• Home
  • Blog
  • About
    • eNews Wisdom
    • Hot of the Presses: News & Articles about Miles Anthony Smith
    • Privacy
  • Books
    • Why Leadership Sucks Series: Volumes 1 & 2
    • Why Career Advice Sucks: Becoming Generation Flux
    • The Serial Speclialist
    • Recruiting Generation Flux
  • Contact
  • Music
  • Video & Audio
    • Leadership Audiobook Sample
    • Free Christian Audio Books
    • Career Audiobook Sample
    • Martina McBride, Kent M. Keith, & Paradoxical Commandments
    • Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast Part 1
  • Coaching, Consulting, & Speaking
    • Keynote Speaking Engagements
    • Need a Practitioner Business Consultant?
    • Leadership and Career Coaching for Frustrated, New or Aspiring Leaders
  • Book Marketing

11 Vital Video Camera Shoot Preparation Steps

4/23/2016

Comments

 

Mastering Camera Shoot Preparation in 11 Steps

Jerry Seinfeld
According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that seem right? That means to the average person, if you have to go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.
​
-Jerry Seinfeld


​Being in front of a camera tends to elicit trepidation, nervousness, and fear in the average person, much like speaking in front of a group of people. Despite the fact that there many online sources indicating that people are more afraid of speaking onstage than dying, I think most people would choose to speak in front of of a large group if they had a gun held to their head. But for many, being on camera isn't much better than public speaking.

Being on camera, whether live or recorded, is something just about anyone can not only get comfortable doing, but something at which they can gain a level of proficiency and effectiveness. For most, the fear of a video camera is driven by either not desiring to look foolish by saying something odd or act in a way that people think weird.

Watch a few of my videos, then scroll down to uncover the 11 vital preparation steps to a successful video shoot and overcome your fear.

This first video shoot I performed for Rawhide Boys Ranch was in 2013; the organization relies on car donations as a significant funding source to support residential care and outpatient counseling for troubled youth and families.



Chris Elliott and I created this introduction for our Udemy video course on Why Leadership Sucks.


​And here is another one from the summer of 2015, also for Rawhide Boys Ranch.



Video is hard work. It is a performance, much like you see from a musician, comedian, or speaker. I play viola, violin, and compose music, and my wife, Carolyn Ann Smith is a contralto singer and drama/choir teacher.



This next video is a testimonial for Joel Burns of Northern Summits and their successful work on Google AdGrant accounts for nonprofits which drive $480,000 in free web traffic to nonprofit websites.
​

Click "READ MORE" to See All 11 Vital Video Shoot Prep Steps
...
​
READ MORE

1. Find a Video Production Company That Suits You

Don't go for the cheapest or most expensive either. Find something that won't break the bank but still delivers a polished final product. In the Green Bay/Appleton area where I live and work, I've used both internal teams and equipment as well as vendors like Craig Smoll of Webouts and Tony Reale's team at Creative Edge Productions.


What is Creative Edge Productions? from Creative Edge Productions on Vimeo.


2. Take It Seriously...But Not TOO Seriously

I try to laugh at my mistakes, even though it can be maddening when you just can't seem to get a line right no matter how many takes you deliver.


Picture

3. Relax & Let Your Quirkiness Shine

...as long as it fits the video and audience.

I couldn't resist; here is a blooper reel of mine. Go ahead; it's ok to have a laugh at my expense. It's funny, and I don't take myself too seriously.



​4. Be Concise

As in writing, so on camera and behind the microphone; brevity is important. Clear, concise, statements make for good soundbites and much easier editing in video post-production.


Picture

​5. Sip Some Warm Water or Hot Tea

I like Earl Grey tea (decaf), but most types of hot tea will do the trick. This helps prepare the vocal chords. But NO cold drinks.


Picture

​6. Voice Preparation is Critical

Take at least 5 minutes to do some vocal exercises to warm up your vocal chords. Don't worry about what people will think about you vocalizing. You will sound better, and your voice will last longer.
​

​7. Fix Your Makeup & Hair


Yes, even us guys need some powder foundation to cover up a shiny forehead (when bright lights are shone on us), pimples, scars, or other facial blemishes. You might need some lip gloss to bring out the lips. Also, consider a touch up on your hair and eyebrows, especially if you have a uni-brow.

Picture

8. Kill That Pesky Mosquito or Fly


I seriously had to do this once on the set of a video shoot; the point isn't so much to get rid of only mosquitoes but to make sure there aren't any visual distractions in the foreground or background of the video shot.

Picture

​9. Prepare Scripted Answers to Odd Interviewer Questions


Keep in mind that the some reporters will ask odd ball or even inflammatory questions to see how you will respond under duress or shock. You can't anticipate all weird questions, but it helps to think like a reporter and be as prepared as you can be. Remember to remain calm, even if they try to get under your skin.

Picture

10. Take a Deep Breath

Relax, it's going to be ok; you will make a mistake and have retakes of many shots. Don't worry; be happy! Being uptight and nervous will work against you when you are under pressure to perform.


Picture

11. Look Directly Into The
Camera & Go For It

Let go of your fear of the camera; it won't bite. I promise. Don't hold anything back!


Picture

Bonus VIDEO:

Here is a video shoot from 2013 with the Executive Director of Rawhide Boys Ranch John Solberg.



I would enjoy hearing your feedback on my post in the comment section below!

Comments
comments powered by Disqus

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Career
    Digital Marketing
    Entrepreneurship
    Fashion
    Food & Drink
    Leadership

    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    November 2017
    September 2017
    April 2017
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015

    This website uses marketing and tracking technologies. Opting out of this will opt you out of all cookies, except for those needed to run the website. Note that some products may not work as well without tracking cookies.

    Opt Out of Cookies

Resources

Blog
​
Books
Music
Speaking
Video Courses

Miles

About
Blog
eNews
Press

Support

Home
Contact
Privacy Policy
​
Message @Miles_Anthony
© COPYRIGHT 2012-2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.