TOP TIP: Turn off or mute any applications/notifications on all devices to avoid “rings” while recording.
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Video Content
We offer our community the most up-to-date industry leading knowledge by partnering up with external clients. Using the below principles enables us to ensure the content we provide our community is of the best quality.
**All recorded content will be subject to approval by DevOps Institute. A sample recording of 1-2 minutes will need to be provided ahead of supplying actual content to ensure the quality is in line with the DevOps Institute standards.**
Fundamentals
Framing
Background must be clean and simple, clear of clutter or excessive personal belongings; these will be distracting to viewers. In most circumstances, content should be filmed in a landscape orientation, at a ratio of 16:9. Framing should be clean, set at eye-level with just enough headroom.
Background Noise
Background noise must be minimal while recording; if necessary use a microphone. Pets, traffic, builders, family members, etc., are potential for interruptions. Do not play or add any music in the background. Speak clearly at a steady pace, using vocal variety (avoid monotone) to create an engaging listening experience.
Lighting
Film with good natural lighting or room lighting to ensure face and body are lit evenly and without shadowing. If wearing glasses, ensure there’s no glare. Ensure the whole video frame is well lit and that the camera is in full focus.
Attire
Refrain from tight patterns such as thin stripes, plaid, or herringbone. These do not represent well on camera and cause problems when video is compressed for the web. Avoid wearing anything with green if using a virtual background/green screen. Avoid branded logos all together.
Pre/Post Roll
Once recording starts, give it 3 seconds before you smile and start talking. Once finished, smile and give it 3 seconds before recording is stopped. This allows a buffer when editing content in post-production.
Recording Principles
The most authentic presentations are the more rehearsed ones. Look directly into the lens and speak to the camera as though speaking to a friend of colleague. If standing, don’t sway. If seated, don’t hunch or swivel.
Camera
Camera must record in High Definition; whether this be a smartphone, laptop/tablet, digital camera or camcorder. Camera resolution must be minimum 720p, with a frame rate of 30 frames per second. Cameras should be mounted on a stable base, such as a desk or tripod at eye-level.
TOP TIP: Filming with an Smartphone? Record using the back camera as this has a higher resolution. An iPhone’s back camera is 4K vs. 1080p on the front camera.
Audio
Microphone must be quality and unidirectional. Ensure the subject is not too close or too far away from the microphone. Record a sample on the chosen device and listen back to check the quality of the audio.
Format
The required file format for recording is .mp4.
The required screen ratio is 16:9.
The preferred resolution is 1080p, with minimum resolution limit of 720p.
The preferred frame rate is 30fps (frames per second) , with minimum frame rate of 25 fps.
Recording Software
If recording video via laptop, this must be recorded via Zoom. This will need to be “Recorded on the Cloud” as opposed to “Recorded on Device.” To ensure the recording is suitable for editing, the following Zoom settings will need to be selected:
When screen-sharing through Zoom, ensure that the shared screen is being recorded separately (as per above settings). Make sure your mouse/cursor is NOT visible on the screen.
Background
Ensure you have a neat, tidy background when recording your video, removing any clutter or branded items from view. If using a green screen or virtual background then ensure you are well lit – wearing a different color to your background/green screen. In either case ensure no light sources are directly facing the camera.
We have several virtual backgrounds available for use.
Updated August 31, 2022
Bring your passion, let your content shine through. Smile! Especially at the beginning. Keep important info at the front of your presentation.
The Content
For shorter or more personable content, a slide deck may not be necessary. If you need an image to describe or illustrate a concept, then feel free. For longer or more informative video content, a slide deck is encouraged.
Building Your Slide Deck
One Slide, One Idea
Rather than one complex slide, show several slides – each with one idea or image.
Images Represent Speech
Use image to represent what you’re saying, this eliminates the need to verbally describe the images on screen.
No Bullet Points or Slide Numbers
Eliminate “headline and bullet points” slides. Removing slide numbers allows flexibility.
Rule of 6
Consider using the rule of 6 – a maximum of six lines of text per slide.
Eliminate Distractions
Eliminate distracting slide transitions or animations.
Be Visual
To help the audience remember a person, place, or thing you mention, use images or photos.
Copyright
You must own the rights to all images used on your slides. If you use an image under a Creative Commons license, cite the source at the bottom of the slide.
DevOps Institute References
If referencing DevOps Institute or using DevOps Institute assets within your presentation (logos, icons, ambassador badges, etc.), please ensure these are up to date and in line with our latest branding guidelines.