How to be natural, engaging and real on Video
October 24, 2022
Mastering the Art of Comfortable On-Camera Performances: A Videographer's Guide
This is a very common scenario:
"I don't really like being on camera" or "I don't know what to say."
Totally normal. People get a little anxious when they are outside their comfort zone. For most of us, we might snap the occasional selfie photo or short video, but not often are regular Joe's like you and me in a "production video" with microphones and lights and big fancy equipment. Yeah, it can get intimidating.
I always tell my clients to just relax. If they know a shoot is coming up, I encourage them not to think about it too much. Especially if it's an interview video (testimonial, personal story, etc.). For these types of videos, it's really important to work with a videographer who can make you feel completely comfortable. Here are a few of my own rules to live by as the guy behind the camera. When dealing with on-camera talent:
- Be extremely intuitive about how the person is feeling. Empathy is key.
- Be genuinely encouraging
- Be patient. Make sure the subject knows we can edit and retake. No biggie!
- Let them see themselves in the rehearsal takes to make sure they know how good they look.
- Make small talk to keep them from freezing up in their head. But keep it loose!
- If they've made notes, allow them to try takes with their own words. Once they get those done, you can do the spontaneous takes that are often better.
When doing a testimonial video, people already have the words in their head. A skilled videographer/director can bring that out in a fun and genuine way. If people are trying to write a script to "read" or remember on camera, it's rare to get realistic authenticity. It just comes off as scripted. Better to catch people a little off-guard. Have FUN with them. Make them feel at home and special. Pay attention and encourage them.
Just be sure you don't leave the shoot unless you know you have the content you need in the can (so to speak). If your gut is telling you that this will be a difficult video to edit, you're probably right. It's okay to take a break and come back to shooting. Sometimes this will also loosen people up.
Final trick, let the camera roll but act like you are finished. Then, just conduct a conversation with the subject. This is where I often get some of my best material. When they don't know they are being recorded. In fact, right AFTER you finish the "formal" interview is the best time to do this. There is a visceral exhale of relaxation and people loosen up and smile. That's where you find the gold.
Ready to learn why podcasts have become invaluable for local businesses? In a crowded market, podcasting offers a powerful blend of personal connection, cost-effectiveness, and authority building.
Embracing the Visual Revolution: How Video Content is Redefining Engagement and Conversion in Digital Marketing
Podcasts have become an incredibly popular medium for storytelling, education, and entertainment. However, creating a podcast is just the beginning. The real challenge often lies in effectively promoting it to reach a wider audience. If you're a podcaster looking to expand your listener base, this article is for you. Here are some tried-and-tested promotion strategies to help you maximize your podcast's reach.
In video production, is it the skills of the creator or the caliber of the equipment that truly makes a difference? While talent and expertise undoubtedly play crucial roles, the impact of using quality equipment in video production cannot be understated. Let’s delve into how top-notch gear can elevate your content and why it's a worthy investment. Picture Perfect: Achieving Crystal Clear Visual Quality The primary benefit of using superior equipment is, without a doubt, the quality of the visuals. High-end cameras offer greater resolutions, larger sensors, and better dynamic range. This ensures that every frame captured is sharp, vibrant, and teeming with detail. In a world where 4K and even 8K are becoming the norm, clarity isn't a luxury—it's a requirement. Sounds Right: Capturing Audio That Resonates A video isn't just about the visuals; sound plays an equally pivotal role. Premium microphones and sound equipment capture clear, ambient, and distortion-free audio. This can make the difference between a viewer staying engaged or clicking away due to muffled voices or jarring background noises. Editing Ease: The Post-Production Playground High-quality equipment captures videos in formats that offer more flexibility in post-production. With better color grading options, stabilization, and editing capabilities, producers can mold the final product more effectively, ensuring that the end result aligns with their vision. Dynamic Transitions & Stable Movement With advancements in equipment technology, tools like gimbals, drones, and sliders have revolutionized video movement. These tools not only provide stability but also enable dynamic shots that were once the domain of big-budget productions. A smooth pan, an aerial view, or a tracking shot can add layers of depth and intrigue to your content. Professional Edge: Crafting a Stellar First Impression First impressions matter. When presenting to clients, stakeholders, or an audience, high-quality videos reflect professionalism and commitment to excellence. It showcases that you're serious about your business and are willing to invest in delivering the best. Innovative Features in Modern Equipment Top-tier equipment often comes packed with innovative features that can enhance the production process. From advanced autofocus systems to built-in filters and effects, these additions can expedite the production process and open doors to creative techniques that might not have been possible otherwise. While it's true that creativity and skill are at the heart of every great video, the equipment is the vessel that brings that vision to life. Investing in quality gear is like arming an artist with a superior brush—it enables them to paint their masterpiece with precision, clarity, and brilliance. As video content continues to reign supreme in the digital age, ensuring that your production is backed by top-notch equipment is a step towards achieving excellence, every time you hit 'record'.
In the vast expanse of the digital universe, video content has emerged as a dominant and influential player. With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, visual storytelling has taken the spotlight. But why? Why has video content become such an indispensable asset in today's digital age? Let's dive in and unravel the mysteries of its power. The Human Connection Video content has the unparalleled ability to establish a deep, emotional connection. With the use of visuals, audio, and narrative, it encapsulates human stories that resonate with viewers. This connection is instant and profound, which traditional text content might take pages to achieve. Information in a Nutshell We live in an age of information overload. People are constantly bombarded with vast amounts of information. Videos offer a breather. They condense complex ideas into short, digestible formats. A 2-minute video can sometimes convey what a 20-page report states, making it easier for audiences to grasp and remember. SEO and Engagement Metrics Search engines love video content! Websites with videos often see higher engagement rates, longer page visit durations, and better SEO rankings. Google, in particular, favors pages with video, considering them more valuable than their text-only counterparts. Adding to the point about SEO benefits, videos can reduce the bounce rate of your website. Visitors tend to stay longer, exploring more of what you have to offer, which in turn signals search engines that your site provides valuable content. Moreover, the comments and interactions on video platforms can provide additional insights into user behavior and preferences. Mobile Friendliness With a significant portion of the world accessing the internet via smartphones, video content offers the perfect format. They can be easily viewed on smaller screens, making them more engaging and user-friendly than long-form text articles. Versatility Videos can be educational, entertaining, promotional, or purely for storytelling. Flexibility makes them suitable for almost any brand or industry. From DIY tutorials to corporate presentations, the scope is boundless. Adaptability ensures that businesses, educators, and content creators can tailor their message to suit their target audience and platform. Social Sharing Potential Videos are more likely to be shared on social media than any other type of content. They have the potential to go viral, bringing an exponential amount of visibility to a brand or idea. Today, while sharing is caring, a video's ability to circulate cannot be underestimated. Enhanced Trust Building Videos, especially those featuring real people and testimonials, build trust. Viewers can see products in action, understand their functionality, and hear firsthand experiences. This transparency fosters trust and aids in decision-making. Authenticity is the buzzword of the digital era. Consumers crave genuine interactions and credible information. Videos, with their visual and auditory elements, provide this authenticity. When potential customers can see a product being used or hear a testimonial from a satisfied user, it breaks down barriers of skepticism. Higher Conversion Rates Studies consistently show that including a video on a landing page can increase conversion rates. Whether it's a product demonstration or a service explanation, videos provide clarity and can drive user actions effectively. The age of video content is not just a passing phase but a profound shift in how we consume and share information. The power of video content lies in its ability to connect, engage, and inspire. As we continue to innovate in the realms of virtual reality, augmented reality, and beyond, the potential for video content only seems to grow. If you haven't yet integrated video into your digital strategy, now is the time. The future is visual.
Video content is not just a trend; it's a necessity. With platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offering robust video capabilities, the power of video marketing is undeniable. However, diving headfirst into video creation without proper planning can be counterproductive and costly. Before hitting that 'Record' button, here are five essential questions you should consider. 1. What is the Objective of the Video? Understanding the objective or the goal of your video is crucial for its success. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, or are you aiming for a more targeted goal like promoting a specific product or service? The objective will influence everything from the script to the video format and distribution channels. Without a clear objective, you run the risk of creating content that falls flat or doesn't resonate with your intended audience. 2. Who is Your Target Audience? Knowing your target audience is as important as knowing your objective. Different audiences have varying preferences, pain points, and needs. For example, a video aimed at new customers might focus on brand introduction and primary benefits, whereas a video for existing customers might delve deeper into advanced features and customer testimonials. Tailoring the content to suit the audience increases the likelihood of engagement and conversion. 3. What is Your Budget? Video production can be expensive, but it doesn't have to break the bank. The budget will determine many factors such as the quality of the camera equipment, the availability of professional actors, the extent of post-production editing, and so on. Having a set budget will help you prioritize elements that are essential for achieving your objective and will also guide your choice of video production methods—whether in-house or outsourced. 4. What Will Be the Distribution Channels? Your video might be top-notch in quality, but it will fail to achieve its goal if not distributed properly. Different platforms have different audience types, video length restrictions, and even aspect ratios. Knowing where your video will be posted will help in the production phase. Whether it's an explainer video for YouTube, a short promotional clip for Instagram, or a webinar on LinkedIn, each platform requires a unique approach. 5. How Will You Measure Success? Last but not least, defining the metrics for success is critical. Depending on your objective, these could range from view count, watch time, and click-through rates to more qualitative metrics like audience engagement and feedback. Tracking these metrics will not only validate the effort and money spent but also provide valuable insights for future video projects. Are you ready to hit 'Record'? Creating a video for your business is an exciting venture, but it requires thoughtful planning and strategy to maximize its effectiveness. By taking the time to answer these five key questions, you'll be well on your way to producing content that resonates with your audience and delivers on your objectives.
Company