NCCF affiliates that would like to create a video piece promoting their affiliate should first talk to their Community Leadership Officer and follow the tips and guidelines below.

Goal of the video

Think about what you hope to accomplish by creating a video. Developing a video can be time-consuming, so consider how you will you use your video and whether this is the best way to accomplish your communications goals.

Concept of the video

1. Your concept – What do you want to share about your affiliate? Is it a narrative story of a grant recipient and their work that highlights the affiliate’s support of the nonprofit? An informational video about your affiliate? There are a number of ways to approach video content but first talk to your CLO about your idea. Your CLO will then connect with NCCF’s Marketing and Communications team for input and approval of the concept.
2. Outline, script or storyboard – Before any video is shot, an outline, script or storyboard should be submitted to your CLO for NCCF approval. This should include a list of interview subjects and the questions they’ll be asked. Doing this now can prevent more time-consuming edits later in the process.

Producing the video

Once your video concept has been approved, consider how it will be developed. Who will shoot and edit the video? Are funds available to hire a videographer? Is a board member or other community volunteer able to shoot the video?

The best video content is 1) short; and 2) benefits from b-roll or background footage and photos that can be interspersed throughout interviews. What b-roll and/or photos will be used? Should you break your project into pieces to keep it short?

Permission/Consent Form

A photo and video consent form should be obtained from all participants and even those in the background of video footage. This form grants NCCF permission to use the video and any photos in marketing efforts. Your CLO can provide the permission form upon request.

Using your phone to shoot video footage

Most smartphones are capable of shooting incredible video footage. If you’re shooting on your own with your phone, a few tips:

• Sound – Shoot video in a space where there is minimal ambient sound. Before you turn on the camera, pause and listen. What do you hear? A loud HVAC unit or traffic? Think about ways to minimize noise. Consider purchasing a low-cost microphone, such as a wireless lavalier microphone, for your phone. A microphone that’s compatible with your phone can be purchased for $25 or less.
• Lighting – Make sure when you interview someone that the light is flattering. Do a test shot to make sure it looks good.
• Stability – Purchase a small inexpensive tripod for your phone to avoid shaking. Several also come with a small light attached.
• Background – If possible, make sure the background is reflective of the piece. At a minimum, make sure the background is not cluttered or contains anything that would not be appropriate to include.

Final video approval

Once your final product is ready, share the clip via a cloud storage service such as Google or DropBox. Our team will review and provide any necessary feedback. Once complete, our team will upload to NCCF’s YouTube, add to your affiliate’s webpage and potentially use in other communications efforts. Affiliate board members are encouraged to share with their networks!