Multimedia Planning Guidelines

  1. Plan ahead and start early.
    1. Have a focused message.
    2. Keep the audience in mind.
    3. Think about how long the final product should be. Record more than you need, but edit a lot.
    4. Choose one platform (Windows or Mac) at the outset of the project and stick with it.
    5. Storyboard your project with text and/or pictures.
      1. What characters are in the frame?
      2. What is the dialog, if any?
      3. Where is the camera in the scene?
      4. What props do you need?

    lynda logolynda.com, offering hundreds of online video tutorials, is available in the Student Multimedia Design Center.
  2. Get the best possible raw footage (frame it, mic it, light it).
    1. Frame it: make sure you can you clearly see what you want the viewer to see.
    2. Use a tripod if you want a stable, smooth shot. If you don’t have a tripod, stabilize the camera with your body or lean against something.
    3. Mic it: cameras have a built-in microphone, but consider using a lavaliere mic. This is a small microphone that can be clipped onto a piece of clothing about six to eight inches below the speaker's chin.
    4. Light it: choose locations with lighting in mind. Try to keep major light sources behind you. Lighting kits are available for loan at the Student Multimedia Design Center.
    5. Test first: record a few minutes of your subject talking to test the audio and video recording.

  3. Consider data storage and file management.
    1. Develop an organization system for archiving and logging your original source material.
    2. Make plans for moving large multimedia files and projects between locations. For example, bring a portable USB drive (memory stick), DVD, or CD with you, or use the UD Dropbox. Storage options that you can purchase or borrow are available at the Student Multimedia Design Center service desk.
    3. Consider one target delivery format for the final product (web, local playback, DVD, iPod, etc.).

  4. Be aware of copyright guidelines and other options for help.
    1. Survey existing copyright-cleared sources of video, sounds, music, and images.
    2. Come to the Student Multimedia Design Center service desk.
    3. Submit a question at AskSMDC.
    4. Make an appointment with our staff by calling 831-8832.
    5. For general technology questions, contact the Help Center.
    6. For help with a class presentation, contact the Oral Communications Fellows.
    7. For faculty who need help with technology, contact PRESENT.

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