Images must be selected for every video title and for each specific segment. Both title and segment images will be selected from a single frame in the video.
In general, think about what the film is about, and select an image that conveys that as best as possible, and aesthetically as possible.
Images should have a simple focus following these basic guidelines:
- Image should be representative of the content in the video/segment
- Close-ups are preferred given the small size of the image
- Avoid crowd scenes or scenes with too much going on (unless there’s good reason, like a film about overpopulation)
- Avoid title slates with typography, captions, or subtitles
- Showcase the “star” of the program in the image
- For titles about a famous person, select an image that includes that person
- For titles about a famous location, select an image that includes that location
- For programs like Moyers & Company titles, show guest, not Bill Moyers
- For parts of series, take from the body of the program rather than repeated introductions
- For programs like ABC News Nightline, avoid the “talking head” moderator
Example of a BAD image:
Example of a GOOD image:
