Below are a few guidelines, which, if adhered to, will ensure your
video meets the preliminary requirements set forth to be published by
http://www.mkausa.org. Upload instructions are at the bottom of the page.
Pre-Production
Duration: For airing on http://www.mkausa.org or MTA channel 1 (info
channel) the program can be of any duration. Every Majlis should
strive to submit one 3-5 minute video each year to be shown on
mkausa.org. The ideal duration of a program to be aired on MTA
International should be 28 minutes and 30 seconds or 58 minutes and 30
seconds.
Content: Most programs can be split into three categories.
Religious Programs
Programs that focus on Taleem or Taribiyyat
subjects. These kinds of programs often require less
editing/production effort, but need to be 100% accurate with content.
Think of a visual textbook. Challenge can be to make it visually
interesting and entertaining. Examples include filming:
- a. Keynote speeches from Tabligh symposiums
- b. Holy Quran/Hadith Commentary
- c. Atfal class
- d. Interviews with new converts
MKA USA/Jamaat Videos
Programs that provide viewers with insight
into what makes your Jamaat or Majlis unique. These programs are a
great way of sharing best practices, inspiring others and can be a way
to showcase local talent. These videos probably won’t be shown on MTA,
but are perfect for http://www.mkausa.org Examples include:
- a. Austin Waqar-e-aml video
documenting work done by MKA Austin to convert a Church into their new
mosque. Watch it online now!
- b. Video by Charlotte or LA East documenting what they did in order to win 1st place in Khidmat-e-Khalq.
- c.
Milwaukee video currently in production documenting their weekly live
call in show on public access that has been running for decades!
- d.
Video documenting interesting or unique Tabligh efforts locally
including symposiums, door to door out reach or local radio shows etc…
- e.
Videos documenting ways local Majalis are invoking brotherhood. For
example, a video made by Detroit documenting their weekly football
games and what the impact has been in activating Khuddam.
Travel/Fun/General Videos
Videos that are non-religious in nature. Focused on entertaining the viewer. Examples include
- a. Travel videos – For
examples, see the Death Valley, Chinese Water Village , San Diego , San
Francisco 49 Mile Scenic Drive Videos that are already available on
mkausa.org
- b. How to
videos – Ideas include “rules of football or basketball”, “how to play
chess”, “how to apply for college”, “how to maintain a car”, “how to
start a business”, “how to interview” etc….For an actual example, watch
our “
- How to make a video for mkausa.org ”.
Be Prepared: While being spontaneous can be entertaining, some
people do not have a personality that lends itself to being
spontaneous. It would be a good idea to have your video scripted. For
instance, if you are doing an interview, the questions that the
interviewer is going to ask should be ready and the interviewee should
know what is going to be asked. At the same time, be careful not to
overdo it, to the extent that the actor is just reading a speech. In
live interview, unscripted wholesome humor is okay and encouraged.
Modesty: Make sure the video respects and is aligned with
the Jamaats pardah policy. Both men and ladies should adopt the parda
guidelines outlined in the Quran. For Ahmadi participants, a
reasonable dress code dictated by the weather and custom is
appropriate. A cap/topi is not necessary for non-religious programs.
For women, pardah is necessary including the covering of the face. For
non Ahmadi guests on the program or in the back ground, customary dress
is permissible.
Music: Generally there should be no background music. Natural
sounds are permissible. If there is music in the scene such as during
a festival which is recorded as part of the picture, it can be
included. Any music necessary for the narration is permissible. We
have included simple music in low tones in several of our programs and
they have all been accepted. Please note that several NASA programs
were bought and transmitted with their original music. Avoid hard
music. Natural sounds such as wind, water, rain etc. Nazms can be an
effective alternative to music.
Professionalism: Try to look at your video from the eyes of
your audience. Things that you think are entertaining may not be so in
the eyes of the audience. For Instance, you may think having one of
your cute aftal will be liked by everyone, but it may be boring for
others to watch. Stay away from inside jokes, but don’t be afraid to
use wholesome humor.
Have Fun: Don’t be afraid to make your videos fun. For
instance, use a moderator with an outgoing personality and let them be
themselves. Don’t be too serious or afraid of being creative or
cutting edge. If you go overboard, we will let you know. Don’t be
afraid to think outside the box. Balance professionalism and fun.
Production & Editing
We suggest you use review the “5 Steps to Making A Video ” document
and/or the “How to Make A Video ” program on the website for more tips
on how to use a camera, lighting, and editing tips.
Make sure you have consent prior to filming anyone, especially
non-Ahmadi guests. You can capture there verbal consent on video or
have them sign a release form.
If you use Urdu/Arabic, make sure to add subtitles or translation.
Pay attention to the aesthetic elements of the video. Make sure the
lighting and audio are presentable. There’s nothing more discouraging
than finding your recording is too dark or hard to hear. Perhaps, do a
test video to iron out these problems prior to the final recording.
If doing a documentary, do your research. Know what you will record
and what you will say about what is recorded. Do the research,
storyboarding, and planning well in advance. Don’t get over anxious to
start recording. Also keep in mind that you are representing the
jamaat. Any statements you make will get attributed to the jamaat. If
you are unsure about the jamaat’s stance on an issue, consult with
someone to get clarification.
Try and highlight the international side of the jamaat. Be inclusive for diversity.
For simple 3-4 minute programs with one camera, free movie editor
software such as iMovie or Windows Movie Maker will suffice. For more
ambitious projects having a professional editors such as Final Cut Pro,
Avid, or Adobe Premier will be very helpful.
Upload to the Site
Have more than one person review your final product and give input.
Not just people with in your circle of influences, but get input from
those who do not necessary share your views.
The Internet allows for online posting of videos via sites like
youtube.com. http://www.mkausa.org offers a similar functionality to
share videos so we recommend you do not use those sites. If however
you insist, please seek permission by e-mailing Muhtamim Sami-o-Basri.
For videos less then 10 minutes, please use the upload process
that is part of the media center at mkausa.org. You will need to be logged into the site. Your Qaid has login access. This is what the buttons will look like:
Once you press the
button to “Upload and go to next step” DO NOT CLOSE THE WINDOW until
the process is completed (browser returns you to home page).
For videos longer then 10 minutes, FTP process is recommended.
Specific instructions will be provided by e-mailing
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If you are interesting in submitting your video to MTA, best solution
is to mail a DV tape to
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. Tapes will consolidated
and sent to MTA every four months. |
MKA USA Discussion Forums! 
