Principles of Microvideo
1. Single Topic Short Videos
o People have short attention spans. Long videos will lose their attention. Break your
videos into small chunks of 5 minutes apiece that cover a single topic.
2. Many Takes One Shot
o There can be many takes, but the final version must be one shot. If there is a problem
during a take it is fixed by doing another take until it’s correct.
3. No Editing
o The video will not need to be edited once it is shot – video and audio must be recorded
at the same time. If it’s not right, reshoot.
o Do not put info into the video that will likely change. There should be no references to
the textbook used, the course the content is going into (because it could be
repurposed for another course), the sequence of the videos (don’t refer to yesterday’s
video, make each video standalone), the module or lesson that the content is going
into (because its location could change), or the day on which the video is being shot.
4. Plan Ahead
o Planning saves time. Prepare an outline and practice out loud what you’re going to
record before the shoot. Try to shoot more than one video at a time. Find a time and
location where you will be undisturbed. If you need help from other people ask for it
well in advance.
Types of Microvideo
Type of
Video
Details
Talking Head
Introduction or brief
lecture. Many takes,
single shot. No editing.
Demo of actions on a
computer screen – single
concept. No editing.
Built using off the shelf
tools. No customization.
≤5
minutes
≥ 320x180
(non HD)
SME & ID, laptop w/
webcam & mic
≤5
minutes
≥ 640x480
SME & ID, laptop w/
camtasia & mic
n/a
≤5
minutes
≥ 640x480
n/a
Single concept demo of
‘thing’ based operations
– math, tools etc. No
editing.
Single fixed shot. One
technician. No editing.
Requires tech inspection
of site and subject asap.
≤5
minutes
1280x720
(720p)
SME & ID, laptop,
relevant software,
mic
SME & ID, laptop w/
document camera &
mic
≤5
minutes
1280x720
(720p)
eTV tech, SME & ID,
Vixia HD Camera,
wireless mic
2 weeks
Screen
Capture
Interactive
Flash Video
Document
Camera
Location
Shoot
Ideal
Length
Resolution
Resources
Required
Lead
Time
Req’d
n/a
n/a
Microvideo Planning Worksheet
Video 1
What title should appear in
the video?
Filename (coursename_
module#_lesson#_title)
What is the video about?
What are its learning
outcomes?
What kind of video
production will best achieve
the learning outcomes?
Talking Head
Screen Capture
Flash Presentation
Document Camera
Location Shoot
What needs to be in the
shot? What needs to be
emphasized?
Can the topic be captured in
a single unedited shot? If
not, how can the video be
simplified?
Are there other videos that
could be shot in the same
session?
Microvideo Checklist
Complete the Microvideo Planning Worksheet
If a technician is required for the shoot, complete the Shot List Template
If a technician is required for the shoot, contact Matt Miles (mmiles@rrc.mb.ca) with
a copy of the shot list template to schedule a tech at least 2 weeks in advance.
Arrange with Matt Miles for the techs to review the location and subject matter
before the shoot so that they know the environment in which they will be shooting.
If equipment is required for the shoot like a document camera or a webcam, contact
Matt Miles (mmiles@rrc.mb.ca) to ensure its availability.
Write an outline and make sure both the SME and ID have reviewed it.
Try at least one practice run of the video before shooting. If techs are involved,
practice before they get there.
If equipment is part of what is being shot, set it up before the shoot.
Secure a location for the shoot that is quiet and well lit.
Determine if other videos can be shot at the same time and schedule enough time for
this to occur. If techs are involved, consult with them on the length of time required.
Shot List Template (Microvideo Version)
Shot
0
Single concept for the Shot
Things that are in the shot? Fill the view but don’t lose context.
What does the shot need to show? What angle should the shot be from?
e.g. Shooting downwards at a table with equipment on it. Focus on hands
working with equipment. Micrometer needs to be readable.
Approximately 4 minutes long.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Title for Production Clip
“How to Open a Widget Garmer”
Course Name, Module #, Lesson
#
Example:
PL1_M2_L3-Widget_Garmer