Guidelines

So you want to make a TV show? Here are a few tips:

* Use a camcorder if possible. (though phone video will work as well). Tree arms are available to mount camcorders next to you in treestands if you want to capture the best stuff. Tripods will work if hunting out of a ground blind. Also remember to take still photos.
 
*Use a camera operator. Got a friend who doesn’t hunt? Bring them along to shoot your video and keep more hunters out in the field. Hunters who may be finished with their hunt may work well for this as well. It works best to have the camera person slightly above the hunter if in a tree.
 
* Interview the participants. Use interviews to tell the stories in their own words to accompany the video during the editing process. Use a mic if you can as this sound quality is critical. They can look into the camera or at an interviewer just off to one side. You can also have them stand by a hanging or downed deer to share their story.
 
* Edit the video to make it flow. It helps to incorporate music, still photos, old film footage, text – whatever helps tell your story. The deer camp pilot we have posted as an example should give you some ideas on how to structure these elements. Just have fun with it and make it entertaining to a wide audience.
 
* Boil it down. You’ll need to cut to the chase in some cases as we’re limiting the pieces to 10 minutes for this contest. You will probably have longer versions to start – that’s fine, as you will need to get it all stretched out before cutting it down to the good stuff. Save the longer versions for camp members – they make great Christmas gifts.
 
* It’s not JUST about the kill. Remember to include a brief description of where you’re hunting, and bits of camp life – meals, stories, camp characters, celebrations. Obviously keep it clean and beep out obscenities if possible, but give us the sense of camp life beyond the pursuit of animals.
 
* Invite critiques. It can be hard, but ask for constructive criticism before posting your video. It’s easy to get too close to the project, so have people look at it with fresh eyes. They’re usually a big help, and you want to put your best foot forward to win this competition.

Have questions? Email Phred Nelson at phnelson@namginc.com.