Using the Media Production Studio for Video Creation

The A&S Media Production Studio offers a multi-camera setup with interchangeable backdrops, lighting, microphones, and furniture that can be configured suit your video production needs.

Equipment Overview

If you're unfamiliar with the studio, we encourage you to explore the 360 virtual tour at the bottom of this page to see what equipment is available in the space.

Please note that the studio equipment is best suited for users with some experience in video production. If you have teaching assistants (TAs), graduate students, or student employees, we recommend involving them in your recording process.

To help you get started, we offer instructional guides on using key studio resources such as cameras, our greenscreen, teleprompters, and the studio TV.

For video editing assistance or recommendations, please reach out to Jessica Weaver-Kenney for a consultation.

Access

If you’re interested in using the Media Production Studio to create instructional videos, please please fill out this request form to gain card access to the studio.

Course Usage of the Media Production Studio

Video projects offer an alternative to traditional assignments, allowing students to creatively express their understanding of course content. Whether through interviews, presentations, or demonstrations, video projects enhance critical thinking, communication, and storytelling skills. Students not only gain practical experience in media production, but they also develop essential skills in project management, collaboration, and digital literacy.

The Media Production Studio, along with our instructional resources, provides students with access to professional equipment and hands-on learning opportunities, fostering deeper engagement and supporting academic success through free, experiential learning.

Making a Reservation

Users with card access to the Media Production Studio can make a reservation by doing the following:

1. Go to https://login.cheqroom.com and enter your official UVA email address (not an alias) in the email address field.
2. Choose Log in with SSO, which will prompt you to sign in with your NetBadge credentials.
3. On the left side of the page underneath "A&S Learning Design & Technology", click the Location drop down menu and select A&S Media Production Studio.
4. To create a new room reservation, select Reservations in the far left menu, and then choose the New Reservation button on the far right side of the screen.

Visit this page for more detailed instructions.

Using the Studio

SD Cards

You may bring your own SD cards, but each studio camera also has an SD card available.

Options for transferring footage off an SD Card:

• Bring a laptop and import it onto your own device
• Use the iMac in the room (has an SD card slot)
• Use an iMac in the Editing Lab (Wilson 207)

Tips for Recording

1. Record in short chunks to avoid having to re-record long lectures. Shorter videos (5-15 minutes) are also easier for students to access and engage with than long lectures. 

2. Try not to include information that dates your content, such as an announcement about a homework assignment or a change to the syllabus. The idea to pre-recording lecture content is to be able to reuse it for future classes. If you still want to include this kind of info, make sure it is at the beginning or end of the video so it makes it easier for you to edit it out if you need to later.

3. If you have a script you will read verbatim, it is a good idea to use the teleprompter. You can choose to manually scroll, set a defined scrolling pace, or, if using PromptSmart Pro, utilize the voice recognition software. If you are using bullet-points or notes with the teleprompter, you will not be able to use the voice recognition option. 

4. We do not recommend using Auto mode on the cameras as the camera will default to using the internal microphone, which is not as good as the external microphones available in the room.

5. You can review your footage directly on the camera in playback mode or by inserting the SD card into a computer and bringing up your files.

Technical Issues

If you find that any equipment is missing, damaged, or non-functional during your reservation, please fill out the following form or let one of the Media Studio Consultants know so that we may address the issue ASAP. 

Leaving the Studio

Turn off all studio lights, including the overhead lights and the exterior Recording light. Remember to take all your belongings with you, and to transfer your footage prior to leaving when using the studio SD cards.