Video Support

Before you begin shooting the video, think about how it will be used.

Shoot the video horizontally if you plan to use the video in these ways:

• Upload the video to YouTube and Vimeo.
• Play the video during a parent meeting or assembly.
• Share the video on your school's Facebook page, Twitter account or Instagram feed. 

Shoot the video vertically if you plan to use the video in these ways:

• Upload the video to Instagram stories or reels.
• Upload the video to Twitter fleets.
• Upload the video to Facebook stories. 

Avoid shaky video. The easiest way to do this is to use a tripod or gimbal.

If you don't have access to one, prop the phone on something so it stays still while recording. If you are unable to do this, make sure you hold the camera with two hands (rather than one).

If you need to record yourself, you can either take a selfie video using two hands, or have a colleague do this for you.

Keep in mind, the rear facing camera on a phone is typically higher quality. Getting help from a colleague or propping the phone on something will give you a higher quality product.

Look for natural light. Your subject's face should be facing the natural light (such as a window). If your subject has their back to the light, it will create a shadow on their face and it will be hard to see them.

Close your door and windows, turn off music, put your phone on silent and find a space with very little background noise. You want to record in as quiet of a space as possible. 

Keep it simple and don’t overcomplicate it. Think about the goal of the video. If the set isn't a central element of the video, then don't worry about creating some elaborate background.

You want the audience to be focused on the speaker and what they are saying, rather than where they are standing or sitting.  

If possible, don't set up directly against a wall. The more depth behind you the better.

Since you plan to record on your cell phone, we recommend editing on your cell phone. There are several free video editing apps approved for district use. Review approved tools on LearnPlatform. 

Once the video is done, you can export the project to your phone’s album and then upload it into your Highline Google Drive (some apps may give you the option to export straight to Google Drive so you can skip exporting to your phone). Once in Google Drive, share the final video with staff and students.