How to supply a video production company with useable footage
Occasionally clients would like to supply us with video content that they generate themselves – either using their own videographer, or an in-house team member. Here are some tips for non-professional camera operators to help them to achieve usable footage. Obviously, the better the footage looks, the less out of place it will look when intercut with our professional footage:
– Use the 4k setting to record
– RECORD IN LANDSCAPE MODE. NOT PORTRAIT.
– Keep the camera/phone as stable as possible
– Move the camera as little as possible. Sometimes it’s tempting to move the camera around, zoom in etc. It will be best to just frame up a good shot and then hold the camera as still as possible and let the action unfold
– Let each shot run for 5-10 seconds. Then hit stop and then frame up your next shot.
– Avoid shooting into the light. Film with the light behind you.
– Film a range of coverage e.g. Capture a wide shot of the overall scene. Then come in closer and record footage of a group of people talking. Then come closer again and get a close-up of an individual person
– Try to capture shots that help tell the story e.g. signage, establishing shots of wherever the location is, whatever key moments are happening on the day
– When filming people, avoid leaving too much empty space above their heads. People often instinctually film someone’s face in the middle of the frame, leaving lots of empty space above their heads, which doesn’t look good.
– Look for interesting, dynamic moments e.g. people interacting, looking engaged, happy and interested
– Don’t be shy to get in close to the action you’re filming. It will ensure that the footage is more dynamic
– If you’re recording an event video, in most cases there is no need to record full speeches. The audio will not be usable. Instead, capture a range of shots that run for 5-10 seconds each e.g. a wider shot of the room with the person talking. A closer shot. A reaction shot of the audience etc.
– Capture as much coverage as possible. This will give the editor more options
– And a final reminder: Please keep the camera as still as possible, and avoid the temptation to move the camera by panning from side to side, or zooming while recording.
Ryan Spanger is one of Melbourne’s most respected and sought-after video production professionals. Ryan founded Dream Engine in 2002, and specialises in helping medium to large corporates, government departments, and the non-profit sector to connect with their audience more effectively by using video.
