Play 6: How to Create Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Video and Audio Materials
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STEP 2: RECORD
Once you have written the final draft of your script
and identified your spokesperson, it is time to
prepare for recording.
■ Location. Location. Location. Location is key
in setting the stage for your videos. To ensure
that your video setting contributes to the video
experience, consider the following tips:
» Less Is More: Choose simple and believable
settings and backgrounds, as if the person
is at home or their relevant workplace.
Make sure the background is not too busy
or cluttered; it can distract the viewer from
the main message of your video. Remove
distracting lamps, small objects, knick
knacks, or pictures.
» Be sure to look through the lens to get a feel
for what the viewer will see. Beware of plants,
pictures, or lamps that stick up behind
someone’s head.
» Avoid a completely blank backdrop, which
can make an interview looked staged. If
the person is coming into an office setting
to do the video, rearrange office furniture
to look warm and welcoming and remove
distractions.
■ Illuminate the Subject: Lighting is key in
making sure that everything you want seen is
visible. Make sure the light source is in front of
them, not behind, to avoid a dark, silhouette
effect. You want the face to be clearly seen
but not too bright. In general, natural lighting
through a window or open door is great
for making your subject visible in a video
recording, and it is free. If you record outside,
place your subject in the shade, not in bright
sunlight. Again, check the view through your
lens to be sure the subject is seen in flattering
light.
■ The Setting Is a Character: The recording
location should tell a story and contribute to
the overall campaign theme or call to action.
For example, if your spokesperson wants to
talk about how families can support MOUD
treatment, your coalition may choose to record
their testimonial in a home setting. Or, if the
person wants to talk about being back at
work and wants the video to be done at the
workplace, be sure to get permission from the
employer and follow all recommendations for
the background and lighting.
■ Visuals Are Enhanced by Audio: In addition
to ensuring that your visual settings are
engaging and informative, it also important
that your video subjects can be easily heard
and understood. In general, it is important to
record in quiet settings that are not within or
around loud distracting noises (e.g., highways,
people talking, airplanes flying overhead).
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If shooting outdoors, take a moment to
evaluate any background noise. It can be
hard to find an outdoor location that is truly
quiet. If using a mobile phone, consider
putting it in airplane mode during filming to
avoid interruptions. Appendix A includes an
outline of recommended recording and audio
equipment.
Once a location has been secured, you are ready
to film. A cell phone with a camera may be all you
need to record a video. Consider the following
best practices as you record your videos:
■ Practice Makes Perfect: Prior to recording,
make sure you do a few practice recordings.
These practice sessions help the spokesperson
rehearse what they will say and to correct any
distracting mannerisms, such as touching
their face and hair or looking away from the
camera as they are talking. Another common
mistake is sitting in a chair with a moveable
back and rocking back and forth. These
practice recordings also let the camera person
determine optimal background, lighting, and
distance from the spokesperson.
■ When in Doubt, Bust the Shot: When
recording people you do not have to record a
person’s entire body. In fact, it may be more
impactful to focus on the person’s face to
capture their facial emotions and connect with
viewers. Your coalition may consider recording
people using a bust shot. Bust shots show