Camera
DSLR cameras with HD video recording capability offer the average population the greatest access to professional video production. The added depth of field and focus control of film lenses compared to over-the-counter video cameras makes DSLRs an attractive option.
Sound
Sound is the component of audiovisual productions that will most likely care a publication to fail. On-camera microphones provide an unacceptable audio quality - both due the quality of the microphone and the distance from the subject. Publications in this journal require a clip-on lavalier microphone on subjects being filmed. Alternatively if the subject does not appear on the screen and you are simply overlying the audio onto another video file, it is of course acceptable to hand hold a microphone or iphone to record the narration.
Background
It is imperative that the background of an interview film remain without distraction. The best way to achieve this is my creating a shallow depth of field with the recorder lens such that the background is completely blurred. It goes without saying that interviews filmed in an office setting with loose papers and commercial products visible will be rejected.
Lighting
We recommend soft and even lighting. Attempt to avoid strong background lighting from operating room fixtures or office windows.
Text
Title Slide
We recommend a blurred background image as the title slide, such that your title text can strongly stand out. Leave this screen visible for at least 3 seconds. Then transition into your video.
Captions
It is imperative that intraoperative footage have appropriate captions. Narration will service as the dictation of the step-by-step details. Nevertheless, there should be a caption highlight critical portions of the procedure or to demonstrate a change in the timeline of the image acquisition. Eg fluoroscopy 7 days versus 14 days postop.
Info Slides
Similar to a powerpoint slide, we encourage full frame bulleted text or graphs to highlight key facts. These should always be used at the end of a video, unless the discussion points are relayed by an on-screen presented. Moreover, these info slides can be interspersed as appropriate throughout the video.
Live Video Citations
References will be submitted via textbox on the electronic form accompanying the video submission. This will appear on the dedicated electronic page of the film after publication. Nevertheless, we encourage the practice of inserting these text citations as small footnotes at the bottom of the video frame when that article is referenced.
Software
Adobe Premiere
Pros include cinema production quality, full control over multiple layers and effects, unlimited input/output formats. This software is the gold standard for professionals.
Cons include requires monthly subscription and complex controls.
FinalCut Pro
Pros include an intuitive interface and one-time fee to purchase on app store.
Cons include less simultaneous control of layers.
iMovie
Pros include easily availability free of charge on all mac computers. Very easily to string videos together back to back.
Cons are the there is simply less control. Not many advanced options. Text overlays appears very amateur.
