University of Pittsburgh - CIDDE - Center for Instructional Development&Distance Education

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Frequently Asked Questions

What resources are available to produce video programs at Pitt?
And, can CIDDE’s Video Production offer any financial help in producing my video program idea?
CIDDE maintains a complete video production facility (Video Production) with a professional staff. Operating as a support center under the Office of the Provost, the primary focus of CIDDE’s Video Production is to develop programs in support of the academic mission of the University. Services are available to all faculty and staff in consultation with (and scheduling by) VP staff. Charges are based on time and materials. Video Production will participate in grant applications by providing budgets to accompany video, DVD/CD, or Web treatment proposals. As time and resources permit, (and in compliance with the cost of services) Video Production will also support other institutional video production needs.

Additionally, the Provost Advisory Council on Instructional Excellence offers financial support through a yearly proposal submission process for Innovations in Education Awards grants Faculty members of the Provost Advisory Council on Instructional Excellencemeet yearly to judge proposals submitted.

All faculty members are encouraged to contact one of the VP video producers to discuss a concept or brainstorm about approaches that might be considered for the creation of a video program. Please contact us at 648-7220.
What is the process of producing a video program at Pitt?
The process of creating video programs can be complex or very simple. The staff of Video Production has the expertise to help you consider your options. In fact, an accurate cost estimate from us requires a through exchange of information from you. So, the best place to start is by giving us a call. We would like to help you through the initial process of planning, brainstorming, and consideration of technologies. Please contact us at 648-7220.
How much does it cost to make a video?
This is a good question, but somewhat analogous to asking, "How much does it cost to buy a car?"; that depends on make, model, year, and what options it has? You can see it’s not an easy question to answer. We need to know a lot more about what you would like your video to contain in order to estimate its cost. What kind of script will need to be developed? Are there actors to hire? What styles will the video have (instructional, documentary, interactive, role-play drama, single concept, etc.)? Is there travel involved? If your goal is to videotape a simple lecture or event, it would seem to be a relatively easy question to answer. However, there may be format and technology issues that could have a significant impact on cost and resources needed. On the one hand, affordable technology options may meet your needs. On the other hand, if your expectations are more in line with a high production value product, the commercial video industry sometimes uses an arbitrary cost figure of $1500-$1800 per minute of finished program to give their clients a ballpark estimate before going any further. But often this figure is misleading as well.

If you call one of our producers with this question, our first reaction will be to ask a lot of questions regarding the "make & model" of your video. If needed, we will invite you to meet with our staff to discuss the technical feasibility and budget of your video. Please contact us at 648-7220.
Is there any place on campus that faculty can do it yourself?
Yes, the Faculty Instructional Development Lab (FIDL) is a facility dedicated to supporting the instructional development needs of Pitt’s faculty. The FIDL lab is arranged into a small training facility which has a series of six small meeting/work areas, each containing specialized computer and audio/video hardware and software. The FIDL staff will help get you started. Please contact the Faculty Instructional Development Lab to create your own media.
What other video technology options are available for traditional conferences, lectures and/or videoconferences? Or, when should I consider Interactive Television services?There are several other technologies available that can be used either live over the web or digitally recorded and stored for later playback over the web. If this type of technology sounds like it would meet your needs try linking to these sites for more information. Media Site Live, or Tegrity.

Please also contact Michael Arenth, Media Services in B-10 Alumni Hall at 648-7236, or arenth@pitt.edu for further information.

If you require Interactive Television services, or if you need satellite down linking services, please also contact Michael Arenth, Media Services in B-10 Alumni Hall at 648-7236, or arenth@pitt.edu for further information.
Do we have a TV Studio at Pitt? How can I use it?
Video Production operates a television studio facility in the Information Science Building, 135 N. Bellefield Avenue on the Oakland campus. The TV Studio space is shared with CIDDE’s Photographic and Electronic Imaging unit. Scheduling this facility must be done well in advance of a production. It can accommodate two video cameras with teleprompter and enough stage space for up to 4 on-camera participants. Please contact us to discuss your TV Studio use plans at 648-7220.
Will someone from your office come and tape my class?
Generally not, unless portions of the class video are to be included in a larger video production that we are undertaking. Video Production provides professional video production services which usually includes pre-production planning, production, and post-production editing. Video Production’ professional services are to be distinguished from a more archival service provided by CIDDE’s Media Services.

Classroom Camcorder taping services are available at no charge from Media Services in B-10 Alumni Hall. Contact Michael Arenth at 648-7236, or arenth@pitt.edu for this service.
Can students access any video taping equipment or editing services?
Video Production does not provide student access to video taping equipment and editing facilities.

However, Media Services does allow student access to Camcorders. Students with a signed permission form from their advisor or instructor stating that the student is working on an educational project for class can get access to video camcorders at Media Services in B-10 Alumni Hall. Contact Michael Arenth at 648-7236, or arenth@pitt.edu for this service.
How do I put audio and video files into CourseWeb or Blackboard?
To learn more about putting audio and video files into CourseWeb or Blackboard you can sign up for a training session to do just that.

To learn more about CourseWeb/Blackboard, please link to the following site for either structured or unstructured training, according to your needs and skills.

Center for Instructional Development & Distance Education