Lights, Camera, Action!!!
There’s a reason that every director from Cecil B. DeMille to Steven Spielberg calls
out, “Lights, Camera, Action.” These core elements make or break your video production. So here’s some tips from the experts:
Lights
- Set up with
your
major light source behind the camera. This will minimize overexposure.
- Turn on as many lights as you can to eliminate as many shadows as possible. Shadows
make you look dull and pasty.
- Experiment moving lights into different locations. Choose the option that makes
the actor(s) look the best.
Camera
- Place the camera on a tripod
whenever possible. If you don’t have one, invent one. Your body is a natural tripod.
Lean against a wall or sit on a chair for stability.
-
Compose your shot according to the Rule of Thirds. Divide the shot into three horizontal
sections. The middle third is where all of the action should take place.
-
Shoot at eye-level – it’s the perspective most familiar to us because we see things
at our own eye-level.
Action
- Video is a sight,
sound, and motion medium. Be enthusiastic and animated in front of the camera. Practice
reading your script several times before filming – it will make you more comfortable
with the material and make it sound much more conversational. You’ll look more believable
and connect with more people.
- Use your voice – read
your script with inflection and emotion. The soundtrack is a different form of “action”
– just like your favorite song affects your mood.
- Use
the camera to create movement. Zoom from a wide shot (establishing context) to a
medium shot. Use close shots to convey reactions or emotions.
Things To Remember
- If being on camera is new to you, it may be uncomfortable. Don’t worry.
Even Robert DeNiro and Meryl Streep shoot take after take. So shoot something, look
at it, keep what you like and change the rest.
...Just relax and have fun!
