 CLE, Inc. | by Emily Giunta, CLE, Inc. • Video recording considerations • Know what you want to see Video recording is becoming a very common event element. It allows you to do anything from archive for reference or showcase your event by creating a highlight video or promo video for future marketing. You can reach individuals who were not able to attend by posting a link to a session or presentation on your website. Or maybe you have a remote audience that your message needs to reach and your solution is to use live streaming allowing them to log on with individual devices or for a group of individuals in another part of the world to view in real time. |
Goal & Use of Final Product
When it comes to recording, working backwards is optimal. Define the goal of your final product. Is your recording for archival purposes only? Are you posting on your website or a video sharing site like YouTube® immediately following the event or session? Or are you using it to create an inspiring highlight video trying to attract attendees to future events?
Knowing what you are recording and what you want recorded is a significant detail in the planning process. Does your recording need to be of the speaker, what is on stage only, or should it include presentations and videos that are on screen? A camera can be set to capture the whole stage, though this does not give you the same variety that having a camera operator to pan or zoom in on a speaker will. Having two cameras allows for smooth transitions between shots. For example, if someone is being introduced and walking on stage, one camera could do a wide shot while the other is doing a zoom in so you are capturing more than the walk across the stage.
A switched feed is having your recording include presentations or videos that are happening on the screen for the live audience mixed in with live shots of what is going on in the room. This is often used for training or education videos on a website.
In addition to knowing what you want to capture during your event, what you are doing with the recorded file following your event is key as it will determine the format you need your production partner to provide.
To get the best outcome for your recording, here are a few things you want to consider:
• Attire
• Lighting
• Audio
Attire
What to wear or what to advise your presenters to wear may impact the final look of your recording. Having a place, such as a shirt or collar, rather than a scarf or a v-neck top to connect the microphone is a key detail. If you are using black drape for your backdrop, suggest colors other than black for dresses or suits. Using lighting will also help with this by creating dimension.
Lighting
If you are recording your event, you will need stage lighting to brighten the stage and presenter faces so they’ll be visible for video recording (“Let There Be Light,” Midwest Meetings Summer 2017 issue). To achieve the best lighting look on stage, add backlighting that surrounds the sides and back of the person or group of people on stage to frame them. This creates a more defined look and will reduce shadows behind the person while also adding more depth.
Audio
Having a clear audio feed will ensure high quality audio output. Plan for rehearsal and sound check time with presenters to set the correct audio levels for the camera. Microphone placement is an important detail. For example, you may have a panel discussion where panelists use wireless lavalier (lapel) microphones, pass a wireless handheld, or have their own tabletop microphone. Proper placement of a lavalier and guidance on where to hold the handheld mic will result in a higher quality output. Your audio technician will assist with appropriate placement for maximum input.
Room noise from air handlers and other building mechanics are factors that can affect the final video product. Work with your venue manager to make adjustments to their systems.
Whatever your goal or purpose may be, having thought through the considerations above will allow your production team to capture the most ideal views and content to fit your needs.
When it comes to recording, working backwards is optimal. Define the goal of your final product. Is your recording for archival purposes only? Are you posting on your website or a video sharing site like YouTube® immediately following the event or session? Or are you using it to create an inspiring highlight video trying to attract attendees to future events?
Knowing what you are recording and what you want recorded is a significant detail in the planning process. Does your recording need to be of the speaker, what is on stage only, or should it include presentations and videos that are on screen? A camera can be set to capture the whole stage, though this does not give you the same variety that having a camera operator to pan or zoom in on a speaker will. Having two cameras allows for smooth transitions between shots. For example, if someone is being introduced and walking on stage, one camera could do a wide shot while the other is doing a zoom in so you are capturing more than the walk across the stage.
A switched feed is having your recording include presentations or videos that are happening on the screen for the live audience mixed in with live shots of what is going on in the room. This is often used for training or education videos on a website.
In addition to knowing what you want to capture during your event, what you are doing with the recorded file following your event is key as it will determine the format you need your production partner to provide.
To get the best outcome for your recording, here are a few things you want to consider:
• Attire
• Lighting
• Audio
Attire
What to wear or what to advise your presenters to wear may impact the final look of your recording. Having a place, such as a shirt or collar, rather than a scarf or a v-neck top to connect the microphone is a key detail. If you are using black drape for your backdrop, suggest colors other than black for dresses or suits. Using lighting will also help with this by creating dimension.
Lighting
If you are recording your event, you will need stage lighting to brighten the stage and presenter faces so they’ll be visible for video recording (“Let There Be Light,” Midwest Meetings Summer 2017 issue). To achieve the best lighting look on stage, add backlighting that surrounds the sides and back of the person or group of people on stage to frame them. This creates a more defined look and will reduce shadows behind the person while also adding more depth.
Audio
Having a clear audio feed will ensure high quality audio output. Plan for rehearsal and sound check time with presenters to set the correct audio levels for the camera. Microphone placement is an important detail. For example, you may have a panel discussion where panelists use wireless lavalier (lapel) microphones, pass a wireless handheld, or have their own tabletop microphone. Proper placement of a lavalier and guidance on where to hold the handheld mic will result in a higher quality output. Your audio technician will assist with appropriate placement for maximum input.
Room noise from air handlers and other building mechanics are factors that can affect the final video product. Work with your venue manager to make adjustments to their systems.
Whatever your goal or purpose may be, having thought through the considerations above will allow your production team to capture the most ideal views and content to fit your needs.
