Polices & Standards for Video Production

DEPARTMENT of ISHA’AT SAM’I WA BASARI
Last updated: Feb 27, 2021

The following guidelines are designed to offer tips and direction to help create videos that deliver clear and concise message to your viewers. These guidelines must be read and adhered to in conjunction with all other policies provided by the department. 

Standards & Guidelines

  1. Plan your video content
    1. Outline your goal – What are you looking to achieve? 
    2. Identify your audience – Think about a specific individual or perhaps age group that can benefit from your video. You must relate to what problem you are solving for them or why they would be watching your video. Understand their likes and don’t likes. This will help you create a more focused and detailed video. 
    3. Use storyboards and scripts to help organize your thoughts, selection of words and to brainstorm filming ideas for your video.
  2. Research your topic
    1. You research determines the success of your project.
    2. Ensure you invest right amount of time to present content that is factual and can be supported with references.
    3. You may consult with your local Murrabi Silsila if you need to brainstorm or get direction on a specific subject. 
    4. Amount of researched content helps you determine the length of your video. Your video at minimum should be 3 minutes long.
  3. Select the right background
    1. Real background – real-life environment that can contribute to your message. Make sure the area is clean and inviting for your audience.
    2. Green Screens – allow consistent setup but require advance technical knowledge and skills. 
  4. Technical equipment
    1. You do not need to buy a new camera. 
      1. Your phone camera or small camera like GoPro or DJI can deliver superb results. 
      2. You need to be able to produce 1080p minimum 30fps or 60fps when your subjects are moving.  
      3. When using phones, always film in landscape mode maintaining 16:9 ratio.
    2. When recording audio or voice overs ensure to use an external mic. Select an area that has less to no ambient sound (unless of course ambient sound can help deliver your message).
  5. Use the right lighting – natural light is soft and cinematic. 
    1. Best outdoor conditions are:
      1. Outdoors on cloudy day
      2. An hour after sunrise
      3. An hour before sunset
    2. For indoor lighting 
      1. Consider shooting next to a large window
      2. Use White light or Warm (yellow) light depending on intended filming situation
    3. Use three-point light system
      1. Key Light -primary and brightest light source
      2. Fill Light – mirrors the key light on opposite side to help balance shadows
      3. Backlight – also known as “hair light” shines subject from behind
  6. Film in small segments – this will help get more practice and fix things that you may not like.
  7. Practice and use the composition rules 
    1. Follow the rule of thirds – divide the frame in 3×3 grid, creating intersections that are ideal areas to place your object
    2. Mind the head – don’t have too much space above the subject’s head and don’t cut off top of their head either
    3. Closeups – if you must cut frame top of subject’s head, not their chin
  8. Submit your video using any one of the methods below (for details see Ahmadiyya.ca/av/):
    1. Share YouTube link of an Unlisted video – ensuring only intended audience can view
    2. Dropbox
    3. Google Drive
  9. Keep original recordings
    1. Always keep backup of your original recordings in case edits are required
    2. You do not need to submit original recordings unless specifically requested by the department
  10. Approval process – once you have finalized your video and uploaded
    1. Use the form at https://www.ahmadiyya.ca/av/form to submit your project for quality review and approval.
    2. You will be automatically notified of receipt of video.
    3. Department will perform a quality check on your video (the quality assessment form is available online Ahmadiyya.ca/av/quality-check for your reference). 
    4. If no issues, it will be posted on our channel at YouTube.com/?  and you will be notified.
    5. If there are edits required, you will be contacted by one of the team members.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Review the online Frequently Asked questions (FAQs) at Ahmadiyya.ca/av/faqs for topics including:

  1. Direction on using copyright material.
    1. You must have approval to use copyright material with proper references. Please consults with department where unclear. 
  2. Public filming
    1. Public filming in Canada is allowed by law however, you must seek consent if filming anyone in close or focused discussions. 
  3. Waiver / consent forms and notices
    1. Waiver form is available and must be used to get consent from people filmed.
  4. What are the free recommended video editing tools?
    1. Typically, your camera manufacturer provides you with a software to use for video editing. 
    2. On MAC OSX iMovie and Windows Movavi are free
    3. And commercially Adobe Premier and Final Cut Pro are most used
  5. What are the audio editing tools?
    1. Audacity (AudacityTeams.org) is available for Windows and MAC OS X platform free
  6. Policies when filming females.
    1. It is advised to use wide shots when filming women such that they are not in close focus. 
    2. Ahmadi Muslim Women are also required to follow Islamic “purdah” when filming
  7. Directions on using music in your video.
    1. Natural sounds are allowed in your video production. Music created with instruments is generally not permitted. 
    2. Use your judgement and seek guidance from National Team when unsure.
  8. What is the quality assessment criteria for my video?
    1. Your video production will be assessed against:
      1. Content accuracy
      2. Presentation and clarity in delivery
      3. Lighting
      4. Audio quality

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