Guide to making video clips
Your guide to making your own video clips to enhance children's profiles on Be My Parent online
New to filming? Not sure where to begin? Start with our handy guidelines to make a 
good video clip for Be My Parent online (217 KB).
Technical requirements
Top 10 tips
Getting the film to us
Video security
Sample video clip
What next?
Technical requirements
File formats accepted: QuickTime, WMV or MPEG file.
File size: Maximum 35Mb
Output dimensions: Approx 320x256 pixels
Length: Three to 5 minutes for a single child and 7 for a sibling group
We regret that we cannot accept VHS tapes. Please have any video clip on VHS transferred on to a DVD before sending to us.
If the video clip does not meet the Be My Parent standards of privacy and security of the child, or of image quality, we may need to edit or cut it (for instance to remove any identifying information), or we may ask you to edit or replace it if the editing/cutting required is quite substantial. We may decide not to use it if you are unable to provide a suitable alternative.
Top 10 tips
1) Make sure there are no identifying elements, such as school logos on sweaters, street names, people or photographs in the background.
2) The clip should not include any information identifying the photographer or filmmaker who shot the footage, so as to protect the identity of the child.
3) Make sure there are no inappropriate shots of the child - e.g, not in the bath or wearing nightwear or skimpy clothes.
4) Keep it simple: technical effects are best avoided.
5) If you are using music in the soundtrack of the video clip, make sure you have cleared copyright for using it.
6) Be aware of background noises from things like television, radio, music and passing traffic.
7) If the microphone is built into the video camera, make sure that the child is close enough (remember that zooming in will not get the same sound quality).
8) Any speech should make sense within the context of the short clip and be non-identifying, e.g. not mentioning the child’s name, school, address or full date of birth.
9) Let the child speak for themselves without prompting. If asking questions, make sure they are open, e.g. "tell me about...", "what...do you enjoy", "what’s it like to...".
10) Make sure there is adequate and ample lighting. Be aware of reflected lights from windows, glasses, sunlight and mirrors.
More tips here (217 KB).
Getting the film to us
Please forward the video clip to us by post on CD Rom or DVD. Remember to make a copy before you send the clip, or send it by special delivery.
Video security
The video clips of children included in Be My Parent profiles are secure. They are not cached, i.e. they are not stored or saved anywhere automatically when viewed. In addition, it's not possible to, for instance, right click on the video clip to save it. The video is also downloaded gradually while it is being played, which makes copying or editing it impossible without sophisticated software.
For more information about security on the Be My Parent website, see here.
Sample video clip
Here is an example of a (professionally made) video clip of a fictitious child.
Find out more about how to commission a professionally made film.
What next?
Go on to complete your referral to Be My Parent online.
Last updated: 01 June 11
