INTERNET VIDEO – 101 – and a few wild ideas

VIDEO, AUDIO AND LIGHTING  – 101

Internet video has a long way to go before it compares to an interview in a studio.  You know that. But it is getting better every day.

These simple tricks will make you better while you wait for it to happen.

Because I am a media coach, I have a great interest in seeing what people are doing –

And more important – where they need improvement.

The following points will make your show look more professional.

If you are alone in the shot, make sure you are centered in the picture.

Side to side and head room and bottom.

Adjust your webcam to get it right.

Maybe sit on a pillow if you are too low.  Back up a little if you are too high.

Check the lighting.

Is it even on your face?  If you brought in an ordinary table lamp to the side, would it help?  Experiment.  You want to look as natural as possible.

Natural may mean that you wear makeup.  Yes, even you guys.  Everyone has some uneven skin tones.  Your camera will pick it up.  Don’t avoid your neck – you don’t want to look like you are wearing a mask.

Wear a color that is flattering to your skin tones.  Avoid red, white and black – black especially if you are black yourself.  You will disappear.

If you are a woman – no dangling earrings – shiny necklaces – and no cleavage.  You want the content of your video to be the main attraction.

What is background that can be seen on the screen?

Move every bit of clutter and aim for as interesting backdrop as possible.  A bookcase or a screen, for example might do it.  Otherwise, clear everything and make it plain.  Nothing is more distracting to your viewer than a messy background.   If necessary, get a king sized sheet in a neutral color and drape it behind you.  Look at Charlie Rose.  He has no set at all.

ON TO YOUR INTERVIEW SHOW WITH A GUEST –

BOTH HEADS SHOULD BE THE SAME SIZE IN THE SHOT.  BOTH SHOULD BE CENTERED TOP TO BOTTOM.

It is more important than ever to not only check the audio to see if it is balanced but also that the lighting is a similar as possible.  One person glaring hot and one dark look amateurish.

Take the time to do this.

You don’t want to hold up your interview subject but explain that you want them to be presented as favorably as possible.  Explain it is for them – not you.

This next suggestion is a little trickier to explain – but it will save you heartache later.

REACTION SHOTS

WHASSAT?

You are all set.  You have your subject and yourself as perfect as you can.  The heads are balanced evenly – the lighting and audio are good.

Now – before you start.

Direct your guest to do the following for about three seconds at a time.  You can cut out the audio later.

Smile

Nod

Look a little surprised

Look as though they are listening intently.

Laugh

Do the same thing for yourself.  These will not go in the interview.  They are an insurance policy.

Yes, you will feel silly but do it anyway.

These shots without audio are to be used as cover edits.  I have seen interviews where the interviewer had to adjust headphones or knocked over a cup of coffee and even – since most of us are doing this interview at home – a small child runs by behind you.  You can continue the interview and cover that part with editing in one of your reaction shots later.

It can save a whole interview if you have this back up.

Tip:  If you use one reaction shot, throw a couple more into the interview so it looks like you meant it to be a part of the interview.

If you feel timid about doing this, send your clients to me.  I will include these instructions in my media coaching.

If you happen to have your guest in person sitting beside you, prerecord a long shot of the two of you sitting together.

One talking for three or four seconds.  Then the other talking.  You will not be using the audio.

This is called an establishing shot.  Get as far back as you can so it is not apparent that the audio on the tape does not match the speaker talking.

It has the added advantage that it makes it look like you are using more than one camera.

Remember your viewers are used to seeing good production techniques on television.  They don’t know the “rules” of basic production but they recognize them.  You want them to see it on your video.

Unless you have devoted watchers or people who are intensely interested in the subject, you will lose them in a few minutes.

We are all practicing together.  And we are getting better at this all the time.

We need you to share your video 101 secrets with us.

Because we are all learning to improve our Internet Video.

Do you have any suggestions?

HIRE CORINNE EDWARDS – MEDIA COACH

Photo by shoot it

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