Schools can send in photos or videos demonstrating how you use Get Firewise in the classroom. The aim is to share ideas and knowledge about how to teach fire safety and make it fun for your students.

Technical information

Photos
We will accept any image file that has a pixel resolution of no less than 640 x 480. Common formats used might be; JPG, BMP, GIF, PNG, PICT or TIFF. Please ensure that all images are in RGB colour mode. This should be the default unless a camera is capturing in RAW format where some conversion might be required.

Photos can be emailed directly to info@getfirewise.org.nz or supplied on CD or memory stick at the address below.

Video
All vdeos should be filmed with a minimum screen resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. All HD resolutions are acceptable. While we prefer to accept digital versions of all video content we will accept the following:

• digital formats on CD or DVD. (Digital formats include AVI, MOV, MPG etc)
• DVD (Video TS Format)
• tape

When submitting case studies on video tape, please ensure that you supply either mini DV, DVCAM or VHS tapes.

Please do not attempt to supply video case studies via email.

Videos and photographs can be posted to:

GetFirewise
New Zealand Fire Service
PO Box 2133
WELLINGTON 6022

Please ensure that all video material is carefully labelled with school, class, teacher information. It is the responsibility of all schools to ensure the appropriate consent and release authorisation has been sought from the parents/caregivers of children depicted in the case study video and photographs.

10 useful tips for shooting video

1. Avoid zooming in or out too much. While zooming or panning can make a good transition between your shots, it doesn't look good online if it is overly used.
2. Use a tripod wherever possible. Using a tripod can help the viewer direct their attention to the most important part of the shot. Too much had movement or vibration makes it more difficult to follow the story you are telling.
3. Good lighting. If you don't have access to professional lighting, try and use as much natural light as possible. Make sure the subjects of your shots are close to windows. Tray and stand with your back to the window, this will stop the camera from 'hunting' (try and find focus when set to auto) as you move for bright areas to darker areas.
4. Change your camera angles. Different angles on a subject help introduce more information to the viewer.
5. Change your framing. Use a combination of wide-angle, medium shots and close-ups. As a general rule, the closer you go the more emotion can be included in your shot. this helps the viewer connect and follow the message you are conveying.
6. Composition and shot length. Every shot should include different information for the viewer. this can come in the form of background, sounds, subjects etc. Keep the shots reasonably short.
7. Sound. If you do not have access to microphones, and are using the microphone on the camera, just ensure that you minimise all other noise as much as you can. This can include the sound of air conditioners, overhead planes, playground noise etc.
8. Interviews. Asking questions of teachers, parents and children is a great way to help tell a story and give an overall context to your case study. You can illustrate the questions and answers posed in interviews with other shots. This helps build up a dynamic video.
9. Editing. Think about the sequence of shots you are going to take, and write these down if you can. This is particularly important if you are 'editing-in-camera'. Also check for 'roll-back' if you switch the camera off in-between shots. This can sometims overwrite previously taken footage.
10. Have fun!