews
 Actions
 Ministry/worship times
 Skits, sermons, activities
- Find the unique aspects of ministry or areas where God is moving and highlight those.
What is the purpose? How can you show that?

Photography:
- Establishing/big picture
- Team, Contacts (group photos!)
- Content – PEOPLE, places, story elements
- Details - Close-ups, textures, colors, signs, etc.
- Take the time to look for distinguishing, unique, unusual shots

10
 Website
MEDIA TASK GROUP
ALL EVENTS, VARIOUS UPDATES

BLOGGER

Keep up-to-date as teams/locations change, Pages listing teams are permanent links to
archived posts. To update, go to “Posts” and choose “Edit Posts.” Do not update the post’s
time or date, as this will break the link.

Videos posted on facebook or youtube may be embedded in posts and make excellent updates.
Photos are also great additions. The goal of using media-rich posts is to give more context and
significance to the text and the work of the department.

Directors must approve any links to external pages/websites.

11
 Flatscreens
GRAPHICS, PR ASSISTANTS
ALL-CAMPUS EVENTS

Complete design a minimum of 10 days prior to event

Have proofread by Media Coordinator & Directors

Graphic should be 1360x768 pixels, saved as a JPG

Include:
- Information about the event
- Date & time clearly stated
- Facebook, twitter, phone, and web info (optional)
- ORU Outreach logo

12
 Facebook
MEDIA TASK GROUP

Fan page: facebook.com/ORUOutreach

Make all members of media task group & Events Coordinator administrators of page

Information about Missions & Community Outreach is located under “Extended Info” tabs
Keep up-to-date as teams change
Add teams’ pages to page favorites
Check regularly and reply to any questions asked

Events:
- Create events using FAN PAGE ONLY
- Invite friends, ask Outreach staff to invite friends
- Share/invite using Oru Missions and Oru CO users
- Post videos leading to event
- Post photos (to fan page) after event & encourage people to tag themselves, friends

13
 Twitter
MEDIA TASK GROUP

Automatically posts facebook page status updates (so don’t repeat)

Use for reminders, announcements, sharing links

Check @ORU_Outreach regularly for questions, feedback
Follow the students who are following you and as many other students as you can find

Examples of use:
- Announcing dates for events
- Updating during events
- Prayer points
- Links to new videos, photos

14
 T-Shirts
GRAPHICS DESIGNER

T-Shirts are made for various events throughout the year, including Fall Outreach (Oct 31),
Spring Outreach (Mar/Apr), and Outreach Staff (end of spring semester).

Include ORU Outreach logo – frequently placed on the bottom right of the back, but
placement and size is at the discretion of the designer.

For outreaches that are in partnership with other organizations or departments (SA, Tulsa
Dream Center, etc.) ask if they would like to include their logo.

15
PROJECTS
& TASKS

16
Monthly Press Release
PR ASSISTANTS
EVERY MONTH ~20TH

Have proofread by Media Coordinator & Directors

Include both recap of previous month's events (statistics, quotes, etc) and upcoming events. If
a major event is coming up make sure that all relevant information is included. Communicate
with Events task group to make sure similar language is being used in all publicity and that all
information is accurate.

Send to Media Coordinator, Events Coordinator, Directors, Campus Publications

EXAMPLE:
Outreach Ministries
January Press Release
1-15-10

Blood Drive- Jan 28th

Students are welcomed and encouraged to show up at the first Blood Drive of 2010 to
continue to the 1000 Lives Campaign, an ORU campaign to save 1000 lives by giving enough
blood for the 2009-2010 school year. The Community Outreach event will be held on January
28th in the GC from 11:00am to 5:00pm, at 5:00pm it will be moved to Fireside and will be
open until 9:00pm.
 
World Vision Experience
The Outreach Department encourages ORU students, especially those going on mission trips
to attend a special event for the month of January. The Christian humanitarian organizations,
World Vision is coming to Tulsa to invite people to “Step Into Africa” by coming to their
authentic exhibit which lets the participant experience what life is like for impoverished
children suffering from AIDS in Africa. The free exhibit will run from January 23-31st at the
First Presbyterian Church Powerhouse, 223 E. 8th Street, Tulsa, OK.  Experience time slots
can be reserved at www.worldvisionexperience.org/tulsa. Parental discretion is advised. There
will be a preview display of the exhibit in Christ Chapel during Ignite and a representative
from World Vision will be at Ignite to discuss the “Experience.”
 
Prayer Vigil
Saturday, February 27th. All Missions teams and Community Outreach teams will be fasting
and praying all day in Christ Chapel and the Prayer Room. There will be special displays in
the Prayer Room highlighting the ministries and countries that the students will be ministering
in. All are invited to come and take part in praying for Tulsa and the nations.

17
 Feature Stories
PR ASSISTANTS
EVERY MONTH OR WHEN REQUESTED

Have proofread by Media Coordinator & Directors

Highlight a specific outreach, individual, mission trip, event, scripture/theme, or experience.

Feature stories are posted on the ORU Outreach fan page, added to the website, and sent to
the Oracle.

EXAMPLE:

1-22-10
Spotlight on Community Outreach
Outreach: International Connection
 
Every week the ORU Outreach Department sends teams to be agents of change here in the
city of Tulsa. From building houses with Habitat for Humanity to befriending foreign
exchange students new to America, students can join a community outreach team to help and
serve  the people of Tulsa. In this “spotlight” article on a community outreach team,
International Connection Team Leader Marilyn Chau  shares her heart.
 
Anyone would agree that ORU is, mildly put, pretty big on missions. We send teams around
the world, support various mission's projects and outreaches through chapel offerings, and
have alumni serving in both long term and short-term missions work through the globe. The
International Connection Community Outreach falls right into the category of "missions" as
well.

The International Connection outreach team is taking advantage of a "missions moment" that
is little known on the campus of ORU. Simply put, the International Connection outreach
team is a group of ORU students who frolic over to the University Language Institute (located
in the City Plex Towers) once a week to hang out with the students studying English there.
Our basic purpose is just to befriend the international students over there, all of whom are in
America for the purpose of learning English as second (or sometimes third, or fourth)
language. Almost all of these students are miles and oceans away from their family members
in their home countries and they really loved the fact that we as American college students
value them enough to take the time to just hang out with them and be their friends. 

A good percentage of the ORU student body is involved in international missions with ORU
and this outreach is really an incredible opportunity. Think about it: there's students from all
over the world (Brazil, Panama, Mexico, Venezuela, South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan,
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Libya, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam...and more) and they're just across
the street. Most of these students are not Christians and many have negative views of
Christianity. If we're willing to give up 1-2months of our summers and several thousand
dollars to do mission work in their native nations, then it really doesn't make sense for us to
ignore them when they're a five minute walk away from our campus…

18
 Year-End Report
PR ASSISTANTS, MEDIA COORDINATOR
FALL SEMESTER

Have proofread by Media Coordinator & Directors

Include:
- Title/cover page
- Table of Contents
- List of teams & trip lengths
- Totals from ministry logs
- Trip descriptions, highlights/testimonies, and photos
- Page numbers

19
 Passport/Visa Photos
PR ASSISTANTS, OTHER STAFF MEMBERS
OCTOBER - DECEMBER

Passport Photography
1. Have student stand as close to background as possible – but not leaning on it.
2. Make sure the student’s face is as close to the center of the background as possible
with white space above their head.
3. Frame the photo so that the entire head and most of the shoulders are visible, even if
this means that some of the doorframe is visible in the edges of the photo.
4. No glasses, hats, or dark shadows (push hair back from face).
5. NO CHEESY PHOTOS! The student’s expression must be “natural” as per the US
Department of State.
6. Take at least 3 pictures to ensure that at least one is useable.

Examples:

Preparation & Printing

- Use Photoshop
template located under
S://MARKETING
MEDIA
PHOTOS/Passport
Photos or on the media
computers
- If necessary, raise fill light to remove shadows but DO NOT otherwise edit photos
- Save completed files (without rule lines) as jpg images to be printed
- Set a definite date by which the completed photos will be ready (Monday after photo
taken, etc.)
- Keep a list of all photos taken (Name, team, phone #, date) and note when received

20
 Team Blog Instructions
1. Login to Blogger (blogger.com) using
your team’s assigned username.
2. Once you login, you will be taken to
your Dashboard. From here, you can
update your blog.
3. If you do want to change your blog’s
layout, you may change the template or
add gadgets as long as they are relevant to your team and reflect the values of ORU
missions.
4. While a competent team member may be given the username and password in order to
more effectively update the blog, all posts should be cleared with or authored by team
leaders. Content will be monitored.
5. Blogs are a great way to keep people updated about how your trip is progressing and what
your team is doing. You can either slant the content for communication within your team
or use it to provide updates
about fundraisers, financial
deadlines, preparations, and
show pictures to your
supporters. A link to the
online donation website will be
placed on your blog.

21
EVENTS

22
Missionary Reunion
Missionary Reunion is an event that takes place early in the fall semester. This event allows
missions teams to remember the work that the Lord accomplished in and through their teams
over spring break/summer. Media and promotional material is intended to remind student
missionaries of their experiences (unique cultural attire/food/etc) and to celebrate the ministry
that took place.

At the discretion of the Events coordinator, video may be between 5-10 minutes. Video
content should focus on the teams and their experiences but does not have to be a graphics or
editing intensive project.

This is also an excellent opportunity to interview student missionaries for upcoming Missions
Rush videos and feature stories. PR Assistants can contact potential interviewees before the
event, give them an idea of the questions they will be asked, and ask them to either come
early or stay after. An interview location should be chosen and set up before the event.

23
 Community Outreach & Missions Rush Weeks
Rush Week is the first time that the student body is able to sign up for Community
Outreach/Missions. These two weeks are the most media-intensive of the year, as they
require broadcast-quality videos to be shown in chapel, brochures, posters, flatscreens, and
additional social media marketing.

In the past, rush week marketing has included balloons, pens, booths, games, etc. Work with
Events task group to determine a strategy EARLY so that you will have time to design and
print materials before rush weeks.

If video editor is not comfortable making a video for chapel, they should meet with University
Media as early as possible to discuss procuring a video that will meet broadcast standards. If
the video editor is comfortable with the guidelines, they should submit video for Directors’
approval one week in advance and give final full-resolution copy to University Media no less
than 5 days before desired showing.

Videos posted on facebook/youtube/twitter are not subject the same technical restrictions and
may be used to supplement marketing. Edited, concise testimonies make excellent recruiting
tools – include lower third with name, team, etc. if desired.

Media Coordinator should work closely with Events to ensure that marketing is cohesive.

Fall/Spring Outreach
Video guidelines are same as above and same marketing guidelines apply.

Fall & Spring Outreaches generally require T-shirt design and printing.

If printing a banner or large poster, make sure to set Photoshop/Illustrator document size to
match intended print size. Download a template from printing company if at all possible.
Keep margins in mind – text and important graphic elements should not go all the way to the
edge (on a 3’x8’ banner, leave 4” of margin on all sides). READABILITY is key. Keep
design simple and straightforward, highlighting date/time and event name. Include ORU
Outreach logo along with any contributing partners.

Media Task Group is also responsible for documenting these events. Attempt to obtain
several brief “sound bite” interviews/testimonies. ALWAYS take still photos for use in press
releases and on website.

24
 VIDEO
REFERENCE
GUIDE

25
 Quick Start Guide
Before you go:
- SIGN OUT THE CAMERA.
- Check to make sure the camera has sufficient battery life and memory space. If
available, take extras or bring an AC adapter cable.
- Bring any necessary talent release forms, pens, etc.
- Ensure that the lens cover is closed when not in use.

Before you shoot:

- Set up tripod & mount camera.
- Check the camera’s white balance.
- Connect all microphones to audio handle (& connect audio handle to camcorder).
- Check audio levels.
- Check shot for focus, framing, and distracting/unnecessary elements.

While recording:
- Monitor framing, focus, and lighting.
- Monitor audio (DO wear headphones).
- If something is noticeably off, stop shooting and redo the shot. Attempting to
compensate for an error while recording is rarely effective.

After shooting:
- Double check the location for any items that could be left behind (chargers, papers,
etc.)
- Return camera to the Outreach office (SIGN THE CAMERA BACK IN).
- Recharge batteries and leave a full battery for the next shoot.
- Offload all media from the memory cards.

26
 Camera Functions
(adapted from MediaCollege.com)

Most domestic camcorders can do just about everything automatically. All you have to do is
turn them on, point, and press record. In most situations this is fine, but automatic functions
have some serious limitations. If you want to improve your camera work, you must learn to
take control of your camera. This means using manual functions. In fact, professional cameras
have very few automatic functions, and professional camera operators would never normally
use auto-focus or auto-iris.

This is where most beginners ask "Why not? My auto-focus works fine, and my pictures seem
to look okay." There are two answers:

Although auto-functions usually perform well enough, there will be some situations they can't
cope with (e.g. bad lighting conditions). In these circumstances you may be faced with
unusable footage unless you can take manual control. More commonly, your shots will be
useable but poor quality (e.g. going in and out of focus).
Your camera can't know what you want. To get the best results or obtain a particular effect it
is often necessary to over-ride auto-functions and go manual.
As you learn more about camera work you will begin to appreciate the better results gained
through manual functions.

The most common camera operations are briefly explained below (they are covered in more
detail in other tutorials). Starting at the beginning, learn and practice one at a time, leaving the
others on auto-function.

Zoom
This is the function which moves your point of view closer to, or further away from, the
subject. The effect is similar to moving the camera closer or further away.

Note that the further you zoom in, the more difficult it is to keep the picture steady. In some
cases you can move the camera closer to the subject and then zoom out so you have basically
the same framing. For long zooms you should use a tripod.

Zooming is the function everyone loves. It's easy and you can do lots with it, which is why it's
so over-used. The most common advice we give on using the zoom is use it less. It works well
in moderation but too much zooming is tiring for the audience.

Focus
Auto-focus is strictly for amateurs. Unlike still photography, there is no way auto-focus can
meet the needs of a serious video camera operator. Many people find manual focus difficult,
but if you want to be any good at all, good focus control is essential.

Professional cameras usually have a manual focus ring at the front of the lens housing. Turn
the ring clockwise for closer focus, anti-clockwise for more distant focus. Consumer cameras
have different types of focus mechanisms — usually a small dial.

27
To obtain the best focus, zoom in as close as you can on the subject you wish to focus on,
adjust the ring until the focus is sharp, then zoom out to the required framing.

Iris
This is an adjustable opening (aperture), which controls the amount of light coming through
the lens (i.e. the "exposure"). As you open the iris, more light comes in and the picture
appears brighter.

The rule of thumb for iris control is: Set your exposure for the subject. Other parts of the
picture can be too bright or darks, as long as the subject is easy to see.

White Balance
White balance means color balance. It's a function which tells the camera what each color
should look like, by giving it a "true white" reference. If the camera knows what white looks
like, then it will know what all other colors look like.

To perform a white balance, point the camera at something matt (non-reflective) white in the
same light as the subject, and frame it so that most or all of the picture is white. Set your focus
and exposure, then press the "white balance" button (or throw the switch). There should be
some indicator in the viewfinder which tells you when the white balance has completed. If it
doesn't work, try adjusting the iris, changing filters, or finding something else white to
balance on.

You should do white balances regularly, especially when lighting conditions change (e.g.
moving between indoors and outdoors).

Audio
Virtually all consumer-level cameras come with built-in microphones, usually hi-fi stereo.
These work fine, and are all you need for most general work.

Getting better results with audio is actually quite difficult and is a whole subject in itself. We
won't go into it much here — you just need to be aware that audio is very important and
shouldn't be overlooked.

If you're keen, try plugging an external microphone into the "mic input" socket of your
camera (if it has one). There are two reasons why you might want to do this:

You may have a mic which is more suited to the type of work you are doing than the camera's
built-in mic. Often, the better mic will simply be mounted on top of the camera.
You might need to have the mic in a different position to the camera. For example, when
covering a speech, the camera could be at the back of the room with a long audio lead running
to the stage, where you have a mic mounted on the pedestal.
The level at which your audio is recorded is important. Most cameras have an "auto-gain
control", which adjusts the audio level automatically. Consumer-level cameras are usually set
up like this, and it works well in most situations. If you have a manual audio level control, it's
a good idea to learn how to use it (more on this later).

28
If possible, try to keep the background (ambient) noise level more or less consistent. This
adds smoothness to the flow of the production. Of course, some shots will require sudden
changes in ambient audio for effect.

Listen to what people are saying and build it into the video. Try not to start and finish shots
while someone is talking — there's nothing worse than a video full of half-sentences.

Be very wary of background music while shooting — this can result is music that jumps every
time the shot changes, like listening to a badly scratched record. If you can, turn the music
right down or off.

One more thing... be careful of wind noise. Even the slightest breeze can ruin your audio.
Many cameras have a "low-cut filter", sometimes referred to as a "wind-noise filter" or
something similar. These do help, but a better solution is to block the wind. You can use a
purpose-designed wind sock, or try making one yourself.

Shutter
At the beginner level you don't really need to use the shutter, but it deserves a quick mention.
It has various applications, most notably for sports or fast-action footage. The main advantage
is that individual frames appear sharper (critical for slow-motion replays). The main
disadvantage is that motion appears more jerky.

The shutter can also be used to help control exposure.

Unless you know how to use the shutter effectively, leave it off.

More detailed tutorials can be found at

MediaCollege.com

29
 Video Composition Rules
(adapted from AtomicLearning.com)

Start out playing by the rules.

Some people feel that rules restrict them too much. However, if you're trying to control the
visual messages your video is sending, you need an understanding of traditional rules of
composition. Then when you go about breaking the rules, you'll be able to do so with purpose
and intent! Many centuries ago, artists developed rules to guide them when painting or
positioning objects in a rectangular frame. They discovered that certain placements were more
pleasing and that the eye was drawn to some areas of the canvas more readily. You can use
what they discovered to help tell your stories more effectively.

The Rule of Thirds.

An offshoot of those artistic rules, used in still
photography and video, is called the rule of thirds.
The rule of thirds states that you should mentally
divide the frame (what you see in the viewfinder)
into thirds, both vertically and horizontally. What
you get is like a tic-tac-toe board overlaying your
screen. When you shoot your video, according to this
rule, you should place your key subject elements
along those lines. Where the lines intersect will be
the best place for your subject. That means that
centering your subject in the frame will create a less interesting composition. In most cases
you will have control over where you are with your camera.

When framing your subject, move the camera so that the prominent subject elements fall
along one of the third lines, preferably at a point where those lines intersect. If you can't move
the camera to a good spot, try to move the subject (kind of tough if you're shooting a
mountain!) A case in point would be the placement of the horizon line in an outdoor shot.
Don't center the horizon on your screen. Place the horizon on either the top or bottom third
line. Which one will depend upon your subject. If you're shooting a sailboat on the ocean, do
you want to show more of the ocean or more of the sky? That would be your artistic choice!
Which one looks the best to you? The point is to take control of the situation and try to frame
the most appealing shot. Don't just accept whatever happens to appear in your viewfinder!

Room at the top.

Headroom refers to the amount of space between the top of a person's head and the top of
your frame. Too much headroom makes the person appear to be sinking. Most novice
photographers and videographers will frame shots of people with too much headroom. Take a
look through some old family photos if you don't believe me. Too little headroom places
visual emphasis on the person's chin and neck. When framing shots of people, pay attention to
where the eyes appear. Follow the rule of thirds and place the subject's eyes on the upper third
line.

Reminder: When framing shots of people, don't forget to avoid placing the edge of your frame
at one of the body's natural cutoff lines: neck, elbows, waist, knees and ankles.

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Lead them on.
Lead space refers to space in front of your subject. Leave extra space in the direction your
subject is looking. You might also see this space referred to as look space or nose room.
Leave extra space in front of a moving person or object, like a runner, bicycle, or automobile
when following the action. Not doing so will make it look like your subject is in danger of
running into the edge of your frame!

What's in the background?

Most of your shots will include background elements that are part of the location where you're
shooting. Make sure what's in the background of your shot doesn't draw your viewer's
attention from your main subject. We've all seen live TV interviews, shot on location, where
somebody in the background is waving or making faces at the camera. This is one type of
distracting background you need to try to avoid. Always check what's in the background of
the shot you are framing. Background clutter or distracting objects, like an overflowing
garbage bin, can usually be avoided by repositioning your camera (moving it left or right,
framing a tighter shot, changing the camera angle) or moving your subject. You might also be
able to put the background out of focus by decreasing the depth of field in your shot.

Mergers are another form of distracting background. Background objects or strong vectors
that visually merge with your subject can not only be distracting, they can be down right
humorous. Again, reposition the camera or the subject to avoid mergers.

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FORMS

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 Authorization & Release to Videotape & Distribute
Interviews, Presentations and/or Performances

I hereby authorize Oral Roberts University (ORU) to record in any form (audio, video or
other media) my image, voice, speech, presentation, performance and/or any interviews I may
give which may be used, without limitation, for educational, archival or other
communications purposes. I understand that these images may be stored or distributed via
disk or electronically via the internet. I understand that ORU has the right to edit my image,
voice, speech, presentation, performance and/or any interview as ORU deems appropriate.
While it is the intent of ORU to use the recordings for the purposes stated above, I understand
and agree that the recordings may be kept or used forever and may be used for any purpose
ORU deems fit including reproduction or distribution in any media as may now or hereafter
exist.

I hereby release Oral Roberts University, its trustees, officers, employees, volunteers,
students, student associations and participating organizations, sponsors, vendors, program
participants, agents and assigns (collectively, the Released Parties) from any and all liability
related to dissemination or distribution of any recording of my participation in the program,
presentation or interview or my image or voice. I further release Oral Roberts University and
the Released Parties for any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or display of the images
or voice in print or in any other form that may now or hereafter exist, and any alteration,
distortion or illusionary effect, whether intentional or otherwise, in connection with such use
or uses, by any and all individuals or companies other than Oral Roberts University or the
Released Parties.

I certify that I am over the age of 18 and fully understand the authorization and release I give
by executing this document in the place provided below.

____________________________________________________________________
(Print name and address)

_______________________________________ _______________________
Signature Date

_______________________________________________ ____________________
PROJECT NAME PROJECT #

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 Camera Signout
(strikethrough when returned)

Date Name Phone# Camera (tripod? y/n)

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

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 Equipment Request
(please submit to media coordinator 48hrs in advance)

Name:______________________________ Phone #:_____________________

Event/Purpose:______________________________________________________

Equipment Checked Out:

____ Cybershot still camera (number _____ )
____ JVC Camcorder (JVC camcorder, mic attachment, shotgun mic, battery, 2 SD memory cards, AC adapter)
____ Sony HandyCam (Handycam, Battery, AC adapter, USB cable)
____ Lighting Kit (3 light stands, 2 500w lights, 1 250w light, 2 bounce umbrellas)
____ Wireless Lavaliere Microphone
____ Wired Lavaliere Microphone
____ Handheld Microphone (w/ XLR cable)
____ Reflector
____ Tripod

____ __________________________________________________

____ __________________________________________________

____ __________________________________________________

____ __________________________________________________

Notes:

Time Out:_____________________ Time Returned:_________________

Initials:_______________________ Initials:________________________

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Staffer:_______________________

Staffer:________________________

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