Filming Guidelines

All pieces need to be filmed all in one take in landscape format. You are not allowed to edit several takes together
You are allowed to have someone record your performance. This person should not be visible on camera or interact during the recording
Choose a quiet room without disruptions, remember to put phones/tablets on silent
Make sure the recording device has enough battery and storage capacity
Check light levels before recording to ensure the ensemble is clearly visible
Check sound levels to ensure the recording device captures the range of the instrument/speaking voice clearly, without any distortion.
Make sure the ensemble is in a comfortable position, in full view without the camera being obstructed

Filming can be done using a good quality smartphone or tablet, or any good quality audio-visual recording device (e.g. digital video cameras, laptops)
The use of a tripod is recommended to improve camera stability. If you do not have access to a tripod, the device should be placed on a steady surface and kept still for the duration of the performance. Equipment such as selfie sticks, pop sockets etc can be used for ease of filming and stability.
Where possible, the camera should be positioned at the performer’s eye level, to ensure that the viewing angle doesn’t restrict the adjudicator’s view of the performance.
Turn the devices to airplane mode to avoid unnecessary notifications or calls interfering with the recording.

Choose a quiet room undisturbed by external noise. Turn nearby appliances off to ensure this, e.g. fans and AC units
Avoid phones ringing during the performance (both mobile and landlines), by switching them to mute/airplane mode, or leaving them in a separate room.
The room and performance area should be well-lit and without dark shadows or bright light (for instance direct sunlight from windows) that may make it hard for the adjudicator to see the ensemble’s performance
Similar to being on a stage, you should be facing the light so your face can be seen clearly. Avoid having any bright lights behind you such as a window.
You should have enough space to be able to perform effectively and the room should be free from any hazards such as cables, electrical sockets and wires that could be tripped over
The room should have mains power supply and extension leads as needed for filming equipment
Music stands should be at a comfortable height and distance without obscuring you or your instrument from view.

The submitted performance video should be one continuous take. Separate takes should not be edited together
Ensure that the smartphone or camera has sufficient storage capacity to hold a recording the length of the performance, and that any batteries are fully charged.
The camera must remain still and steady for the duration of the performance.
Most recording devices will adjust their brightness settings automatically, but you can always adjust them manually in the camera app of most smartphones and tablets.
If the recording device is being held by another person, make sure that the microphone isn’t being covered by their hand. Refer to the device’s user manual, if you don’t know where the microphone is located on your device.
We recommend that you test the camera and sound recording equipment by filming a short section of the ensemble’s first performance piece and playing it back to check the sound and video quality is suitable before filming the full performance. The sound should be loud and clear but without any distortion.
Consider making a practice recording of a loud and quiet part of your performance, to check that any quiet parts are audible and any loud parts are not distorted.
Remember
a. Ensure the ensemble is filling the landscape format screen as much as possible – we want to see you enjoying your performance!
b. Try and get the camera at about eye level and ensure that music stands are not covering your faces or indeed muffling the sound.