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Video Production

People often contact us with an idea for making a videotape programme, but don't know how to proceed.

This countdown will help you to prepare and will best be used as a basis for brainstorming with colleagues.

ACTION!......... Once you have considered the following steps and answered as many of the questions posed as possible, you should contact the Video Unit to arrange for more detailed planning.

9 - Programme concept

Give a brief description of the concept behind the programme. Explain why you thought video would be the right medium for the job. Try to suggest a working title.

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8 - Needs analysis

You should find out if there are already suitable videos available. There may be other forms of information/teaching materials that do the job. Decide whether the programme should be 'stand alone' or integrated with other materials e.g. workbook, information leaflet, etc.

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7 - Target audience

You should have a very clear idea of who the programme is aimed at (primary audience). Be as specific as you can. Try to list anybody else who may benefit from seeing the programme (secondary audience). Think especially about how audience make-up may affect the type of programme required e.g. children, medical or lay audience, complexity of detail, language used, etc.

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6 - Aims and objectives

Try to be clear about what the overall aims of the programme are - to motivate or persuade, to instruct or demonstrate, to educate. Try to list at least 3 key objectives for the programme - 'when the audience have seen this tape they will be able to ... .'

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5 - Structure and content

Try to list what must be included and what might be included. Be realistic about the length of the finished programme (go for shorter rather than longer). Think about who will be involved and where the filming might take place. Think about the order in which things need to be shown.  Consider what props and equipment need to be filmed.  Collect any other visual material that may be needed e.g. photographs, artwork, x-rays, charts, etc.

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4 - Style of approach

Draw on your experience of other video productions and commercial television to consider the style of programme that will best be suited - documentary, light hearted, didactic.  We will advise on the use of presenters, voice over artists, graphics, etc., but you should think about all these elements as early as possible.

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3 - Scripting

Most programmes will need some kind of script at some stage.  We will advise you about the form this should take, when it is needed and who is best placed to write it, but be prepared to nominate a subject expert who can write about their area of expertise.  You will also need one person designated to make decisions about content validity.

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2 - Cost

The big question - how much does it cost? Whilst we are not a commercial unit, we have to be aware of the cost of programme making.  Our charges are dependent on whether you have been able to secure funding from any other source, e.g. your department, drug company, equipment manufacturer, etc.  At the very least we have to recover our material costs and pass on any external charges such as equipment hire, music royalties, etc.

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1 - What else?

There may be other factors that are important at this stage.  Is there a specific deadline for completion?  Is the timing of filming dictated by events or the availability of equipment/personnel?  

The more information you can provide at the outset, the better we will be able to tailor a programme to your needs.