FAQS for Campus Woman

• What is a Campus Woman™ Video Shoot Like?

  When we create a professional video, there is a lot more preparation than you may be accustomed to when shooting your own videos with your phone!

  We use a clapboard and script. We set up tripods, microphones, and professional lights.

  Preparing for a professional video shoot involves planning and memorizing, not just an ability to move. We don't just show up and press the "record button." This is because video editing time is costly. The more organized a shoot, the less "takes," mistakes, starts and stops will be needed. Less time will be needed in the editing studio.

  You can read more details on our Video Shoots.

• Why do I need to Plan for Something I have done a million times?

  Shoots are pre-planned weeks before you meet us at the shoot. Although the topic of the video may involve something you have done a million times, you do not step in front of the camera without a written plan.

  If you speak during your video, a script will allow you to say less "ums" and "ahs" - from being uncertain about what to say.

  Plus, with pre-planning, we can edit and publish your videos faster. Being organized also makes the resulting video shorter and more watchable.

• What is Required of Me Before Being Allowed to Attend a Video Shoot?

  You will also need to fill out your Campus Woman profile, detailing your sports or weightlifting experience and upload a photo that shows your face as your site "Avatar". People what to know who is giving them advice and why you know Sports/Weight training/ etc. All info you add to your profile is publicly available to the world.

  We require you to "unload" all you can tell us about your topic into our Self-Publishing Tool for every tip planned for your video shoot.

  We go through each tip you added through our Self-Publishing Tool to assure gear and anything you will show to the camera is available at the shoot. We also pre-plan close-up shots and camera angles.

• How Many Videos are Filmed at a Shoot?

  It takes time to set up cameras, microphones and lights. Locations must be secured. We cannot do this for only one 2-minute video! You will be expected to appear in 10 short videos per day. Each will be 1-2 minutes in length. We need to complete a minimum number of videos to justify our cost and time.

• Which Topics Are Eligible For Video Shoots?

  You will get paid for every tip you add to our Self-Publishing Tool (provided each is not plagiarized and meets our minimum quality standards) but not every topic available on our site is eligible to be made into a video. We tend to choose topics that involve gear, do not involve a lot of movement across a distance and which only require one student on camera. For example, we shy away from filming running across a field or a wrestling move involving pinning another person. If you only want to choose tips that can be made into videos, please check with us before choosing topics.

  During the first quarter of 2016, we will film students who do sports gear product reviews on camera. These videos give advice on buying and using the best training gear. You know the best training gear. You know which shoulder pads fit best. Which cleats fall apart? Which training aids help a young athlete improve his performance and which should the athlete avoid? You will show different products on camera and explain their construction, pros and cons and cost.

• Why are Writing Skills Required?

  You must have basic writing skills to participate. However, we do not expect you to be a professional writer. You know your sport. Our editors do not know "how to throw a football spiral" or do a "full-nelson move." So, we need you to "unload" all you can tell us about your topic into the Self-Publishing Tool.

  Our "Self-Publishing Tool" is very easy to use if you are familiar with the topic! However, you can get help from a friend, coach, or instructor, if you desire. The text you submit must be original and must not be copied from other websites.

• What Happens After I use the Self-Publishing Tool?

  Each Tip you add to the site will be reviewed by a human editor. If our editor thinks your "Tip" is missing details or is not clearly-written, he or she may send you an email with suggestions on how you can improve it. Our editors like Tips that contain a lot of details, and which mention brand names and products, equipment and gear. You can read all the details on our Editorial Guidance page.

• How Much Will I Be Paid?

  Rates vary depending on the topic you choose. We pay the highest rates when you choose topics that give advice on training gear (how to buy and use gear).

  We pay you twice for each tip... first, we pay you regularly for adding a written version of your topic using our Self-Publishing Tool.

  ...and we pay you again (at the video shoot, weeks or months later) for appearing in a video version of the same topic (which we film).

  Payments for Using our Self-Publishing Tool

  We pay up to $14 per tip via US Mail approximately one week after you add a tip in written form using our Self-Publishing Tool.

  Payments for Participating in Our Video Shoots

  We pay you if and when you appear in a video version of your tip (we create) - payable on the day of your shoot. (Up to $42 per tip)

  Example: If we film ten tips with you on a Saturday and the rate for each tip is $42, you will receive a check for $420 at the end of the day. After a two-day shoot, you can leave with a check for up to $840.

  You cannot get paid for the video portion without first adding a written version to our site using our Self-Publishing Tool. Read "Our Process" to understand why we require this.

• Can I participate if I do not want to speak on camera?

  If you submit the required number of tips through our Self-Publishing Tool, you can be invited to a professional video shoot - at which you will either (depending on the topic):

  • Physically demonstrate a sports fundamental (without talking)
  • Verbally explain how to buy the best sports product/gear/training aid.

  Some athletes feel comfortable speaking on camera and others do not. For videos that discuss training gear, athletes talk about how to choose the "right" gear on camera. It is stuff you know, so speaking on camera should be easy. You sit and show different gear to the camera and talk, following the written tip you added to our site weeks earlier.

  When you demonstrate something in a video, you do not speak. Instead, we add a voiceover (audio track) to the video later. This voiceover track is an audio-only sound track that is recorded separately.

• Where Will the Video Shoot Be Held?

  We decide the location for students' shoots on a case-by-case basis after they have added at least 10 tips. We may create your videos inside a sports facility in your hometown or fly you to a professional shoot at a grassy field near a major university. Our most recent shoot was held in the early morning hours at a gym near The Ohio State University.

  At our discretion, we can elect to hold a shoot in your city if we can schedule at least three students at your college (including you) to participate in a shoot on the same day. We will not visit your city just to film one student. Each student must meet our quantity requirements. So, encourage your friends to become Campus Woman also.

  Important: We will only discuss shoot locations after you have added at least ten tips. It possible for you to get paid for adding tips using our Self-Publishing Tool, but never get invited to a video shoot.

• What Will I Wear in My Videos?

  All athletes appearing on video wear a shirt displaying the Campus Woman™ logo. You can choose from a golf shirt, tank top or "Under Armour" style sleeveless shirt. You get to take this shirt home with you.

• What is the Schedule for the Shoot?

  You will be working the entire weekend. Friends and parents should not phone or text you during the shoot.

  It is important that you understand how busy you will be before agreeing to participate. Time flies by fast, shoots take longer than expected, technical problems occur and you will be faced with full schedule each day. To learn what you might be doing each hour, read our Example Schedule. Please share this schedule with your parents.

• When Will My Shoot Occur?

  If your topic is best suited for outdoors, we will schedule your shoot during the warm months. If your topic can be filmed indoors, we can schedule your shoot anytime. We will only discuss shoot schedules after you have added at least ten tips.

• Am I guaranteed to participate in a Video Shoot?

  There is no guarantee you will be invited to a video shoot. It is up to our sole discretion as to who we invite to our shoots. It is entirely possible for you to use our Self-Publishing Tool and never get invited to a shoot. However, you will be compensated for using our Self-Publishing Tool (provided you meet our quality standards.) If the quality of your tips declines over time, we reserve the right to not invite you to a one of our shoots.

• Can I Bring Someone With Me to my Shoot?

  Only students being videotaped can attend shoots. You will be able to check in with parents via phone between filmings, but they cannot attend the shoot. In some cases, we can agree to allow a friend who has also played on a sports team, but this must be arranged two weeks in advance and your team-mate must also perform all the requirements that you met to attend the shoot.