It seems that whenever you have a video camera set up and you’re preparing to do a shoot, something will go wrong. If you’re outside, a cloud will blot out the sun; if you’re inside, a light goes out or you run out of batteries. There are just so many things that can go wrong in an internet video production. It’s good to be prepared in a web video production, and the golden rule is Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.
It’s a good idea to draw up a preparation checklist to follow every time you are shooting a live video. Here are some things that you need to consider when you’re setting up your camera. You will also need to consider a checklist for your audio and lighting equipment.
The first thing to consider with setting up your camera in an internet video production is its height. The angle of the camera gives a certain meaning. The most often used and the standard, if you’re presenting a business video is to have the camera at the same height as your head, so roughly at eye level. You then create the impression that you are on the same level as your viewer. If you’re sitting, this will be fairly straightforward and if you’re standing, you may need to use a tripod or place the camera on a box to get the proper height.
If the camera is pointed up, so that you are looking down into the lens, you will be seen as more authoritative. It can also have the negative connotation of making you appear overbearing. However, this might be a useful angle if you are presenting some material and want to create the idea that you are speaking from a stage.
If you’re looking up at the camera, you can look diminutive and even belittled. It is almost as if you the subject is supplicating or pleading your case. These feelings can be exploited by film directors to convey different emotions in the viewer when you are doing professional video production.
One point to note if you’re filming from the camera on your computer, remember that the camera is placed above the computer and if you look at it directly, you will be looking up at it. Try and angle the computer so that you are on eye level with the camera. Sitting a little further back is another technique to use to level the angle out.
You will need to experiment to determine the correct distance to stand away from the camera when doing an internet video production. Most often you will probably be using a mid shot which will take in your head and the top part of your torso. Check with the LCD to determine the best way to be framed. Often it is more pleasing to the eye if you don’t stand dead centre to the camera. A more satisfying result can be obtained if you stand left or right to the camera, in one third of the frame, which is the viewable area of the video.
Play around with these aspects of video making until you find something that looks and feels just right. We can offer you further assistance with these and other aspects of video making, such as the height of the camera and framing. Simply click here for more information on how to produce quality business videos or contact the Melbourne Video Production team and we will point you in the right direction.
Always have a video production plan.
