If you've ever heard the expression, "Lights, camera, action.", you'll know movie studios always use a checklist before they start shooting - and so should you.
There's nothing more frustrating than shooting a section of video, then uploading to your editing software - only to find you forgot to switch on the microphone battery. Fortunately, we don't have to "Check the gate!" anymore, but follow this checklist and you avoid such problems.
Lights:
I cover the simple and cheap lighting setup I use elsewhere, so suffice to say you need at least three lights: two at either side of the camera, at a similar height or slightly higher, with a third light shining on the wall behind the talent to obliterate the shadows thrown by the two lights either side of the camera. These form a triangle, although you can add other lights for spot lighting. Ideally the lights should be plugged into one multiple socket lead and controlled by a single switch.
If you are unsure your lights are perfectly positioned, start the camera running and whilst giving a commentary on what you are doing, play around with the positions, until you are satisfied with the effect. Then either view the test tape on a TV monitor or download it into your editing software and view it with the viewing screen set to maximum size.
Your commentary will then allow you to replace the lights where they gave the best effect. You can "lock down" the arrangement by sticking a square of Duck Tape on the floor where the lights and camera tripod should go. This means you can accurately replicate the optimum setup at any time in the future.
The set:
I cover the set in detail elsewhere. On the day of filming its just a matter of checking for unwanted clutter - such as the essential glass of water within reach of the talent, but not within sight of the camera. Also, be careful to remove any cables or wires, personal items and cans of coke etc from the camera view.
Color balance:
Have the presenter sit where they will be during the shot and - with the lights you'll be using to video switched on and all others turned off - have them hold up a sheet of plain white paper. Then adjust the white balance of your camera, according to the manufacturer's instructions. White will look different under different types of lights so by giving the camera a reference point of what white should look like under your particular lights, it can work out how to accurately reproduce all the other colors.
Focus:
Once you have set the white balance, have the talent discard the sheet pf white paper, but continue sitting on their chair. This will allow you to check the focus, which you should set to manual, rather than automatic.
Sound:
Most microphones, whether a simple clip on job or a condenser microphone that sits on top of the camera, have a tiny built in battery, which you must remember to switch on before you start shooting and switch off again after. This simple procedure is responsible for more duff takes than anything.
Camera power source:
Some cameras, particularly the hand held "non-professional" type, whilst being perfectly adequate for "how to do" videos, have a tendency to create a hum on the soundtrack, when used with both an external microphone and power source. Avoid this by using a rechargeable battery to run your camera when using an external mike. One of these, complete with charger, is generally supplied with the camera and is normally quite adequate for most shoots. If you plan a whole day's shooting, you can always buy a spare battery or two.
Teleprompter:
To produce a professional looking video, without "ers" and "ums", you should always use a teleprompter, which should be positioned just below the camera. That way, when the talent reads the telprompter, it will appear as of they are looking straight into the camera lens.
And it won't cost you a cent, because here's where you can get two teleprompters for free.
Screen test:
Finally, when you have made these preliminary checks, run a few minutes of video under the exact conditions you plan to use for the real shoot. This will give the talent a chance to practice their lines.
Then, leaving everything as is, view this video tape and check the following:
White balance:
Do the colors look ok?
Camera position and focus:
Is the presenter sitting square in the screen, looking directly into the camera and is their face in focus?
Audio:
Is the sound at a correct volume level, without crackling (could be a loose connection) or background noise?
Lighting:
Check there is no annoying glare reflecting off eyeglasses, jewellery or clothing
Roll them:
Now - having checked the lights and camera - you really are ready to say "Action!"
Afterwards:
Before you change anything, quickly review the "rushes" by quickly going though the video tape and stopping at random points to ensure everything continues to work right through the whole length.
When you are satisfied that "It's a wrap!", remember to switch off the microphone battery and mark the positions of any equipment (and the presenter's chair), so you can replicate the set in future.
Copyright 2006 InternetMarketingMagician.com and Paul Hooper-Kelly
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
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