Trailivision Conventions
Framing
Framing means how you decide what will appear within the camera frame. This can involve deciding how far, or how close the camera will be to what it being filmed, the angles and the spacing. See the example below for the best framing:
What is great about this frame?
Subject is centered or on a third.
Enough headroom (space above the head) but not too much
It is a mid shot from belly to top of head
Camera is at eye level and not tilted up or down
Camera is static on a tripod or surface and leveled horizontally
Great lighting with no key lights or windows behind subject.
The background is colorful and interesting but no too busy. There is also a bit of a depth of field.
Subject is animated and talks in a clear and strong voice.
Subject is moving hands in order to emphasize certain points.
Video Safe Zones
These are called "Safe Zones." The green rectangle shows you where most of your subject should be. The top of the head should generally be close to the top safety line. Any higher and you risk cutting off the top of the head. That's a big No-No in film. If the head is too low, on the other hand, you get too much headroom and the video looks unprofessional because there is too much unused space. The center guid shows you where you should appear in your video.
Avoid the following framing mistakes! These are Huge No-No's!
Background
No bright lights behind you. No windows even if they are closed
Choose a simple background without too many distractions but it can have props.
A clean blank wall is ok but don't put yourself right up against it because it casts shadows.
No doors or windows in your background, even if they are closed.
No objects should be coming out of your head. Like a light, a pole, a frame or other things in your background.
Sound & Video
Record in a quiet room with few distractions.
Make sure you turn off fans, AC units or other devices that might make noise around you.
You can use your phone camera, a regular video camera, your webcam or other device. The format doesn't matter. I can read .mov, .avi. .mp4 and any other type of video file.
Editing
Leave 5-7 seconds before you begin talking and stay in character and silent for 5-7 seconds after you finish your segment. That way I have space to edit.
Make your segments longer than 30 seconds but shorter than 1 minute. Practice until you get the perfect timing.
If you mess up it's ok. You can just begin form your last paragraph. You can then edit the clips out in your phone or in YouTube Live or WeVideo.
Tone
The tone is the author's attitude in the video. The tone creates the mood that your viewer will feel and this needs to change according to the topic you are presenting.
For your news story or announcement:
Use a professional tone to read the news.
Watch how news anchors do it and try to recreate that professionalism. Se the example above.
Keep your volume consistent
Look directly at the camera and keep your expressions to a minimum.
Speak clearly and in full sentences. Get to the point quickly but also add details that make people interested in what you are saying.
For your fun segment or feature:
Change your tone to be more engaging and lively.
Move your hands during your special segments to keep the audience engaged, more like a YouTube Video.
Alternate your voice and emphasize words or sentences. You can also have a rhythm to your speech.
You are allowed to use big expressions and smile, or gesticulate.
You can have asides and even a little humor.