1. Create a new Photoshop document that is 720 pixels wide by 540 high and 72 dpi, using the RGB color space.
2. Show rulers using percent as the unit of measure. To do this, first go to the View menu and make sure that "Rulers" is turned on (has a check mark next to it). Next, go to Photoshop Preferences and choose "Units & Rulers…" - in the Units area, choose "Percent" from the pull-down menu next to Rulers.
3. Set your title safe area by putting guide lines at 12% on all sides of the document. To put a guide on your page, make sure to have the pointer tool (arrow) selected, then click on the ruler and drag onto the page. A guide line (usually blue) will be placed on your canvas. Place the guide 12 units in from the edge, using the rulers to determine placement. If you get a guide on your page, then find you can't move it, go to the View menu again, and make sure that "Lock Guides" is NOT selected.
4. Design your ad following these important rules:
• Make sure to keep all important information inside of the "title safe" area. When the DVD is viewed on a computer, the entire screen will be seen. However, televisions vary, so anything outside ofthe title safe may be cut off.
• Make sure all fonts are at least 18 points.
• Do not use a very thin or hollow font.
• Avoid using fine or busy patterns (especially thin horizontal lines), including in the background image.
• If possible, stay away from pure white as your background color.
• Never use a design element that is only one pixle high or wide - it may disappear when viewed on a television screen.
5. Once you have completed your ad, save a new copy. It may be helpful to add "_v" or "_video" to the end of the title to distinguish the video-ready copy from the original.
6. In the new document, go to the Layout menu and choose "Flatten Image".
7. (OPTIONAL) Go to the Image menu and choose "Image Size…"; make sure that "constrain proportions" is NOT checked. In the "Pixel Dimensions" area, change Height from 540 to 480 pixels, then choose "OK." (Note: your image will appear squashed, but that's okay!)
8. (OPTIONAL) Make colors NTSC compliant: in the Filters menu choose "Video - NTSC Colors."
9. It's ready! You can either submit your files as Photoshop files or save them as PICT or JPEG files (use highest quality). Now you can email your files to Kali (see below), or send a CD to:
