Video is growing fast in B2B marketing and there is plenty of new information coming out on how to use it – but we decided a little advice on making great video would be helpful.
In ‘B2B Marketing’ (b2bmarketing.net) recently, Sean McMann, of Kaltura commented.
- Stay in Focus: If the camera you’re using to capture the segment has an auto-focus, disable it. While it seems like a handy feature, the auto-focus will be challenged to stay in focus as the subject moves.
- Mind The Horizon: Many people make the mistake of using the horizon, or any horizontal line in the room as a guide to determine whether their shot is level or not. Instead, line up one vertical edge of your shot with something in the background.
- Use Sound Judgment: A beautifully framed picture isn’t worth much if the accompanying sound is of poor quality. Instead of using the microphone on your computer, consider investing in a lapel microphone. This is a very inexpensive tool used by TV news programmes to get clear audio from presenters.
- Avoid patterned clothes: Busy patterns and stripes can wreak havoc on your shot.
- Look them in the eye: One reason you’re using video to communicate is so you can establish a connection to the viewer. That’s hard to do if you fix your gaze on screen several inches below your camera lens.
- Calm down: One trick is to simply picture one person and speak only to them.
- Lighten up: It is impossible to achieve TV studio-level lighting in an office space. But, it’s important to remember that if your audience can’t see you clearly, you won’t be as effective at communicating your message.