Note: We at times ask for submissions like family blooper tapes or animal tricks. Things like this don't need to be well produced. These guidelines are more for longer pieces and shows.

Here are some tips on producing better videos:

1. Get good sound. Use a lav mic or a shotgun mic on a boom. If outdoors use windscreens. Most of the time, the standard mic on your camera will not capture clean enough audio. Bad Audio is the most common problem with videos submitted.

2. Edit out the junk. Don't be scared to cut it down. You won't miss it once it's gone. Make the video interesting by keeping it moving forward.

3. Don't use music you don't own. Most music (as well as clips from TV or movies) is copyright protected. We can't air it if you use music that you don't have permission to use. There are many music libraries you can purchase the rights to use the music. Or a friends band might do the trick.

4. Turn the lights on! Make sure your video is bright enough. Keep in mind that a normal TV/Film set is uncomfortably bright, just so the camera picks everything up. When outside, shoot away from sun when possible. Under shade is best for outdoor shooting.

5. Shoot cutaway shots. Let's say you're filing an interview with a motorcycle mechanic. Get lots of shots of him working on the bikes, have him explain what he's doing in the shot, get shots of the bikes close up and far away. These will allow you to cover up mistakes or cuts during the interview.