Did you enjoy this video? Want to know some top video filming tips? Go here for more information.
Video Transcript: Ben: Just quickly this is the set up we use. We use a black backdrop. There’s the light, this is our back light, and there’s Dave’s white board that he uses. That sits behind the camera.
David: There are the bullet points that I was talking about.
Ben: Yes, that’s what he uses and he refers to those. Once we get into the filming stage, I’ll talk to you about how to prepare and deliver that. Any final questions?
David: Just as the mike is going around, if you think about it, think about each slide. Think about what you have, what it is that you need. You need to address all of these areas. If you haven’t done video before, you might as well start. Anything that Ben has recommended, he only recommends if it’s ok to get started with. So you can’t go wrong by following what he’s got.
You’re going to spend about $200 on a camera, maybe about $500 on lights, $200 on audio, $200 on the tripod and then you could even do the backdrop with a lot less for your marketing videos. Get a sheet, make sure it’s clean, put it in the washing machine first, because the camera picks up things. Anyway, it doesn’t cost you very much to get started.
Question: Just a question on lighting. If you’re doing a lot of Flip filming, that seems to be the only one that is a bit more cost prohibitive. Is there a MacGyver half option with lighting?
Ben: Yes, use a lamp if you have to but maybe put some diffusion in front of it. A white sheet or there is material called scrim which is fire retardant. I’ve got some here actually. It’s more fibrous, that’s some. It’s more professional material that you can buy. You want even light. With these kinds of things, it doesn’t distribute light evenly, so you get shadows on the face and you can look tired and not your best. With the Flip you can set up some lamps but I’d recommend diffusing them.
Pete: Do it outside in the sun is a tip that I have. Also at lighting stores you can get just white light bulbs, which are better than yellow lights as well. It’s a small thing but makes a big difference.
David: I paid about $15 or $10 per globe in there because I went for white lights. Just go to a lighting store, the white lights do make a big difference as well as other video production tips, otherwise you get a yellowy type of thing. You can overcome it with some white balance material, but I’d still tend towards going the globe.
Question: Just a few comments on video. If you’re recording video in a room and you want a greater outcome but you haven’t got special lights, just make sure you have some natural light flooding in.
Ben: Yes, use the available light.
Question: Try and position yourself so the natural light is flooding onto the subject. If you’re shooting computer video, so you’re shooting to the screen, have the natural light shining onto you with the computer between you and the light. With all this equipment you’re talking about, you’re talking about a premeditated video experience, you’ve actually structured the environment.
The reality is a lot of the time, if you’re producing content, the best camera for viral video marketing is the camera you have on you at the time. That’s why Ed Dale, for those of you who know him, is always talking about having an iPhone on you, because it’s got a decent camera. The point is to shoot the video. If this is all you’ve got, that’s the best camera. Or if you’ve gone out and you’ve got a Kodak on location, that’s the best thing.
I hope these video filming tips will help improve the quality of your videos. Want to get expert help in doing this for your business? Contact our video production team today.
