1. Book a time to record 

Please se this link to access the Calendly calendar to find an available recording slot. Each slot is 1 hour long, to allow plenty of time to check sound and lighting and complete the recording. 

https://calendly.com/katherine-simmons-2/catalyst-speakers

Once done, you'll receive an email confirming your booking.

Please note that our editor only has limited availability for these pre-recorded sessions - so it is important that you attend at the time you have booked. If you do need to cancel, please give us as much notice as possible via email to [email protected]

2. Script

The video will effectively act as an ‘elevator pitch’ to help viewers grasp the issue your project is addressing, the intended outcome and the social and commercial impacts on the communications technology industry and beyond.

General format:

1. Words appear on screen: “This Catalyst is creating X to solve the problem of Y for Z benefit”
2. Speaker: outlines the challenge being addressed / industry or business context 
3. Speaker: "To address this challenge we will...." (outline how you will try to solve it (what technology approach you will take))
4. Speaker: "The use cases being explored are..."
5. Words appear on screen: Benefits of the solution / business impact / desired outcomes

You only need to talk about the following, to cover parts 2, 3 and 4 in the video format:

• What is the industry or business context or challenge your project is addressing?
• How will your project aim to solve it?
• What use case(s) will your Catalyst use to demonstrate the solution?

Please send us a copy of your script to help us check the subtitles that will appear in the video.

The script should include parts 2, 3, and 4 that you will say, and part 5 which we will use as words on screen at the end of the video. 

Tip 1: You don't need to introduce yourself - your name and company will appear on the screen.

Tip 2: You don't need to list all the companies in your project as all their logos are featured on you project webpage.

Tip 3: Consider your video as a trailer for a movie. Trailers aim to excite the audience by offering a glimpse of the plot and atmosphere without revealing too much until the premiere. Similarly, your project video should offer a glimpse into the innovative solution you're working on, preparing the audience for your project's full reveal at DTW24 - Ignite. You're not expected to have every detail of your project finalized at this stage – the high-level information from your project submission suffices. Therefore, you don't need to delay the recording until your project is fully developed - record it a soon as possible so that your webpage has an engaging video for visitors to watch. 

3. How-to Guide: Preparing your remote interview set up

Watch our full guide on YouTube - click here to view

What to film with

A laptop with external webcam if possible, or integrated webcam if HD. – link to Logitech webcam available on Amazon

Internet connection and platform 

Ensure the connection is wired rather than wireless if possible, to ensure stability.

A 10mbit upload speed is recommended for the best quality. You can test your speed here: https://www.speedtest.net/

If using Streamyard we will ask to enable your laptop to record a back-up of the interview. This will ensure that variations in connectivity do not affect the quality of the recording.

Location

Choose a location that is quiet and where you will not be interrupted, ideally with an uncluttered background. Plants and artwork can enhance the background.

Lighting

You will need static lighting, so preferably a darker room, with a light to sit behind the camera. Avoid sitting in front of a window or under a skylight unless it’s a bright clear day with no clouds, so that the light does not change while recording.  If possible, remove glasses so that there are no reflections.

Framing the shot

The camera should be at eye level – you should not be looking down or looking up at it. Ideally you should be far enough away from the camera to include your shoulders and upper chest.

Audio

You can use wired or wireless headphones but these must include a microphone. If wired, ensure the lead is long enough (you can buy an extension lead) and that the cable is tucked behind your head.

Tech check

One of our producers will run through checks with you and review your image and sound quality before recording to ensure you are set up correctly. They can also answer any questions you may have.

Kit list

Here is a suggested additional kit list for optimum quality output:

• Camera - link
• Wireless earbuds - link
• Smartlav+ lapel mic - link
• Mic splitter cable - to plug in separate lapel mic - link

4. Technical considerations and troubleshooting

Before your recording

• Ensure you are using headphones and that you sit in a quiet location.
• Please watch this short video on setting up your desk, camera and audio. You are also invited to read our guidelines on how best to shoot video here
• Please ensure to test your internet connection via this link and send me the results.

Tech Troubleshooting

• If you see a black screen, you have not connected successfully to StreamYard and may have a firewall issue on your device or workplace internet
• You will need to try joining using a different device and/or to use a 4g hotspot.
• Click here to see our troubleshooting guide
• If this doesn’t work, your IT team need these details to whitelist the website: StreamYard requires inbound and outbound access through TCP ports 80 and 443
• You are also invited to read guest guidelines for joining Streamyard here

Contact: Our project manager and producer, Mark Lenner, is based in the UK. Email: [email protected]