In this video we focus on how to create a great quality video without needing a professional team and studio. How to set-up, select your background, tips for lighting and more.

Transcript

Hi, I'm Rebecca. Welcome to Kaltura's Video Tips where we show you some easy ways to make better videos. In this session, we're going to talk about how to get great quality video without needing a professional film team and studio. Let's set up.

Not everyone has access to a full studio, but a few easy steps make a big difference.

Noise

Your first priority is reducing noise. Audio is actually the most important part. You want to be heard clearly. To find the room this quiet and close the door. Turn off your phone and your email reminders. We don't want any bangs or rings or buzzes. Try to avoid taking your video in a room with there a lot of other people talking, machines humming or a lot of street noise. And think a little about your background, you don't want a clutter background like this.

You want something simple around you, there won't be the distraction, isn't this look nicer?

Lighting

Lighting can also help. If you can film your window in natural light, you'll look better, but don't choose good light over good sound. I know you've got a great view, but unless you got professional lighting, you either gonna look like this or like this.

If you're filming next to a window, don't put the window behind you. Instead, shift sideways next to the window, or opposite from it. That way you can use natural lighting to your advantage.

Composition

Now, let's talk about composition. Composition is what film makers call where everything is in frame. Good composition will make your video look much more professional. Use a tripod to position your camera. They're cheap and easy to find, and they let you put your camera almost anywhere so it will stay steady and not fall over. Don't have someone else hold the camera. It's gonna shake. Take a minute to compose your shot. Make sure your camera is straight and you don't wanna be too close, and cut off part of your head. Or too far away, and look dwarfed by your background, I'm over here.

The Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds makes it easy to create interesting, dynamic shots. Pretend you have divided your screen up into thirds, both vertically and horizontally. Now, instead of putting things in the middle, put the interesting things in the shot on one of those lines. Your eyes should align with the upper line either on the right or the left side. It just looks better, doesn't it?

How to Record for Editing

Now let's talk for a second about how to record if you're planning to do a little editing later. If you're going to piece together different shots later, and you know you want to have to have cutaways from your main shots, like a screen shot, or to other people, you don't necessarily have to get everything perfect in the same take.

If you make a mistake, pause for a second. Start the sentence over and just keep, I'm gonna fix that part later, okay?

Recording a One Shot

Remember, if you create multiple takes, that should cover everything. If you're planning to go straight through without any cuts you'll want to know that in advance. Make sure you practice several times before you start recording because if you make a mistake, you'll have to start all over. Remember, if you're going to edit, you'll get much more useful footage from the phone camera than you would for a laptop.

Mannerisms

Last, let's talk about mannerisms, pay a little attention to your hands and body language. If you have to, record yourself in a test run, and watch it before you do the real version. A lot of us have little mannerisms we do. A little is okay, but if you're nervous, it's easy to overdo it.

Some people talk with repetitive hand gestures. I tend to twirl my hair. It gets really annoying really fast. Figure out if you're gonna do something and then concentrate on not doing it.

Another thing to test for is your speaking volume. Make sure you're not speaking too loud or too soft. Speed is important too. Usually a good idea to try to speak just a little slower than you usually do so it'll come out clearly.

That's it. Now go film something.