5 Tips for Shooting Better Video

You launched a project on MicroGiving. It’s awesome. You’ve waited for donations to pour in. And waited. You’re still waiting…

You may realize by now that posting an awesome project isn’t enough. An awesome project needs an awesome video.

A compelling video is the best way to tell your story to your viewers. Projects with videos tend to be more successful than those without. Here are some tips to help you make a video that really “sells” your story to your friends, family and fans…

1. Equipment

Camera

You don’t need a High Definition (HD) camera to make a good video. If you have an ordinary web cam, use that. If you have a regular digital camera, the video function will work well too. Here are some tips to help you transfer video from your camcorder to your PC computer using a firewire cable. Mac users can bypass firewire transfer altogether via the built-in camera that comes standard with Mac computers.

Sound

Sound is essential. What good is a video if your audience can’t hear you clearly? If you’re using your laptop to record, try to get a microphone with a USB that you can simply plug in. If you’re using a video camera, see if you can get a wired microphone that you can discreetly clip onto your shirt collar.

When you record, make sure you are in a place that is free of noises and echoes. Also take note of any background noises we usually ignore, such as street traffic, lawn mowers, rumbling A/C units, barking dogs and even birds. You’ll be amazed at what your sound recording will pick up. Do your best to remove as much excess noise by choosing the right location and turning off anything that could be in conflict. All of these noises can steal your audience’s attention—distracting people from your message.

Light

Lighting is the most important part of filming. The best HD camera won’t do your video justice if the lighting is poor. An atmosphere that is properly lighted can make an amateur video camera twinkle! Here’s some lighting tips:

1. Always shoot during the day, even if you are shooting indoors
2. Test the picture and move lights around accordingly – try to get light from the front and from the sides
3. Use whatever you can – windows, desk lamps, mirrors
4. Lay thin, white tissue paper over any light sources that need diffusing, such as naked light bulbs (being wary of fire hazards, of course)
5. Make sure to get light reflecting from your eyes, this alone can make all the difference in bringing the picture to life

2.  Planning

This may seem like an obvious one, but failing to plan will guarantee a video that is unfocussed and loses your viewers’ attention quickly. Take just 10 minutes to think through your project and how to convey the most important parts to your audience in a concise way. Although every project is different, here are some tips that will help you during the planning stage:

• Convey your emotions and be sincere.
  People are moved more by a human face and a real story than anything else. Instead of reading a script, try to cover some general points. The end result will be far more natural and compelling.
• Keep it simple.
  Don’t get caught up telling us your life story or every detail about your project. Tell your audience the essentials…
  • Who are you?
  • What is your project about?
  • How much do you need to make it happen? And what will you use the funds for?
  • What’s in it for your supporters?
  • The first 20 seconds of your video is the most important!
    You may have a bit of material to cover, but try to put the punchiest bits at the beginning. The first 20 seconds will determine whether people continue watching through to the end. Don’t leave us hanging. Capture our attention from the start.
  • Location, location.
    Whilst shooting from your bedroom is entirely acceptable, take a quick look at what will show up in the background. Your audience may not take you seriously if you grace them with a clear shot of your long johns strewn over your lava lamp.

3. Recording

Recording is often the hardest part. Don’t expect to run through your whole script in one go. You will almost certainly have to take the best clips and piece them together. But don’t worry, again, this will lend a more natural and “real” feel to your video.

4. Editing

The best videos are no longer than 2 minutes. However, you may have an hour worth of footage to sort through. Cut out the fluff. Stick to your plan (the who, what, how much and what’s in it for your audience).

5. Encoding

This does not have to be as complicated as it seems. The two main things are format and data rate:

1. The format – Basically, if you are using a PC, choose WMV as your format. If you are using a Mac, choose H.264 (also known as MP4).

2. The Data Rate (also known as bit rate) – If your footage is low quality or Standard Definition (SD), start at 1500 or 2000 kilobits per second respectively (also known as kbits/sec and kbps). If its HD (high definition), choose 5000 kbps. Depending on your video editor, it might display this information in megabits. For example, Instead of 2000 kbps it will say 2.0 mbps; instead of 1500 kbps, it will say 1.5 mbps. You get the idea.

The list of tips and advice for shooting video is endless, but there is no need to feel overwhelmed. The most important thing is that you try to get a video for your project. Focus on this, and you will guarantee a much better response from your viewers that will ultimately translate into donations.