When it comes to the actual creation and editing of the video, consider the resources available to you and your partners, including the time and money necessary for equipment and/or videographers or editors. As with choices of media for your PSA, the options for creating and editing video footage are no longer limited to the use of traditional film equipment and videographers. There are now multiple alternatives, including using smartphones, computer webcams, phones, applications, and online resources to craft and edit videos.

If using a smartphone for your video:

• Check out the video aspect requirements for your media platform to determine your settings and whether to film with your phone horizontal or vertical.
• Hold the camera with both hands and grip it firmly – a tentative touch inevitably results in shakiness and creates distortion and image noise. If possible, use a tripod designed for smartphones.
• Frame your subject from the shoulders to a couple of inches about the subject’s head.
• If videotaping indoors, try to not have the light source directly behind the subject (or the subject directly in front of a window). If shooting outdoors, try to be in the shade outside of the full glare of the sun. Cameras cannot capture drastic changes in light easily.
• Have as little background noise or sound as possible.
• Avoid standing or sitting behind a distracting background.
• Avoid wearing white.