This section will teach you about the basics of good video production. The process looks something like this:

1. Pre-productionThe work you have to do before shooting starts; writing your script (description of your exercise), and finding the right location.
2. ProductionThe actual shooting of the content.
3. Post-productionWhen the shooting is done; editing, voice overs, uploading your video to the FIZIO website.

1. SubjectIdentify the exercise(s) that you want to shoot.
2. ScriptWrite exactly what you are going to say. Describe your exercise as though you are talking your client through the process. This will be your script and the written description that will be added to your video once it is uploaded into the FIZIO database.
3. Location ScoutingYou can shoot outside, or indoors. When shooting outside, it is best to find an open, uncrowded, and quiet space. The best days to shoot outside are when it is overcast because the light is even and less subject to change (cloudy or sunny days can prove difficult). When shooting inside, use an uncluttered space with a solid background (avoid a white background).
4. Release FormsDon't forget about Release Forms for models appearing in your videos. Here's an excellent blank release form.
5. GearCharge your batteries. Get your camera and your tripod. Make sure you have a new DV tape, and/or space on your hard drive. You are ready to shoot!

Here's a condensed to-do list to consider when shooting video:

1. White BalancePerhaps the most important component of shooting good video. White balance is a complicated concept, but just know that it has something to do with "color temperature". It's called white balance because white is the baseline color used to determine temperature. Click here for a useful tutorial regarding white balance.
2. Compose your shotLook at every corner of the frame and the background. Learn how to use the Rule of Thirds, and simple Framing techniques to enhance your shots.
   • Clean your camera's lens.
   • Keep the camera at the subject's eye level, unless there is a need to focus elsewhere.
   • If there is bright light, make sure it is behind you and not behind your subject.
   • Use manual focus if you can. "Catch focus," meaning zoom to subject, focus on the glint in their eye. Zoom back.?
   • Start recording at least 10 seconds before the action begins and keep rolling awhile after the action stops.
   • Make sure that you have your subject complete three to four repetitions of each exercise before you stop shooting.?
   • Avoid zoom and movement. This breaks the spell of the video and attracts attention to the camera.
3. Lighting
   • Try to use diffused, flattering light, from multiple directions, and lots of it! The simplest lighting trick is to use natural light from a window, but indirect light, not direct sunlight. Direct sunlight creates harsh shadows.?
   • Another easy method is to turn on all the lights in the house and move lights close to the subject. You can also use brighter household bulbs.
   • If you have a budget of about 50 dollars, you can buy some clip-on construction lights, "natural light" household bulbs, and make a three light kit.
   • This brings us to the first basic lesson of lighting for video or film - the "Key, Fill, Back" method of lighting. Basically this means having three lights.
     • A bright main Key light in front, and off to the side of the subject.?
     • A dimmer Fill light in front, and off to the opposite side of the subject.?
     • A bright Back light, behind and off to the side of the subject.
4. Audio
   The key to video! External microphones are better than built-in mics because they can be close to the subject, even if the camera isn't. You can always record a voice-over later if you are having trouble with your microphone.?

   • Use headphones to monitor the quality of the audio while you are recording. Turn off refrigerators, air conditioners, and any other background noise source.
   • Record a minute or two of silence; you can use it when you edit to bridge gaps in audio.
   • Run a test; make sure you are recording audio.

The key to "post," as it's called, is organization. Before you start to edit, organize your folders and files with accurate names.?

1. Transferring Video To ComputerDigitizing video is pretty intuitive in iMovie and Movie Maker. For help see: Apple's iMovie Tutorials and Microsoft's Movie Maker Tutorials.
2. Video Editing
   • The trick is when to cut. Learn to use basic edits.
   • Cut on motion or action.?
   • Use the straight cut.
   • Remember to allow for 3-5 good and complete reps of each exercise.
   • Trim down your clip to include 1 or 2 seconds of your subject at rest and then stop the clip after the last rep.?
   • Create a short title for the video, keep it 1-3 seconds depending on the voice over.?
3. Audio Editing
   • If original audio is bad, levels are not loud enough, or there is a lot of background noise, just mute the audio and use a voice over.
   • Try to time the voice over with the exercise, so they match up(this is where shortening or lengthening your title will come in handy).
   • When recording voice over, pick a quite room and speak calmly, and clearly.
   • Make sure to mute your speakers when recording the voice over (so you do not get feedback).
   • It is best to have an external microphone for voice over, but an internal computer mic will work
4. ExportingOnce you have completed your video you are ready to export.
5. UploadingWe have created a video tutorial that will guide you through the process of uploading your video to the FIZIO database. Start Your Video Tutorial