Video
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What It Is
Short videos are used to communicate all kinds of information by way of websites and popular online video-sharing services. Government agencies use video to convey how-to information (such as the videos in the Resources section below), scientific and cultural resources, and news.
Why It's Important
Video is an effective communication tool for reaching our target audiences. Short videos can be produced inexpensively and played on computers and many mobile devices. Video is the communication format of choice for many young people.
Specific Requirements
OMB Policies for Federal Public Websites require agencies (#1A) "to disseminate information to the public in a timely, equitable, efficient and appropriate manner" and (#2A) "maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information and services provided to the public." Web managers should ensure that government videos are captioned and/or transcripts are available to comply with federal accessibility requirements. For more information, read Make Videos, Audio Files, Podcasts, and Other Multimedia Section 508 Compliant and Accessible.
How to Implement
This guide will teach you how to create government videos that are intelligently–planned, well–produced, cost–effective, and worth your effort.
Plan Your Video Strategy
- Is Video the Right Choice?
- Get Your Video Equipment
- Create Your Video Plan
- Create Your Video Storyboard
- Legal Responsibilities Around Video Content Creation
- Video Planning (Pre-Production) Checklist
Implement Your Video Strategy
- Capture Audio for Your Video
- Compose Your Video Shots
- Light Your Video
- Film Your Video
- Shoot Video Stock Footage
- Conduct a Video Interview
- Learn About Video Copyright
- Find Free Video Stock Footage
- Video Production Checklist
- Edit Your Video
- Video Editing Effects and Tips
- Make Your Video 508 Accessible
- Compress and Host Your Video
- Editing Video (Post–Production) Checklist
Improve Your Video Strategy
- Create Video Metadata
- Gather Video Feedback and Metrics
- Share and Market Your Video
- Video Improvement Checklist
Retire Your Video Strategy
Resources
-
Sample Model Release Form for Video Taping and Still Photography
(MS Word, 15 KB, 1 page, October 2011) -
2010 USA.gov Video Contest Lessons Learned
(MS Word, 50.5 KB, 6 pages, July 2010) -
Sample Video Editorial and Accessible Guidelines
(MS Word, 56 KB, 2 pages, August 2012) - DigitalGov University offers an intensive training class on how Web professionals can use video
Content Lead:
Jonathan Rubin
Page Reviewed/Updated: August 23, 2012