Tips to improve your in-home videos
We have all seen the rapid rise in video over the last few weeks. From Zoom calls in the living room to corporate messages recorded on your cell phone, we are all increasing the use of user generated video.
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If you find yourself using more video to communicate right now, from vlogs, to social media, to internal communications, this video is for you.
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As a producer and director, I want to offer a few simple tips to ensure you are making the best use of your in-home video capabilities.
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Tip #1 – Preparation
Prepare at the very least, an outline of what you want to say before you sit down in front of the camera. Don’t feel the need to script every word, but we have all seen the videos that turn into a rambling mess because most of the
time, people don’t have a clear direction of where to go. So jot down some notes, and stick to them. Once you have the notes on paper, I highly recommend running through them a couple of times, out loud. It won’t take long, but it will add incredible value to your delivery when you hit record. If you are using the camera on your computer, keep your outline on the screen for easy reference. If not, make a few que cards or take advantage of the big screen TV hanging on the living room wall to add your notes to.
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Tip #2- Setup
Once you know the general message, it’s time to set up for the video. Chances are, you have been recoding at the kitchen table, on the couch, or if you’re lucky, in your home office. Any of those options can work, but here are the key things to consider:
- Find a quiet space. If you are recording without professional audio equipment, you want the surrounding area to be as quiet as possible. Bad audio is often more distracting than bad video.
- Find a background that is not distracting. Solid is better than too busy. Book cases are nice, outside on the back porch, just keep it clean.
- Whatever camera you are using to shoot with (phone, tablet, computer), make sure it is eye level and landscape (or horizontal), unless you are intending it to be used for Facebook or Instagram Stories.
- Check your headroom and framing. You don’t want to be too low in the frame, but you also don’t want to cut off the top of your head. The framing of this video is a good representation of what works well.
- Lighting is vitally important. Since you are likely not using professional equipment, the camera is going to automatically adjust for the brightest part of the shot. That should be your face. So find a window, or sit near a lamp. Try not to let overhead lights be the main source of lighting, and don’t have a window directly behind you unless the blinds are closed. Ring lights from amazon are a great inexpensive investment if you plan to do this often. Tripods work great too, but if you don’t have one to hold your phone, use a stack of books to get the camera high enough and have something to lean it against.
- Audio on your phone works best from roughly 3 feet away. Any more than that, it will start to sound like you are in another room. Just think about it, these devices are designed to hold no more than an arms length away. Or, order an inexpensive lav mic that can plug in to your device. Make sure you turn off the TV, try not to be in an echo chamber, and wait to record until the kids are outside or taking a nap.
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Tip #3 – Delivery
We all know this is a DIY production, so don’t try to fool anyone into thinking it has to be perfect. Looking at notes if fine, just try not to read and make as much eye contact with the camera as possible. Because this is a unique time, it’s ok to be casual and conversational. When this is all over, we can go back to being stiff and formal, but for now, relax and just be yourself. People love you no matter what.
Every time you see a new bullet point or finish a sentence, remind yourself to smile. You might feel awkward, but your audience will appreciate it. I promise, it’s more awkward if you never smile, even if it’s a difficult message, it shows sincerity.
Imperfections make it more perfect. If you absolutely screw it up, then go ahead and start over. But don’t feel the need to get it perfect.
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Tip # 4- Appearance
Again, we all know you’re at home, but try not to look like it. Your audience typically knows you as a professional in your field. A suit and tie or formal blouse isn’t necessary, but pay attention to what you are wearing. Be yourself, but represent your organization the right way.
Try not to represent your favorite sports team or brand unless that’s what you want to discuss in the video.
Simple always wins. Minimize patterns, busy prints and please no ball caps. It’s really hard to see those big beautiful eyes under that hat. And the eyes are what we pay attention to the most. A little hairspray and powder can work wonders, but likely not necessary, unless you haven’t showered in a week.
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Tip # 5 – Hitting record
Once you take care of everything above, hit record.. a few times. It’s ok to not be a one-take-wonder. Besides, who will know other than you?
On the first couple of takes, keep pushing through your mistakes. Don’t stop after one little thing or you will never get through it. Chances are, you will end up rambling a bit early on, but with each take, you will realize what you can trim back on. Most people have no problem sitting through something up to 2:00, so if you have a lot to cover, try to break it down into shorter videos.
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This might sound like a lot, but take it step by step and you will greatly improve your in-home videos.
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If you have any trouble or have specific questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or my team and we can hop on a quick video chat to get you set up for success. Once this is all over, we will be ready to come take care of all of this
for you, live and in person.
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Be safe, and happy shooting!