Preparing is Key!

Things You Should Do & Know Prior to being Video Taped as a Video Spokesperson

Preparing Your Script

When developing your script, think “conversation”. Write as though you are having a conversation with your viewer.

Unlike public speaking, when you are developing a script for your web video you are speaking to one other person, not a group. Consider writing your script as if you are speaking to one person.

Practice before the day of your shoot. The more you review and practice you script, the better. Don't just sit on a chair and read through it. On the actual day of your shoot, you will walk onto the green screen set and you will turn to the camera and then begin reading your script. In most cases you will remain standing. Do this in the mirror and read through your script numerous times. The more you practice in this manner the better your video outcome will be.

Listen to what you wrote. We speak differently than we write. So it is important to sit back and read your script outloud a few times. This will help you to identify problem phrases. You will be able to quickly identify the issues because you will stammer over them. You will almost immediately think to yourself, “I don't think I would say that...”.

There is more to the walk-on video than just speaking. While a great message and call to action are really important, your “action” or “acting” is important as well. Practice smiling while you read your script. Practice your hand, arm and head motions. The more subtle personality you can portray, the better the final outcome will be.

If you can, record your practice session so that you can play it back and hear yourself. Keep in mind that just about everyone dislikes the way that they sound. You are not used to hearing your own voice outside of your head.

On the Day of Your Green Screen Video Shoot

• Do not wear green - any varients off green will be transparent in the final video.
  
  
• Wear dark shoes - this will prevent 'green spill' onto the shoe.
  
  
• Do not wear predominantly white pants - again to prevent green spill onto your legs.
  
  
• We will have basic powder to remove shines on faces and foreheads, if you need more make-up, please bring it. There is a make-up station in the studio.
  
  
• Your final script must be returned to us, for the teleprompter, 3 days prior to your scheduled video shoot. It must be an electronic text document in a common format.
  
  
• Your video shoot will take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how many VideoSpokes you have planned. Even a short 30 second video segmant may require multiple takes in order to get it right.
  
  

In the Studio

• Your director is in charge. Please follow all instructions.
  
  
• Lighting is hot. Do not touch any fixtures. Do not place your bags or clothing close to lighting.
  
  
• Cables will be run, very often on the floor. A great number of cables will run to and from the actual video camera. Please be very careful no to trip on cables. One accident around the video equipment could be very expensive or may cause injury to you or our staff.
  
  
• Do not book another appointment directly after the time that you anticipate finishing your video shoot. While planning is nice, it is very difficult to know for certain how long it will take to get your perfect shot.