Video content is becoming more common as it is the fastest way to consume information.
In fact, it’s reported that 90% of the information our brains process is visual because brains can understand images 60,000 times faster than text.
As a medical device marketer, you may consider making some visual content of your own, which could include filming physicians, creating short clips for social media, or even pre-recording a webinar.
Whatever it is you’re doing, it’s crucial to do it right the first time, especially if you’re featuring a speaker with a busy schedule. We have compiled our top tips for creating professional-looking, high-quality videos. These tips can apply anytime you’re recording another person speaking remotely.
Setting up filming for high-quality videos
For high-quality footage, setting up your speaker in the right place for recording is just as important as the video content. Below are some tips on how you can advise your speaker on managing their background, positioning, lighting, and audio to improve their footage quality.
Keep the background simple
Although the focus will be solely on the speaker, the background will affect the viewer’s impression of the video.
It’s important to keep the background simple so that the attention doesn’t drift away from the speaker, leading the audience to miss important information.
Here are some things to avoid:
- Busy or colourful backgrounds: These can distract from the speaker’s message.
- Template backgrounds from Microsoft Teams or Zoom: Sometimes speakers may opt to use a blurred background, which adds a border around the speaker, creating an unclear line that can be distracting.
You might suggest the following to the speaker instead:
- A plain white background with a plant for a pop of colour.
- An office setting (glass offices looking out onto a quiet ‘working office’ look very professional).
- A bookshelf (topical books in view is even better).
- Placing a few objects in the background, such as ornaments, that say a bit about who they are for an emotional connection with the audience.
Make sure you have good lighting
Good lighting enhances the visual quality of a video, making it easier for the audience to connect with the speaker. It’s always a good idea to ensure your speaker is aware of their position in relation to the light source (window, light, or lamp).
The general rule is that lighting should be placed directly in front of the speaker, as lighting behind them creates a dark shadow and obscures their face. Sitting in front of a window should be the first-choice option as it’s the best way to get natural lighting.
If natural light isn’t available or isn’t sufficient, there are plenty of alternative light sources that replicate natural daylight, such as this laptop clip.
Looking to introduce high-quality video to your marketing campaigns?
Speaker positioning
It can be very distracting to watch a video where the speaker is sitting too far from the camera, or the camera is angled to look up at them—after all, nobody wants to be looking up someone’s nose.
Ask the speaker to sit directly in front of the camera, not off to the side. They should also ensure that they’re not too close to the camera or too far away; instead, they should sit centrally in the frame.
Furthermore, the camera should be facing them head-on. All of this helps to mimic real interaction and eye contact, making it easier for viewers to engage.
It may be helpful to use a tripod to get the correct camera angle, or the speaker could use some boxes or books to prop up their laptop.
Make sure you have clear audio
If viewers can hear a video clearly, they’re more likely to engage with it. Bad audio will make your video seem less polished and undo all the great work you’ve done in setting up. Here’s how you can help:
- Ask speakers to avoid setting up where they have background noise and to turn off their phones and emails.
- Earphones are a great way to improve audio quality. AirPods are a perfect option as they are small and therefore less visible.
- You could also ask your speaker to record the audio on their phone, in sync with your recording, so you have two audio files at the end of filming. Mobile phones tend to have excellent microphones, so they will produce great audio (especially when connected to earphones).
Know what you want to be discussed
Before you start filming, you need to know who your audience is and be clear about your purpose for making the video. This clarity will make it much easier to describe to your speaker what you’re hoping they will discuss. It’s essential to brief the speaker fully so there are no surprises for them, and they can prepare if they wish to.
It’s a good idea to avoid any kind of script, especially lengthy ones, as they can be hard to recall and can make the video seem stiff and mechanical, which is awkward to watch. The speaker might choose to have notes, but this is entirely their choice. If they do, you should suggest they keep them at eye level so they’re not looking down or away from the camera as viewers will pick up on this.
Leave space for editing
Editing is a crucial part of the process of creating high-quality video content. Poor editing can result in a lack of flow in the video and may not seem professional.
It’s always helpful to ensure that there is space for editing around your retakes. If you have your speaker mentally count to three before they start talking or before doing a retake, it will leave you space to edit and reduce abruptness.
Technical improvements
There are always some technical features involved in making video content, but this should not be a concern for the speaker. Before you start recording, ensure that everything is set up correctly.
Make sure the speaker has a stable internet connection that won’t cut out suddenly or drop in sound quality. The minimum acceptable level of internet connection is 5MB upload and download speed.