Training Video Gear Prep

So you want to add video into your latest training initiative? Great idea! But remember that interactive elements, such as video, can be one of the biggest expenses when developing content.

We’ve already given you a few handy hints to prepare for your video shoot. Still panicked? Yeah, it’s a lot to think about and manage. If you aren’t a video wiz already, you’re probably even more panicked.

The good news is that, whether you’re a pro or a novice, there’s a common ingredient in successful video projects: Preparation. The more time you spend planning, the smoother your production will go. In this round of tips, we’ll focus on gear prep: camera, audio, and lights.

Camera

Let’s start with the camera; it’s the most important gear you will use. Today our smartphones, tablets, and other devices are capable of capturing amazing 4K footage and beyond. Another option is a DSLR photo camera, which can also film incredible video footage. Be resourceful. It’s okay to use a nontraditional filmmaking device.

If you need a more professional camera, it’s easy to rent gear. Most major metropolitan areas have at least one film rental house. The employees are usually very knowledgeable and eager to help. To set up a successful rental, remember these tips:

• Call well in advance to place your rental order.
• Prepare a list of questions.
• Rent the correct lenses to produce all the desired shots in your script.

You’ll also need a tripod to steady your camera and enable you to precisely dial in shots, especially if you’re hoping for a polished look. The lack of a tripod can result in an amateur product.

However, sometimes a handheld technique is actually the better option. A handheld shoot can add a sense of freedom, urgency, or playfulness to your video. It can also save time if you’re worried about finishing everything. At the end of the day, your script will indicate the shooting style that will best serve your story. Maybe it’s a mix of both!

Remember that video is about movement. How you move your camera through space can make films feel more dynamic and up the productional value. Camera movements on professional sets are achieved with tracks and dollies, Steadicams, 3 axis-gimbals (MOVI, Ronin), cranes, and much more. Rental houses have this equipment available, but it requires some professional training. There are many consumer-level gimbals available for smartphones that produce fantastic results.

With whatever camera and shooting styles you decide on, it’s important to be prepared. Outline your shots and prepare the lenses and stabilizing gear you may need. Familiarize yourself with the gear prior to your shoot so you know how to turn on the camera, set exposure, and focus.

Sound

Unless you’re producing a silent film (in which case, you’d still have some audio considerations), you need to think about your audio needs before the day of your shoot. Capturing quality audio is crucial to the success of your production. Bad sound can ruin a perfect shoot. Good sound can make real magic.

It’s always best to film your production in a quiet atmosphere where you have some control over the background noise. When location scouting, listen to the sounds in particular rooms. Take a moment to shut your eyes and notice as different sounds come into focus. Cameras pick up on those distractors. A few specifics to listen for include:

• Can you hear planes or traffic?
• Is the air conditioner humming?
• Is there a refrigerator making a buzzing noise that you can turn off?
• Is there background music playing nearby?

Some of these questions may require communication with the location manager to resolve. It just takes a little planning and diplomacy (cookies never hurt). Don’t be afraid to ask if noisy appliances or background music be turned off or unplugged during the shoot.

Now let’s discuss microphones. Whether you’re renting a professional cardioid boom microphone and hiring a sound technician, or simply recording audio on your smartphone, there are a few things you can do to help ensure the audio is clear:

• Place your microphone as close to your subject as possible without appearing in the frame.
• Ensure that your microphone is securely in place, whether in a mic stand, boom, or other means of securing it.
• Assess your audio script needs before you start shooting.
• Organize any sound clips you want to add later, including music and special effects.
• Make a plan to mix your audio to balance levels in postproduction.

Lights

When the lighting equipment comes out, a video shoot starts to feel real. Like with cameras, local rental houses provide a wealth of information and ideas. If you’re able to rent professional lighting, get at least three lights to achieve three-point lighting for your subjects. Research lighting techniques. Look up images and resources to get inspired and feel prepared.

Lighting considerations are similar to those for equipment when location scouting. Keep these tips in mind:

• Scan your script for ideas about lighting that will enhance the narrative and particular points you want to make.
• Notice the natural lighting, specifically at the same time of day you’ll be shooting.
• Note any dark areas that will need a lighting boost.
• Consider any special effects: a swinging single bulb on a wire, a red light, or strobe effects.
• Do your research and make a list of the lighting equipment you think you’ll need before inquiring at your local rental house.

If your budget doesn’t allow you to rent professional lighting gear, no worries! In a pinch, you can easily make do with the available light on set. Filming next to a window with natural sunlight is a great way to capture your subject with soft portrait lighting . . . and it’s free! With certain camera angles and planning around time of day and how natural light moves, you can even create some cool special effects. You can also use the technical magic available in postproduction to help enhance or fix lighting issues.

Action!

Even if you’re a novice video creator using the simple equipment, preparation is the key. Not only can you become a video pro in no time, you will discover how to apply your creative and organizational skills to make your projects shine. And you’ll ultimately create training that many people learn from and enjoy—thanks to your hard work!

For a deeper dive into training video production, join me and Alicia Seguin at ATD TechKnowledge 2023 for the on-demand session, ACTION! Training Video Tips and Tricks for the Accidental Videographer.

Editor’s note: The post was originally published on the Reflection Software website.