Sample Media Task Group Manual

8/9/2019 Sample Media Task Group Manual

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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


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Media Staff Protocol

Equipment:1. Check all equipment in & out. We dont want anything getting lost/misplaced or

miscommunication getting in the way of projects.

2. Proper care of all gear is top priority. There isnt budget or time for unnecessaryrepairs. If youre 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 closetimmediately. 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 equipmentcheck-out list. All non-media staffers must be trained on the JVC and lights beforethey 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 doesnt have to worryabout deleting untransferred media.

3. If someone else is working with/editing/using media that you captured, contact themas 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 thatall files are transferred to the S: drive for backup and archival purposes. This includesphotos, design work, etc.

5. Unless directed otherwise, the sooner a project is due, the higher its priority. Ifanother 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, butthere will also be times where we need to move quickly from one project to thenext.

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, seeingand sharing the unique things that God is doing in the Outreach Ministriesdepartment. 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 relaysinformation but also imparts vision.

2. Your job is your ministry; do everything you do with excellence and as unto theLord. Especially when you go out on shoots, dont get too distracted by hanging outwith the team or even doing ministry with them.

3. The creative process can and must involve sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Dont justdo 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 yourepresent the department keep it absolutely clean.


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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 (CameraSignout 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 anEquipment Request form (located at the end of this manual).

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


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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 statuso Ask staff to post to profiles, update their status

- Press Release (include in monthly updates)o Oracleo 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 videoso Information how to get involvedo Motivational, come/do/be/serve

- Twittero Countdowno 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


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Calendar

Fall SemesterAugust:

- 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 lettersNovember:- Giving Back program- Passport PhotosDecember:- Semester summaries- Summary video (optional)

Spring SemesterJanuary:- Community Outreach documentation, promotionsFebruary:- Community Outreach documentation, promotionsMarch:- Spring Outreach marketing- Spring BreakTeams collect media,April:

- Spring Outreach- Summary/reflection videos


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COMMUNICATION&MARKETING


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PostersGRAPHICS, PR ASSISTANTSALL-CAMPUS EVENTS

Complete design a minimum of 10 days prior to eventHave proofread by Media Coordinator & DirectorsSave as PDF for printingAfter approval, print & post 7 days before event (work w/ Events)

8 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


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Brochures

GRAPHICS, PR ASSISTANTSCO RUSH, MISSIONS RUSH

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

Traditionally, brochures have been tri-fold and full color. In 2009 the department began using1/3 sheet B&W response card inserts instead of the more expensive perforated tear-offoption. 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


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Videos

VIDEO EDITORMISSIONARY 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 andbe finalized/sweetened by University Media Productions. Submit videos no later than 5 daysprior to desired showing date.

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

Videos must also meet the following requirements:- CheckYour 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.


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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 froma 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 ChecklistAudio:

- Ambient sound: 30-60s- Unique sounds: people, environments, machines, etc.- Interviews

Quiet environment if possible Wear headphones/check your levels

- Important conversations, comments, prayerVideo:

- 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


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Website

MEDIA TASK GROUPALL EVENTS, VARIOUS UPDATES

BLOGGER

Keep up-to-date as teams/locations change, Pages listing teams are permanent links toarchived posts. To update, go to Posts and choose Edit Posts. Do not update the poststime or date, as this will break the link.

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

Directors must approve any links to external pages/websites.


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Flatscreens

GRAPHICS, PR ASSISTANTSALL-CAMPUS EVENTS

Complete design a minimum of 10 days prior to eventHave 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


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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 tabsKeep up-to-date as teams changeAdd teams pages to page favoritesCheck 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


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Twitter

MEDIA TASK GROUP

Automatically posts facebook page status updates (so dont repeat)

Use for reminders, announcements, sharing linksCheck @ORU_Outreach regularly for questions, feedbackFollow 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


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PROJECTS&TASKS


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Monthly Press ReleasePR ASSISTANTSEVERY 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 allpublicity and that all information is accurate.

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

EXAMPLE:Outreach Ministries

January Press Release

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Blood Drive- Jan 28thStudents are welcomed and encouraged to show up at the first Blood Drive of 2010 tocontinue to the 1000 Lives Campaign, an ORU campaign to save 1000 lives by giving enoughblood for the 2009-2010 school year. The Community Outreach event will beheld on January 28th in the GC from 11:00am to 5:00pm, at 5:00pm it will be moved toFireside and will be open until 9:00pm.

World Vision ExperienceThe Outreach Department encourages ORU students, especially those going on mission

trips to attend a special event for the month of January. The Christian humanitarianorganizations, World Vision is coming to Tulsa to invite people to Step Into Africa bycoming to their authentic exhibit which lets the participant experience what life is like forimpoverished children suffering from AIDS in Africa. The free exhibit will run from January23-31st 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 Chapelduring Ignite and a representative from World Vision will be at Ignite to discuss theExperience.

PrayerVigil

Saturday, February 27th

. All Missions teams and Community Outreach teams will be fastingand praying all day in Christ Chapel and the Prayer Room. There will be special displays inthe Prayer Room highlighting the ministries and countries that the students will beministering in. All are invited to come and take part in praying for Tulsa and the nations.


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Feature StoriesPR ASSISTANTSEVERY MONTH OR WHEN REQUESTED


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 sentto the Oracle.

EXAMPLE:

1-22-10Spotlight on Community OutreachOutreach: International Connection

Every week the ORU Outreach Department sends teams to be agents of change here in thecity of Tulsa. From building houses with Habitat for Humanity to befriending foreignexchange 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, andhave 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" aswell.

The International Connection outreach team is taking advantage of a "missions moment" thatis 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 (locatedin 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 inAmerica 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 membersin 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 allover the world (Brazil, Panama, Mexico, Venezuela, South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan,

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Libya, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam...and more) and they're just acrossthe 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 thousanddollars 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


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Year-End Report

PR ASSISTANTS, MEDIA COORDINATORFALL SEMESTER


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


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Passport/Visa Photos

PR ASSISTANTS, OTHER STAFF MEMBERSOCTOBER - DECEMBER

Passport Photography1. Have student stand as close to background as possible but not leaning on it.2. Make sure the students 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 students 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/PassportPhotos 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


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Team Blog Instructions

1. Login to Blogger (blogger.com) usingyour teams assigned username.

2. Once you login, you will be taken toyour Dashboard.

F

rom here, you canupdate your blog.3. If you do want to change your blogs

layout, you may change the template or add gadgets as long as they are relevant to yourteam and reflect the values of ORU missions.

4. While a competent team member may be given the username and password in order tomore effectively update the blog, all posts should be cleared with or authored by teamleaders. Content will be monitored.

5. Blogs are a great way to keep people updated about how your trip is progressing andwhat your team is doing. You can either slant the content for communication withinyour team or use it to provide updates about fundraisers, financial deadlines,

preparations, and showpictures to your supporters.A link to the online donationwebsite will be placed on yourblog.


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EVENTS


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Missionary ReunionMissionary Reunion is an event that takes place early in the fall semester. This event allowsmissions teams to remember the work that the Lord accomplished in and through theirteams over spring break/summer. Media and promotional material is intended to remind

student missionaries of their experiences (unique cultural attire/food/etc) and to celebratethe ministry that took place.

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

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


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Community Outreach & Missions Rush Weeks

Rush Week is the first time that the student body is able to sign up for CommunityOutreach/Missions. These two weeks are the most media-intensive of the year, as theyrequire 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. Workwith Events task group to determine a strategy EARLY so that you will have time to designand print materials before rush weeks.

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

Videos posted on facebook/youtube/twitter are not subject the same technical restrictionsand may be used to supplement marketing. Edited, concise testimonies make excellentrecruiting 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 OutreachVideo 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 documentsize to match intended print size. Download a template from printing company if at allpossible. Keep margins in mind text and important graphic elements should not go all theway to the edge (on a 3x8 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 obtainseveral brief sound bite interviews/testimonies. ALWAYS take still photos for use in pressreleases and on website.


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VIDEOREFERENCE

GUIDE


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Quick Start Guide

Before you go:

- SIGN OUTTHE 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 cameras 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.


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Camera Functions(adapted from MediaCollege.com)

Most domestic camcorders can do just about everything automatically. All you have to do isturn 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 totake control of your camera. This means using manual functions. In fact, professionalcameras have very few automatic functions, and professional camera operators would nevernormally use auto-focus or auto-iris.

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

Although auto-functions usually perform well enough, there will be some situations theycan't cope with (e.g. bad lighting conditions). In these circumstances you may be faced withunusable 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 effectit 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 gainedthrough manual functions.

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

Zoom

This is the function which moves your point of view closer to, or further away from, thesubject. 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. Insome cases you can move the camera closer to the subject and then zoom out so you havebasically 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 whyit's so over-used. The most common advice we give on using the zoom is use it less. Itworks well in moderation but too much zooming is tiring for the audience.

FocusAuto-focus is strictly for amateurs. Unlike still photography, there is no way auto-focus canmeet 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. Turnthe ring clockwise for closer focus, anti-clockwise for more distant focus. Consumercameras have different types of focus mechanisms usually a small dial.


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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.

IrisThis 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 pictureappears brighter.

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

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

To perform a white balance, point the camera at something matt (non-reflective) white inthe same light as the subject, and frame it so that most or all of the picture is white. Set yourfocus and exposure, then press the "white balance" button (or throw the switch). Thereshould be some indicator in the viewfinder which tells you when the white balance hascompleted. If it doesn't work, try adjusting the iris, changing filters, or finding something elsewhite 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. Wewon't go into it much here you just need to be aware that audio is very important andshouldn't be overlooked.

If you're keen, try plugging an external microphone into the "mic input" socket of yourcamera (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, whencovering a speech, the camera could be at the back of the room with a long audio leadrunning 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-gaincontrol", which adjusts the audio level automatically. Consumer-level cameras are usually setup like this, and it works well in most situations. If you have a manual audio level control, it'sa good idea to learn how to use it (more on this later).


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

Listen to what people are saying and build it into the video. Try not to start and finish shotswhile 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 jumpsevery time the shot changes, like listening to a badly scratched record. If you can, turn themusic 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" orsomething similar. These do help, but a better solution is to block the wind. You can use apurpose-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 quickmention. It has various applications, most notably for sports or fast-action footage. The mainadvantage is that individual frames appear sharper (critical for slow-motion replays). Themain 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 atMediaCollege.com


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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 ofcomposition. Then when you go about breaking the rules, you'll be able to do so withpurpose and intent! Many centuries ago, artists developed rules to guide them when paintingor positioning objects in a rectangular frame. They discovered that certain placements weremore pleasing and that the eye was drawn to some areas of the canvas more readily. Youcan use what they discovered to help tell your stories more effectively.

The Rule of Thirds.An offshoot of those artistic rules, used in stillphotography 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. Whatyou get is like a tic-tac-toe board overlaying yourscreen. When you shoot your video, according tothis rule, you should place your key subject elementsalong those lines. Where the lines intersect will bethe best place for your subject. That means thatcentering your subject in the frame will create a less interesting composition. In most casesyou 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'tmove the camera to a good spot, try to move the subject (kind of tough if you're shooting amountain!) 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 bottomthird line. Which one will depend upon your subject. If you're shooting a sailboat on theocean, do you want to show more of the ocean or more of the sky? That would be yourartistic choice! Which one looks the best to you? The point is to take control of thesituation and try to frame the most appealing shot. Don't just accept whatever happens toappear 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 ofyour frame. Too much headroom makes the person appear to be sinking. Most novicephotographers and videographers will frame shots of people with too much headroom. Takea look through some old family photos if you don't believe me. Too little headroom placesvisual emphasis on the person's chin and neck. When framing shots of people, pay attentionto where the eyes appear. Follow the rule of thirds and place the subject's eyes on the upperthird line.


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

Lead them on.Lead space refers to space in front of your subject. Leave extra space in the direction yoursubject 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 automobilewhen following the action. Not doing so will make it look like your subject is in danger ofrunning 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 whereyou're shooting. Make sure what's in the background of your shot doesn't draw yourviewer's attention from your main subject. We've all seen live TV interviews, shot onlocation, where somebody in the background is waving or making faces at the camera. This isone type of distracting background you need to try to avoid. Always check what's in thebackground 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 leftor right, framing a tighter shot, changing the camera angle) or moving your subject. Youmight also be able to put the background out of focus by decreasing the depth of field inyour shot.

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


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FORMS


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Authorization & Release to Videotape & DistributeInterviews, Presentations and/or Performances

I hereby authorize Oral Roberts University (ORU) to record in any form (audio, video orother media) my image, voice, speech, presentation, performance and/or any interviews Imay give which may be used, without limitation, for educational, archival or othercommunications purposes. I understand that these images may be stored or distributed viadisk 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, Iunderstand and agree that the recordings may be kept or used forever and may be used forany 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, programparticipants, agents and assigns (collectively, the Released Parties) from any and all liabilityrelated 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 Universityand the Released Parties for any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or display of theimages or voice in print or in any other form that may now or hereafter exist, and anyalteration, distortion or illusionary effect, whether intentional or otherwise, in connectionwith 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 giveby 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:________________________

Documents

Sample Media Task Group Manual