In order to create and produce a quality video it is important to have a basic understanding of different video techniques. Having an understanding of these visual and sound hints will make your videos have a much more professional appearance.You will also be able to develop a more detailed script. The following Video hints are designed to provide a background of basic knowledge for viewing and shooting video.

Use a Tripod
Besides a camera, a tripod is the single most important piece of equipment. A steady camera is vital to a quality product. They are cheap, easy to set-up, and most importantly, steady. If you can't use a tripod, steady the camera against any solid object e.g., a tree, a pole, a desk, the ground, another students head! (unless you are going for a handheld effect).

Be mindful of Camera Position
Camera positioning is critical when shooting video because it gives a perspective to your audience. By positioning a camera above, below or at eye level you can give a unique view of your subject to the audience. The higher position is a great technique to show power.

Watch the Framing
Most amateur videos place the subject directly in the middle of each shot. By moving your subject to other parts of the screen a more interesting shot is created for the viewer. Also, be mindful of the background you are shooting against, otherwise you may unintentionally create the illusion of a plant growing out of a characters head! Finally, allow a small space at the top of the frame for headroom.

Focus
Many digital video cameras have the option to focus either manually, or automatically. For most shots, the auto focus will be adequate. However if there is another object between you and your subject it may dictate the need to manually focus the camera.

Lighting elements
Lighting is one of the most important basic video techniques to use.
The following basic guidelines will help you get started:
If possible, shoot some practice video to get a sense of the light.
Keep your filmed area bright.
Keep your subject lighter than the background
Bring in your own lamps etc. if needed
Be careful with backlighting and shadows. Think about consistency between your shots.
Use the backlight button on camera when repositioning is not an option

Sound Elements
Don't worry about the difference in volume of you sounds. Sound level is automatically controlled by most consumer cameras.
Think about purchasing a lavaliere or handheld microphone if you are conducting interviews.
The video sound can generally be infinitely improved by using an external mic plugged into the mic input of the camera.
Be aware of ambient noise. Most consumer cameras have a hard time with distance. The use of a directional mic, (a shot gun) will help cut down the surrounding noise

Use "3 Shots"
All video shots boil down to variations of the basic three. By using a variety lengths and types of shots your audience will be more interested in what is to come.
Wide shot (Establishes a location) e.g. Exterior of a school
Medium shot (Focuses on Subject) e.g. View of entire classroom preparing for a test.
Close shot( Shows emotion and good for cutaway shots) e.g. Single student fidgeting in his seat

Camera Movement

Zooming is often over utilized due to the location of zoom buttons on most video cameras. Zoom with control and good reason. More than one zoom in and out has been used best only in Wayne's World. Keep it there. Zooming can be effective if used in a subtle manner, or used very slowly. Otherwise, it creates a nauseating effect for the audience. It is much more effective to shoot, stop recording, move the camera or zoom forward, shoot again

Panning involves moving the camera position from left to right. This is best done using a tripod for steadiness. When performing this technique, it is best to start with a still position, pan from left to right, then end the shot with another still shot. This puts "bookends" at the beginning and end of of the pan. It also helps to follow an object or end on an object of interest.

Take Risks
Shoot plenty of tape. Experiment with the camera and all the ideas above. One of the benefits of digital video is you can quickly edit out anything you don't want to use in your final product. By experimenting and shooting scenes in a variety of ways you will give yourself more options when it comes time to assemble the final video.

Experiment with dollying
A dolly shot is one that is taken from a moving platform... ! Library trolleys and Wheelchairs, because of their large wheels, make great dollies for that moving shot you just have to have!

Final Tips

Make sure you have consistensy of the environment (props,clothes etc) between scenes and over time.

Provide time to experiment using the camera. exploring its different features before shooting a final project.

Create editing options for your project by shooting the same scene multiple ways. Most educational settings have only one camera available.

Extra Ideas
Schedule a visit from a professional videographer
Analyze video techniques used in one of their favorite commercials
Try to copy the shooting/editing techniques in the advertisement