The Speaker Video - Part 2

6. Know your objective. Plan for the end use. For example, if you're doing a demo video, your key need is for small bytes of video (15 - 40 second clips) of your very best "stuff." Or it might be a slightly longer story that's delivered particularly well. The idea in the first part of your video is to "wow" the viewer and keep them watching - also to give a clear picture of your style. You only typically need one camera on-site to capture this type of material.

However, if you're capturing footage for a longer-length training program, for example, or if you have lots of audience interaction (and need to capture it), you're looking at two cameras or more and you really need a director involved to help you plan and capture this properly. Know what your intended use is before you get up on stage in front of a camera.

Also, if you're shooting with one camera and have control of the venue to some extent, you can get your close-up audience shots at the end of your talk. Just get the videographer to come down to the stage (or even on stage) and then instruct the audience to give you their best reactions as you deliver is little section of your talk again. Most audiences will be thrilled to help you reach your objective. And make sure you prompt them - work with them to direct THEIR performance. Challenge them and make it fun! If you're a speaker, you know how to do that.

7. Get it on tape AND . . . worry about the editing later. Contrary to popular belief, you really can't "fix it in post." It has to be on tape. In editing, you can mitigate the damage but you won't really make what you already have better than it is.

Post-production is all about enhancing your main theme through the appropriate music (the cuts you select are absolutely critical to your image), graphics and colors. Go with a pro on this and don't even think about buying your own editing system and trying to do it yourself!

8. YOU . . . Director! It's in your best interest to become a "technical performer." Understand the video medium as best you can and work with the best people to get your image on video and you'll never look back. You need to know enough about the television medium to know what works for you and what doesn't. You need to control the shooting environment as much as you can (there are always limitations here) and do your planning beforehand. You need to be a bit of a quasi-director. And have a professional attitude and respect for this powerful medium.

A note about the use of the footage. Firstly, make sure that if you're being taped on stage by a third party, that you negotiate a high quality videotape copy of that footage for your own use. And MAKE SURE you control the rights to the footage, in terms of where it will be used. This is YOUR product on tape and YOU need to control both where it's used and how it's used . . . and for how long. You don't necessarily want something you did five years ago showing up unexpectedly and possibly affecting your NEW image in a negative way.

9. Know your medium. Videotape is still the choice for recording. DVDs are for distribution only (they replace VHS copies). Don't accept original footage as a DVD copy - it will do you little good in the long run. You simply can't re-use it with any amount of quality. Also, if you're setting up a session on your own, be aware that broadcast beta tapes run only 30 minutes, so you need to break for the camera to allow a 30 second tape change. Other types of tapes run at different lengths of time. Know the length of the tape you're using and make sure you accommodate your talk for it.

For internet use, you'll want to convert your end product to Flash video - in today's world, the most universal medium and the one that will give almost instant playback with the least technical requirements.

10. Do your homework. Professional videographers will cost from $1100 - 1600 a day. They typically work on a day or half-day booking (a bit more than half the day rate). If you need a producer/director, if it were me making your decision, I would lean towards high-end "corporate" or "entertainment" directors (the latter may be more expensive.) And make sure you know the costs of packaging. You'll need to allow for artwork, as well.


Video is Very Powerful
Video is the most powerful communication medium there is. It has become more accessible to the general public but this is both an advantage and a curse. Getting someone's genius multimedia teenage guru to put together your video is probably not a good idea. Professional directors have a degree in their field and have spent years refining their skills in broadcast television.

Harnessing the power of video can advance your career tremendously if used well, but bring it to a grinding halt if used badly. And it can cost you a fortune for a library of badly shot YOU!

Make sure you load your gun with high quality ammunition, get the best help you can to shoot it properly and aim it in the right direction!