Working with smaller businesses on video projects is something that we have done a lot over the past few years, and we like to think we get the best out of every group of people we encounter. This is often most important when comes to directing actors, especially when they come in the form of employees who have never been on camera before. We are always encouraging businesses use their staff in videos because they are generally reliable, knowledgeable and passionate about your services, and make the project a little more personal as well as cost effective. The main stumbling block is of course finding someone who is willing to be filmed and getting the best performance out of them when we are likely to be nervous. Here are a few basic pointers for first-timers…
Don’t worry about embarrassing yourself
Yes, it’s easier said than done we totally understand that; but time spent feeling afraid of making a fool of yourself on set is really just time wasted. The moment you let go and realise that absolutely no one in the room is judging you on your acting ability is the moment you’ll act naturally and engage the viewer. We work on various projects featuring everyone from schoolchildren to politicians, so we really have seen it all. Nothing you do is going to make us think any less of you; and our aim is to get very the best out of you and we can guarantee we’ll do that.
FREE GUIDE: 5 Types of Video to Improve Your Business
Learn your lines
If there’s a quick way to look stiff and awkward on camera it’s by reading from an autocue or a script held up just behind the camera. Professional newsreaders make it look relatively easy (some of the time) but for your regular Joe shooting their first scene it will be more of a hindrance than a help. You will be too busy concentrating on not messing up your lines instead of looking directly into the camera and creating an emotion around the words you are saying. Please spend time memorising your lines to the point where you absolutely do not need to look at a piece of paper, and we will prompt you if you forget something or deviate from the script.
However, it’s not just about the script
Confusing as it sounds, the words you say on screen can lack any kind of importance – unless you say them with conviction. We’re not saying that your character needs an elaborate back story and ‘motivation’ for what they are talking about, but you certainly need to at least try to understand what you are saying and why you are saying it. For example if you are talking about pet insurance, the lines where you express how much families love their pets needs to be heartfelt and genuine. Try thinking a little deeper about what you’re saying and you’ll find the ‘performance’ will just come by-product of that thought process.
Once you’ve nailed these points, you’ll be on your way to feeling comfortable and confident on camera. We promise we’ll explain what’s expected of you from the get go, and will give you even more tips on the day ensuring that you do the best you can. Then onto your next big project!
