#trvlmedia

Let’s say you don’t have a professional television grade camera or even a DSLR. You have no lighting equipment, microphones and only a limited budget but you want to get Into shooting interviews for your own corporate videos. What can you do? Read below and we’ll tell you. 

The best camera is the one you have with you. You can get some really great shots with your smartphone these days so don’t be afraid to start shooting with it, rather than holding out for ‘that camera purchase’. 

Tip #01: Use Natural Light Please don’t overlook lighting, never overlook lighting. If you’re filming in an office for example, it’s quite likely that the office lighting will make your shots look slightly blue. Although this can easily be fixed in Post Production, It’s best to get the great quality shot you can whilst at the shoot. Use natural light. Position your camera near a window, facing away, with your subject (the person you’re interviewing) facing toward the window to cast the light from outside on their face. If the camera you’re using has a Zebra setting, use it. As much as you want natural light on your subjects face, you don’t want them to be too bright or blown out. 

Tip #02: RØDE SmartLav If you are shooting with your Smartphone, It’s still recommended you buy an external microphone. If you’re doing interviews or pieces to camera, you’re going to need either a directional microphone or a lavaliere microphone. Enter the RØDE SmartLav. It connects to your phone via the headphone jack using the RØDE Rec app (available on iOS & Android). Purchase it here: (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00EO4A7L0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PeRExb45Z94WD) to record to your phone. Once your done, you can email the audio files to yourself or upload them to an FTP. Good audio will boost the production value of your video, no end. 

Tip #03: Please use a Tripod If you have the time to set one up and you’re not operating a run and gun shoot, always use a tripod for an interview. If you can't afford a tripod, place the camera on a set of books on top of table. Do what you can to make sure there's enough space either side of your subject and enough head room. If you can't use a tripod for whatever reason, at the very least apply a stabiliser in Post Production. If you're using Adobe Premiere Pro, the Adobe Warp Stabiliser is fantastic! 

(Barbara Travis, Transformation Training Academy www.transformationtrainingacademy.co.uk)

Tip #04: Direct from one side to the other If your subject is sitting on the right hand of the frame, sit yourself on the left side of the camera and ask them to address you directly or focus on a point near or behind you if it makes them uncomfortable looking directly at you. 

Tip #05: Get some royalty free music Go to a website like www.rampantdesigntools.com and purchase some royalty free music packs. You can use the Rampant Music as much as you want, wherever and whenever - they're suitable if you're on a budget and much cheaper than purchasing commercial music.