Video is becoming more and more important as a way of communicating with clients, staff and the wider world. Paul Curran, who leads our Smart Video training courses, has written this brilliant guide to DIY business video.
What would you rather do – read five pages of text or watch a two minute video? If you’re like me it’s the video every time. Video is an incredibly powerful way to engage with audiences and that’s why more and more businesses are making video a key part of their marketing mix.
There’s one problem, although a lot cheaper than it was ten years ago, video stills need deep pockets if you want professionals to produce regular content for your website and social media platforms.
Of course with technology easier to use and less expensive than ever, there’s no reason why you can’t produce decent video yourself – if you know where to start!
For me the starting point is in your pocket – your smartphone. Most modern smartphones shoot video in High Definition (HD) or even 4k –perfect for YouTube etc.
So what do you need to consider when shooting a video to showcase you or your business? Here are five top tips.
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Framing
When you are filming an interview, don’t fall into the trap of shooting someone from so far back they are lost in the frame. People love faces so make sure your subject’s face is large in the frame and aim to have their eyes two thirds to three quarters of the way up the screen. Also offset them to one side so they have some ‘looking room’.
2. Sound
Don’t underestimate how important decent audio is to a video. Video isn’t just moving pictures, particularly for vlogs, case studies and testimonials. So invest in a microphone. I’d recommend a lavalier or tie mic that plugs into your headphone socket.
3. Focus
Nothing cries out ‘amateur’ more than an out of focus interview. Smartphones do a good job with autofocus but in certain circumstances it’s safer and better to lock the focus. Google how to do it for your particular make and model.
4. Lighting
Smartphones are great at coping with most light conditions but every now and then they will struggle. For instance if you shoot an interview with your subject in front of a bright window their face will be dark. If you’re shooting outside an overcast day is your friend because the light will be more even.
5. Tripods
If you’re serious about producing decent video buy a tripod. Steady shots look make your shots look way more professional.
If you’d like to find out more about the best way to produce DIY business video, and our Smart Video training courses, contact us on 020 8332 6200 or info@roughhouse.co.uk.
This article first appeared in the Brighton and Hove Independent.
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Tripods are definitely one of the cheapest ways to avoid one of the most amateur-looking video stumbles! Great post – it’s also worth noting that a good DIY video will have the same amount of planning and preparation as a professional one, so be sure to engage in conversations around tone, branding, style, and message.