Use these guidelines when recording lectures. For additional information, visit ResearchChannel.org and watch our helpful video “TV Wasteland Zone.”

• When possible, use at least two cameras. One should focus on the speaker and the other should be used for wide shots, cutaways and audience shots. When only one camera is available, shoot cutaways of the audience before or after the event in case you need them during editing. (If a question and answer session is not part of the final program, this is a good time to shoot audience cutaways.)


• Place your main camera in the audience about eye level with, and in front of, the speaker. This will allow the speaker to make eye contact with the television audience as naturally as the live audience. This should be a flattering angle of the speaker.


• Always use a tripod, preferably with a fluid head for smooth pans and tilts.


• Minimize camera movement, such as zooms, unless motivated by action.


• Ideally, presentation graphics (e.g., PowerPoint) should be added in post-production or recorded through a scan converter during the lecture. If these options are not available, you can shoot off the screen, being careful to make the camera movement smooth from speaker to screen and back again.
• The speaker should be well lit, preferably using three-point lighting.


• Avoid lighting from extreme angles and creating harsh or multiple facial shadows.


• Avoid lighting the projection screen. If you do, the audience likely won’t be able to view the presentation.

• Great sound is essential for live events such as lectures. Main speakers should wear lavaliere microphones – ideally wireless – for highest quality.


• If using a lectern microphone, speakers should be instructed on proper use.


• Record the main speaker microphone on a separate audio track from other microphones.


• Other room microphones should be turned down when not in use to avoid echo and feedback.


• Replace all microphone batteries before recording.


• If audience is expected to ask questions, have microphones ready.


• Do not use shotgun, pressure-zone or area microphones.


• Audio should be mixed to mono on channels 1 and 2 in post-production.

• Record your programs in any high-quality format.


• For distribution on ResearchChannel, provide the completed program in one of the following formats: Betacam SP or SX, DVCAM, DVCPRO 25 and DV (SP mode only).


• If shooting in the 16x9 format, this aspect ratio must be maintained during the entire production process and submitted for distribution on ResearchChannel in letter-boxed format.


• Broadcast lengths for finished programs are either 28:30 or 58:30 including the open and credits.

For more information, read the production quick reference page.

 

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