2025 {online} Family Retreat

Video Guidelines for the Videographer

Hello! I'm thrilled you'll be filming one of our instructors for the upcoming Family Retreat.

I've put together a quick video going over some of our filming guidelines (as well as included some written info below).

If ANYTHING is unclear, please reach out to the instructor (or to us directly at lisa@themilkyway.ca) before filming!!

Please watch the video below

Need to be reimbursed for your work or equipment rental?
Please email us the invoice at lisa@themilkyway.ca

Video Checklist

We dive into more detail on each point below - but here's a quick checklist to reference.

The instructor will have an 'intro' section, the main teaching part and possibly a wrap-up. They may also be doing a screenshare of their editing that will need to be added to video.
Film in landscape and ensure it's in-focus
NO music used in any part of video
Audio with wireless lavalier mic (The built-in camera mic is NOT adequate) If showing editing, keep your voice volume level the whole time!
Take a few minutes to record B roll on your phone in portrait mode of a few different angles and set ups.
Export at 1280×720 (1920x1280 even better)

Video Guidelines

PLEASE test equipment before filming day (especially if using lav mics that are new to you)

#1. Use Tripod

#2. Quality Video

#3. Clear Audio

Let's avoid motion-sick students!

Unless you truly have steady hands, tripods often give our students the best experience - as this is an instructional video vs promotional one that tends to have more 'camera movement')

Watch your placement as it's easy to have your photographer accidentally block the camera.

Video needs to be shot in landscape (ie: it fills the screen).

Be wary of too much zooming in and out, which also can cause motion-sickness.

Be careful that the instructor doesn't block the camera.

If they do, be sure to stop them, move positions and have them redo the part you missed.

For demo-style videos, please use a wireless microphone (we will reimburse the cost of mic rental if you need one).

Nothing kills the learning mood faster than static or humming on the audio feed - and when shooting outdoor demos, you definitely want a mic!

Recommended Microphone Rentals:

Sennheiser EW112p G3 lav set - XLR cable
- lensrental link to this microphone
Rode Microphones RodeLink Film Maker Kit

Main Issues That Lead to Re-Dos

We really, REALLY want to set you up for success and avoid having to resubmit your video.

Here are the 5 most common mistakes

Using the on-camera microphone (this is a no-go!) Be sure to use a wireless lavalier microphone.
Photographer's body blocks view of camera
Music used during the session or added during editing
Voice fading into a murmur during editing section or forgetting to share each step so it becomes a silent film
Out-of-focus video (or too much zooming in and out which creates motion sickness!)