Do you hate recording talking-head videos as much as I do?
There. I’ve said it. I hate recording talking-head videos!
Here’s why.
Before I can hit the “record” button, I must:
- Clean my home office. This includes ripping all the inspirational post-its and to-do notes from the walls, scooping up papers, notebooks, periodicals and other junk from my desk and throwing it into a pile in the corner. The coffee cups go into the kitchen sink.
- Drag out my big wooden ladder so I can clip one of the lights onto the side of it.
- Look for the blue gel sheets that I attach to the lights with wooden clothes pins.
- Search for the damn clothes pins.
- Retrieve my tripod from the closet, set it up and attach the camera, then reposition it until it’s perfect.
- Wash and style my hair.
- Paint my face.
- Find something decent to wear.
- Tape my talking points to the wall behind the camera.
All That—BEFORE I Can Practice
Only then can I start recording a few dry runs.
When I’m done recording, I rip everything down and put the office back together again.
So why bother at all with these videos?
Because I can upload them to my YouTube channel. Videos are one of the most powerful ways to pull traffic. They’re terrific for offering free content.
They help people know more about me. They’re one of the hottest, most powerful marketing tools. And they’re essential for a PR campaign.
Anybody who doesn’t use video is leaving money on the table. (Nonprofits, this includes you!)
But why go through all this trouble and make shooting video harder than it has to be?
Enough is Enough
Last night, I decided to turn a small corner of my dirty apple cellar in my basement into a video studio. I can set up the equipment once and everything stays in place forever. When it’s time to record a video, all I have to do is gussy up, run downstairs, turn on the lights and start recording.
Here’s where you come in. I need your help turning part of this room, which you’d expect to find in the Addams Family basement, into an attractive setting for videos that are good enough for the corporate world. I want to shoot against this wall which is fine for Lurch and Uncle Fester, but not much else:
Calling it an apple cellar is a bit of a stretch. The 18-by-8 room is filled with remnants of aluminum siding and carpeting from the previous owner. It’s littered with pieces of broken wooden chairs.
I need to sweep up small piles of gravel and sand from the floor. A big oak table holds about a dozen paint cans, paint supplies, blankets and other junk:
The sturdy walls, made of large stones held together with grouting, keep out the noise. But they’re not a pretty backdrop.
Let’s Have Fun with This
What can I put against the stone wall? Suggestions for furniture? Silk flowers in a vase? I dislike silk flowers but don’t want to run out and buy a fresh bouquet every time I shoot.
I’ll also be sharing my progress, with video and photos, on the social media sites to prove that if I can do it, so can you. All you need is a small space, some fairly inexpensive equipment and the creative ideas of other Publicity Hounds like you.
I don’t need professional staging or interior decorating advice because I want to keep it simple. And I want to be able to buy what I need from the local thrift shops.
So have at it, Hounds. I’m on a tight budget and need your ideas on how to really spruce up the place.
“All that before I can practice!” LOL. I’m pretty much there to the hair do.
Is it really an apple cellar? Some big posters that would have the appearance of an apple orchard.
Or I’ve seen faux backgrounds of beaches and woods that might be a nice effect.
Let us know what you do.
I just can’t picture a beach in that gloomy place. But we’ll see. I’m off to Home Depot tomorrow to see what I can find. They have some really neat plastic sheeting that looks like stained glass, in the window department.
Hi, Joan. How about a neutral backdrop to cover up the stones which you say cannot be used as a background? Start with a neutral color that flatters your personal coloring. Once the camera and lights are in position, you will always be nicely framed. Then, think about furnishings. Do you prefer a chair? Nice lamp? A table or shelves? I’m guessing a table because I would NOT want to hang shelves from those stoney walls. Are there furnishings in the house that would make great props in your studio? Once the basic furniture is in place, then accessorizing is is easy. Not such an easy project, is it? LOL
I hear one word… shopping. LOL
I think a wing-back chair would nice with a side table and a small lamp. But I’d have to be sure the light from the lamp doesn’t cause lighting problems.
And, I see that you will need flooring? Something that will absorb sound, not bounce it back. As I said… one word… shopping. Cannot wait to see how this turns out. LOL
I don’t think flooring will be a problem at all and the sound won’t bounce. My office has a very high ceiling and there’s almost an echo. So anything is better than what I have now.
You’d be amazed what you can do with a few cardboard presentation boards, available from stationery stores. You can print out things to create a false background; iStockphoto is one resource for free pictures. Or ask a friend if you can take a picture of their real office to print out and and use for your virtual one.
I’m sending you a link for the 6 minute scifi Youtube video I created on the living room table. It’s an entirely artificial world but friends keep asking where it was filmed. The trick is to keep the artificial world within the margins of your camera view screen.
http://youtu.be/9ipHtxxdx5g
When you’re done filming, cover everything that could collect dust with plastic. Then all you have to do is uncover it for your next session. The great thing is that all your elements are portable and changeable. If you have a friend who’s a photographer he or she might rent you a backdrop.
Thanks for the reminder of the plastic covers! I would have forgotten that.
I’m so envious, I want an apple cellar! lol Your scenario when setting up for a vid is my sentiment exactly. If I had a place to make one I would replicate the place I feel most comfortable in, be it office, sitting room, living room or kitchen. For me it would be my office. I enjoy watching a video where the decor and scene is not too busy but has some interesting tidbits that tell me about the person…maybe a particular book, a photo, fireplace or picture in the background, an interesting calendar ( I love calendars) or just a favorite nick knack (sp?) of yours. Takeaway…where you feel comfortable.
Teri, look around. I’m sure you have a small space in your home or apartment that you can use to shoot video. You don’t need a lot of area. Just a few small things to make the scenery interesting.
How about a bookshelf or two? You can showcase all that interests you and your viewers, including books or items you love.
Regardless, you will have a space of envy for many of us! Can’t wait to see it.
It looks like the perfect place for a fake fireplace to me. With those stones, it would not take much to make it look like one either. You can always trade some of your services to a carpenter or a stone mason or both so it doesn’t cost a fortune.
A fake fireplace might be way more trouble than I’ve bargained for. But I’ll consider it. Thanks for the idea.
Love the bookcase idea. I just happen to have a tall, dark bookcase that isn’t being used. I could dress up the shelves with seasonal items.
Great suggestion, Gail.
Hi Joan,
Although you indicated that you want to buy from the local thrift store, I urge you to check at the local photography supply store for a roll of seamless paper that you can staple at the top of your cellar and let it drop to the floor. The last time I bought one it was $20, but that was a while ago. I recommend white since you will need lots of light to turn out decent videos in your dark cellar.
You can put the paint cans on the floor behind the backdrop, put a table in front that you can cover with a table cloth and sit behind the table to film your video.
I’m assuming that you have adequate lights you can set up.
Wait! Before you do any of this I would check with a local photographer to see if he/she will come over and rig up something that will work. You can offer to give him/her free publicity in exchange.
Blessings,
Flora
Definitely some ‘authority bling’ eg a degree certificate or similar, some books, your products on a shelf – not crammed, but making the point. Have fun and we look forward to the ‘after’ shots…
Ken
Ken, I’ll keep you posted every step of the way, from start to finish.
Fake fireplace would go with the stone nicely.
Cubicle wall or divider.
Decorative folding screen
I saw a gorgeous decorative three-panel folding screen in a local consignment shop. It’s white, with little bouquets of flowers. But with my luck, it would look like I had flowers growing out of the top of my head.
Joan,Gail’s bookcase or whatever you can find to make what the camera sees look finished will do. Construct it so you can access the meter I see and any other important
equipment you may need to get to. Like a stage, it can look more permanent than it is. If it creates the impression of business for you, who among us can quibble. We come to you for advise on making an impact.
Morris, I’m thinking along the same lines you are. Make it LOOK permanent. But make the whole thing portable.
You could tack a bed sheet to the rafters and have it hanging down as a plain, clean back drop.
That’s a possibility, but it would have to hang correctly or risk looking like a bed sheets that’s thrown over the rafters.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned to decorate with hounds! I guess I’ve just never pictured your working space as the average flowers and bookshelf kind of place. A few well placed photos/pictures/statues of furry friends with an office or living room look would be professional and yet still show the unique identity you’ve worked so hard to build.
P.S. The shot of the wall could have been taken in my basement and we could easily compare paint cans and “who knows what’s in them” cans I bet 🙂 Our ceilings are barely over 5 ft though so I don’t know if a studio would work in my space, but you’ve got me thinking!
I’d be trying tp create a space that is inviting as well as useful. I’d put a wall hanging against the stone, something with a little texture in it so that it would complement the texture of the stone. I’d also use a rug on the floor, a comfortable armchair or two that can be covered up to protect against dust when you’re not using it. You could include a foot stool if you wanted to. A smallish side table with a lamp on it and instead of a vase You might be able to pick up an interesting candle stick or find a small sculpture that had a bit of weight to it. You might even be able to pick up an interesting paperweight or snow dome at your local thrift shop then you wouldn’t need to have the silk flowers you don’t like. If you have two armchairs then you would be able to invite an occasional guest to interview. A local school or hospital might need a little help to publicise a fete or fund raising event.You could invite them into your ‘below stairs’ den and, in exchange for some free PR advice, ask for their permission to film your discussion with them with the view to offering copies of the interview to other publicity hounds out here.
I agree with the bookshelf idea, but I would definitely cover up that dull and dark stone wall. A nicely pressed white sheet as a backdrop would do wonders to brighten up that creepy basement for a video, especially since you can’t buy a couple of sheets of sheetrock from a thriftshop. A nice peach or pastel sheet in the background would soften up your face.
Fixing up a basement sounds like fun!
My intention is to definitely cover up the stone wall. Just looking at it makes me feel like I’m covered in dust.
I agree with Gail, Joan – a bookshelf or two could be great. But I think the simplest background that would help lighten the room at the same time would be one (or two) publicity hound banners. You can stylize them to look however you want them to. And they’re not expensive and would make the whole transformation super easy.
Just a thought.
bec 🙂
Sound control is your top priority. Heavy drapes on the sides and behind the camera are important. A heavy rug or carpet remnant also, so your voice is picked up from one source. Floating shelves can easily be attached to the grout joints on the wall behind, as can a false mantel and side shelves. Then lighting is next. Use lights it in the 3000k (incandescent) and 5000k (sunshine) temperature range. This will keep the reds and yellow tones in your skin (3000k) and brighten up the space (5000k) without washing out colors as the 4000k (cool white) and 6000k (warm white) range does. If you use fluorescent lights, try to find ones with a CRI (Color Rating Index) in the 80s and 90s as this is equivalent to the hrz rating on computer monitors. The higher the number the clearer and less flicker you will see in the video image.
See what pressure washing the stone wall does for it. In improved lighting the stones may be just the right background. Even a little stain on the grout can help. If it doesn’t work it can be easily covered up.
It’s just like dressing a film set!
Some thoughts:
1. Hanging a gauze curtain against the wall can do wonders. (You can probably find something at a thrift store if you don’t already have something like that…)
2. Try to avoid bright white if you can. (If you can’t get beige, you can always try tea dye — cotton dyes well).
3. Keep in mind that you only need to dress what is in frame. So, if you don’t need to show the floor, no need for a fancy carpet there. If your sound is too echo-y, try putting an old blanket on the floor.
4. A book shelf sounds good; but instead of books, why not dogs? (stuffed dogs, wooden dogs, pictures of dogs, etc.) You are the Publicity Hound, are you not?
5. Lighting can do wonders, too. Think about setting up one light that points at the wall (or gauze curtain). The light will bounce off a light-colored wall and serve as backlighting. (Of course don’t forget another light for you, otherwise you’ll be in shadow!)
6. As for a seat, why not a stool?
An easy way to hang a backdrop is with a shower curtain rod – expands to fit between the beams (no carpentry required). Then add an inexpensive shower curtain, sheet, or panels of fabric (is there an IKEA near you?).
Hi, Joan,
To create a professional background, search for a business armoire, desk or table (if preferred), and chair in excellent condition at thrift shops, hotel clearance shops, office discount stores, or if you have one, a Habitat for Humanity E-store (they sometimes have new furniture at very inexpensive prices). Buy an armoire large enough to cover that wall, as your viewers will usually only see your head and shoulders on your video. Place your desk and chair efficiently in front of the armoire (not too close, so you don’t make shadows on the armoire), and do your video. A carpet on the floor will help muffle any hollow sounds in rhe room.
If you would like coaching on how to appear warm and professional on video, I’m a professional coach for television, and have received national awards for my broadcasts on CNN and ESPN. I’ve also created my own talk show, co-hosted another, and guested on various television shows. My coaching fee is $200 per hour. Would love to hear from you…
Warmest regards, and have a sensational week!
Kay Presto
Presto Productions
Office: 909-985-3041
Mobile: 909-227-5304
P.O.Box 1688
Upland, CA 91786
Award-winning television,
radio and public relations,
award-winning book author
I agree with those who want to hang a backdrop over the stones. Get a large canvas drop cloth and tack it up there. More solid than a sheet. Will reflect some light and you can still use the bookshelf and a couple of chairs in front of it. Maybe a thrift shop rug.
Ok, so now comes my boring advice. You cannot put anything in your cellar until it’s properly sealed. You will need to use a product called DryLock, http://www.ugl.com/drylokMasonry/masonryWaterproofer/index.php that you can purchase at any home improvement store. You will also need to seal the floors. I know cellars in WI and they are damp. If you add anything electrical or shelves, etc., you are asking for trouble.
It’s like putting lipstick on a donkey (sorry animal lovers).
Hi Joan:
I just go outside on my walks and make videos, or make impromptu videos in my house, where ever I am. Most of my videos are from my yard! or on walks, or trips, and they are quick and fun. I use several inexpensive cellphone video programs: iMovie, “Film Director”, Showyou, Tweet Reel, Meporter, Animoto, ReelDirector, VideoFix: these cost a couple dollars or are free.
For desktop, you can’t go wrong with BoinxTV : professional software for individual inexpensive studios. (I don’t sell any of these products, so I am unbiased. I use them)
I recommend Screencast-o-matic.com for training videos you can make for free, and upload to where ever you want.
YouTube channels are by the people, for the people, so the informal and impromptu formula will be more successful than the polished, static studio. Go outside and film too.
You don’t need a studio. Just have pleasant surroundings where you feel comfortable. The most important thing in doing youtube videos is to have fun! People can sense it and they respond to those videos.
Good luck!
No white bed sheets! It will play havoc w/the camera’s white balance. How about a red velvet drape, found @Goodwill hung from the rafters. You can move it aside to access the meter, perhaps place a bookcase at one side if the drape is not wide enough. Or even put the bookcase @right angle to the wall, stick that wing back chair in the corner and it will look like Masterpiece Theatre! The heavier fabric will help deaden the sound, and you can always pin those imposing diplomas/awards on the fabric.
Love Cheryl’s idea about hounds. If you can’t find velvet, how about a houndstooth check! (Just kidding, that will also make the camera go crazy!)
Fabric is cheap and easy to hang… and can be any solid black, blue, green etc…. Buy a heavy knit…cheap to change…great with light. I only with we had basements in NM.
The bookcase with your books and items. An overstuffed chair. A lamp, possibly a floor lamp. Thrift store finds of heavy velvet curtains – give the comfy look.
Wasn’t there a time when someone would announce the upcoming movie and they would sit in an overstuffed chair and give an overview?
Oh, well..it’s your budget….go forth and be creative! Good Luck!
I like the rustic stone wall look!!! You may want to go with a natural type of look n feel!!
nice idea, great article lol I will keep in mind before pressing record button I’ll have to clean the office…