Video Guidelines

Producing a Video Commentary for EPAA/AAPE

EPAA/AAPE encourages all our authors to submit a video commentary highlighting the purpose and key points of their article. In our experience, articles that are accompanied by video commentaries have a greater impact (citations, downloads and commentaries) than those that do not offer this complementary form of scholarly communication.

Video commentaries should explain in simple and accessible language the goals, relevance and significance of the scholarly article to a general audience. Each video commentary should feature a 2-5 minute summary of the goals and main findings of your article.

Author-created Videos

These video commentaries should explain in simple and accessible language the goals, relevance and significance of the scholarly article to a general audience.

While it is very important to prepare a script, we do not require a specific structure. The commentary should touch on the purpose of the article, why it is significant, methods, findings, and policy implications. Please refer to the Sample Video Structure at the end of this document. Please insert a video title slide so that the first image viewers see is the title of your article and your name. This also ensures that the still image on YouTube/the EPAA website looks professional.

If possible, video commentaries should be filmed in HD and saved in one of the following formats: WMV, MP4, MOV, or MPEG. Please upload your video commentary to YouTube and send the link to Stephanie McBride-Schreiner ssmcb@asu.edu and the associate editor in charge of your manuscript.

In YouTube, the video title should follow this naming convention:
EPAA: {author name} on {brief subject summary}
Example: EPAA: Dr. Fischman on Knowledge Mobilization

Additional Guidelines for EPAA’s Video-commentaries

Carefully choose the setting in which you will film the video.

• Eliminate distractions by selecting an appropriate backdrop for your video in advance. Neutral colors that contrast with the clothes of the people will enhance the visual appearance.  
• Focus the camera on the person or group that will offer the commentary.
• Avoid moving the camera while filming. Continuous movement can be distracting and prove problematic during the editing process.
• If you need to switch to a different setting or person, film each scene separately and then edit the clips in the desired order. Each clip should last at least eight to ten seconds.

Avoid using the “zoom” feature while filming the video.

• Refrain from zooming in and out during each scene.
• In order to get a closer view of a person or object, position the camera at the desired distance before filming.

If possible, position the camera on a tripod or flat, stable surface before filming the video.

• The use of a tripod or other flat, stable surface will minimize the movement of the camera.
• Position the camera on the tripod or other surface before filming to ensure that the camera is focused on and positioned at an appropriate distance from the desired person or object.         

Be sure that there is enough light before filming the video.

• When filming outdoors in the sunlight, avoid pointing the camera directly into the sun (e.g., sunlight reflecting off vehicles, buildings, etc.).
• When filming indoors, maximize the use of natural light from the windows or turn on lights as needed. Avoid pointing the camera directly at the window or light source.
• Avoid using the light on the camera in order to maximize battery life unless the camera is plugged into a power source.

Avoid abruptly beginning or ending a scene.

• Position the camera before filming the scene and then count to five before any filming begins.

Insert a title slide

• Insert a title slide with the name of the article and the authors.

Sample Video Structure

Title Slide

• Name of article and name of authors.

Introduction

• Provide a brief introduction for the audience. Include your name and affiliation, the title or topic of your article, and a short preview for the video.

Research Topic

• Describe your interest in the research topic.
• Consider providing background information regarding the problem or questions underpinning your research.

Theoretical Framework

• If applicable, explain the theoretical framework used to examine this problem. Please use language that is accessible for a general audience (i.e. not overly academic).

Research Methodology

• Describe the research design used in this study.
• Explain the process through which you identified potential sources of data. Consider describing the data collection instruments and/or the data analysis process.

Conclusions

• Share your study findings based on your target audience.
• You could choose to frame this section for policy makers, practitioners, and/or students. If applicable, consider describing the interdisciplinary impact of the study.
• You may also include questions for additional research, suggestions for policy implementation, applications of your research in other contexts, etc.