Help! I’ve been asked to be on camera. What do I need to know?
Being the on-camera talent during a video production can feel daunting. The pros on TV and social media make it seem effortless, so why are you feeling nervous?
Your mind is probably racing with questions such as:
- What should I wear?
- Where should I look?
- What if I get nervous during filming?
- And most importantly.. What should I do with my hands!?
Tip #1: Relax and Enjoy the Process
If you’re working with an experienced crew (like Prescription Media, for example!). The most important thing you can do is relax. Everyone on set is a vetted professional. And believe it or not, the goal of the entire team and the purpose of every piece of equipment is simple:
To make you look and sound as good as possible.
You are after all, or at least for the day, a video super star!
The mark of a great video production crew is to make you feel welcome, at ease, and to help
you shine in the absolute best light.
A well run video shoot will be a relaxed and guided experience. You’ll get:
- A scheduled arrival time
- Wardrobe and makeup guidance
- An idea of what you’ll be saying
Tip #2 Teleprompters are easy!
A teleprompter read is meant to provide direct information to the viewer. The trick is to understand that an experienced teleprompter operator will match your reading/speaking speed. The prompter should never get ahead of you or fall behind.
You’ll know you’ll be hitting your stride when you can:
- Maintain your natural cadence, maybe even slow down a bit.
- Know that it’s okay to pause and catch your breath.
- If you make a mistake, take a deep breath and do a “prompter pick-up”.
Tip #3 A good interview should feel like a conversation with a friend
A professional video production crew will let you know the topics being discussed ahead of time and the reason you’ve been chosen to be on camera is because you are an expert in those topics.
A helpful trick when being interviewed is to repeat the question in front of your answer. This
achieves two goals:
- It gives you time to think.
- It allows you to tell the story.
Pro-Tip:
If you are given the questions ahead of time, resist the urge to memorize the perfect answer. Once the lights are on you, the cameras are rolling, and the video crew is at their full attention, it can cause you to freeze, and your perfectly memorized answers will seem to vanish!
For high pressure media like timed or live interviews, your organization should provide you with adequate media training. If you happen to be in need of media training for you or your team, Prescription Media can help.
On-location or at the studio?
If you are filming at home or at work, check that there aren’t any big events planned, like a party or construction, as these situations can be noisy and adversely affect a video shoot. And don’t worry about furniture, a great video team is mindful to carefully move items as needed, and will take steps to ensure the equipment causes no damage to your home.You want to do this at my house?!? Yes! Sometimes your own home can be the best place to record an interview or a testimonial. The space is already known and comfortable to you, and this helps with Tip #1. Besides, everyone says you make the best coffee, and this is sure to help with Tip #3.
The purpose of a recording studio is to have complete control of the environment during filming, with the added bonus of not having to carry all that heavy equipment somewhere else! The drawback is that studios can look too clinical or artificial. This may certainly be the desired look the Director has chosen, but sometimes you want a warm and fuzzy backdrop to tell your story, after all, there is no place like home! There, you too can help control the environment for a video shoot. Ensure that pets are somewhere safe, and that a trusted individual can watch the
children as needed. You will also want to tidy up and show off your living space, it’s often a reflection of how unique you are as an individual, and this goes a long way towards telling your story.
Tip #4
If you are filming at home or at work, check that there aren’t any big events planned, like a party or construction, as these situations can be noisy and adversely affect a video shoot. And don’t worry about furniture, a great video team is mindful to carefully move items as needed, and will take steps to ensure the equipment causes no damage to your home.
Pro-Tip:
Do a double-take on all your shelves and surfaces, chances are if you have any personal or sensitive items you’d rather not share with the world, it’s best to put them away before the camera starts recording!
It’s easy to be overwhelmed during a video shoot. There are lights, microphones, wires, and cameras everywhere. There’s a team of people who seem to be scrutinizing every atom of your being. The good news is that the crew is actually focusing on their equipment, and that equipment is only focused on making you look and sound great.
One thing is for certain, a video shoot is hard work and can be a slow process, but at the end of a long day, everyone should feel like they had “fun”. And that is because “fun” means relaxed, and relaxed means a great on-camera performance.
So remember your tips:
- #1 Relax and enjoy the process
- #2 The teleprompter is there for YOU, not the other way around.
- #3 Don’t over-prepare for your interview, you want to have an engaging conversation, not overly scripted answers.
- #4 If filming at home or at work, tidy up and make arrangements for pets and children. Be aware of possible events that can cause a disturbance during filming.
Prescription Media Group specializes in making real people look and sound great on camera. Whether it’s a heartfelt testimonial or a full-scale commercial production, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
