Any marketer worth their salt will tell you: video is one of the strongest ways to put a spotlight on your business in the digital age. You can use video to authentically demonstrate your value proposition, share information & ideas,
and personally connect with both clients and prospects – without even being in the room with them. Before you start filming your big debut, take a second to read these best practices Myriad has gathered for making top-notch videos!
Equipment (Links Provided Are Examples)
Sound
- Microphones should be placed 10 inches away from your mouth.
- If recording on phone, it should sit no further than three feet away.
- Avoid sitting near large appliances (vents, air conditioners, etc.)
- Avoid rooms with echo.
- Perform vocal warm-ups before recording.
- Record and playback a 10 second audio clip as a test before beginning..
- Avoid chairs that make a lot of noise. (Wheels, swivels, squeaky screws, “sighing” cushions, etc.)
Lighting
- Avoid florescent lights!
- Utilize lamps if natural sources of light aren’t available.
- Record facing a window for natural light.
- If recording on a phone, tap and hold the screen on the main subject – you!
Framing & Backdrops
- If recording on a phone, do not zoom in. It causes pixelation.
- Follow the Rule of Thirds: Imagine a 3X3 grid and place your subject (you) in the middle of the frame.
- Avoid bright white backgrounds.
- Try to position yourself in front of a window.
- De-clutter your backdrop before filming.
- Film a test video to be aware of your shadow – make sure it’s not too distracting.
- Make sure the windows are in front of you and not behind.
Content
- Film in landscape mode. For phone users, turn it horizontally (landscape mode) before filming.
- Prepare a script or an outline beforehand. Myriad can help source ideas and generate scripts!
- When you have a particular target for video length, use this website to estimate timing. Reading your script out loud with a stopwatch is a good
idea, too.
Presence
- Rehearse your script several times before filming, aiming to come off both professional and casual.
- Remember to SMILE.
- Look directly at the camera.
- Keep still while filming. If standing, plant your feet – no swaying.
- Sit or stand straight with your shoulders back.
- Natural hand movements are okay, but be wary of fidgeting/overdoing it.
Clothing to Avoid
- Clothes that blend in with the background.
- Crazy or eccentric patterns (stripes, polka dots, plaid).
- Shiny fabrics.
- All-white or all-black colors.
- Noisy or distracting accessories (ie, clinking jewelry).
If you want to make a video but don’t know quite where to start, Myriad can help! E-mail marketing@myriadas.com to learn more about how we can help you with video content generation,
written scripts, and pre-production management.
