Producing your first instructional video is a daunting task, but thousands of instructors have taken the plunge and discovered a new stream of income. In this first issue of DoViLA, we'll give a checklist of ducks you need to get in a row for a successful video project. Articles in future issues will flesh out some of the steps.

• Location. A place that looks good for dancing, but doesn't have too much ambient noise (buses, airplanes). Unless you're very creative, you'll have to pay rent.
• Dance Partner. If you do all the teaching, will your partner speak at all? If you both teach will you share profits?
• Videographer. Put your expectations and agreements in writing. The videographer should provide camera, lights, and wireless microphones.

Great -- now go out and shoot your video!

• Editing. For the price of paying an editor for one video, you can equip your computer to edit this and any number of future videos yourself. But even with above-average computer skills, it's frustrating and time-consuming. Do you have more time to spare (do it yourself) or more money to spare (hire a pro - usually your videographer)?
• Duplication. Most units sold are DVD; some instructors don't even make VHS tapes any more. Unfortunately, DVD replication requires a lot of money for a lot of units -- think you can sell hundreds?
• Sales. Not an afterthought! Have a plan to recoup your investment.