Behind the Cameras in 2020

Unmasking production protocols in creating video learning objects

Behind the scenes of the Magisterial Lectures production at the Hyundai Theater of the Arete, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines

For the past 10 weeks, Ateneo de Manila has been producing video lectures from esteemed faculty and topic experts as an adjustment to online learning. These lectures are 15–18 minutes long per episode, come with low-bandwidth learning packets that contain PDFs of the lectures, transcripts, and audio only versions.

L: Tech and Faculty prepare the stage for the lecturer. R: Fr Bert Alejo finalizes his script minutes before coming on camera.

Due to the pandemic, there are restrictions on media production personnel with strict adherence to safety protocols and precautions. The crew are in masks and face shields, equipment are sanitized each time, and there is a time limit in exposure to one another. Meals are eaten outside with physical distancing.

Only the lecturer is without a mask and this is only done when the microphones are active.

What we’ve recorded and produced are lectures that revolve around ethics, the environment, and the role of science in everyday contexts. These will be shared on Youtube and free for everyone. Some of the lectures are in Filipino — particularly those that focus on local concepts and nuance.

This is a work in progress and what we’ve realized is that there is no template for the lectures. It depends on the content, delivery, and focus.