How to Video Master the RDG Way

1. What is the Video Master?

The Video Master (or videographer) is an optional (but very useful!) role that oversees recording speeches. If your club has this role, be sure you have established procedures for making it work well. This lesson will suggest some sample procedures.

This role is good for developing technology skills, as well as follow up skills.

2. Before, During, & After the Meeting

This section will cover how to prepare for and execute the Video Master role.

2.1. Before the Meeting

Prior to the meeting, you should:

• Know who wants to be recorded, and who does not. 
• Know how to operate recording equipment. This may be a camcorder, smartphone, or camera with video recording capabilities.
• Know where the equipment is stored.
• Know where the recordings are to be placed after the meeting.

2.2. During the Meeting

At the meeting, you should:

• Arrive a little early to setup your tripod and camera. If using a smart phone, you'll need an adapter. If using a camera, you'll need media such as an SD card (your club will need to decide if there is to be a shared pool of cards or if speakers need to bring their own).
• Make sure all camera settings are correct.
• If unfamiliar with the camera, do a test recording and playback.
• If you are using the speaker's smart phone, be sure you can unlock it.
• Make sure to position yourself and your recording device so you can get a good, clear shot of the speaking area.
• The Toastmaster may or may not introduce you, depending on your club. If you are introduced, give a short explanation of your role and why it is important. If there is a meeting theme, you can theme your introduction according to it.

2.3. After the Meeting

Depending on how your club works, you will need to perform follow up tasks to complete your role. Below are some sample scenarios.

• If your club requires speakers to supply their own media cards (SD cards and the like), they simply take their cards after the meeting, and you're finished. If they have you record them on their own smart phones, the same is true.
• If your club uses a network share (usually corporate clubs), you'll need to copy the videos to there and alert the speakers that they're available.
• If your club uploads videos to YouTube or other video sharing service, you'll need to follow that procedure. Make sure to set the videos to unlisted if the speakers request this, and provide links of the videos to the speakers. 
• If your club has a pool of SD cards that are loaned out, you'll want to document who has cards checked out.

3. Suggestions

Some suggestions to make this role work better for you:

• Make the process of recording and getting the recordings as clear and snag-free as possible for your club. Try different methods as needed until your club irons out the process. This is the biggest sticking point with this role.
• A cheap point-and-shoot digital camera with video recording capabilities is better than no camera at all.