Video Production Tips
Scripting Tips
Please try to arrive at your video shoot as prepared as possible.
You do not have to memorize your script.
Directory One has a professional teleprompter positioned directly above the camera. You will be able to read your script from the teleprompter and it will look on your video as if you are looking directly at your audience, by looking directly into the camera.
It would be best if you were able to email your script to dave@directoryone.com at least three days before the scheduled day of your shoot so we will have time to input it into the teleprompter.
If you want to write your script yourself or have one of your employees write it, please adhere to the following general guidelines:
Your script should be no more than one page of double-spaced 12-point copy for each 30 seconds. For example a script for a 60 second video should be approximately two pages of double-spaced 12-point copy and so on.
If you are producing a TV-commercial style video, scripting is already included in the cost.
With any other kind of Directory One video, script consultation is available upon request at no additional charge for videos 60 seconds or less.
Scripting consultation for videos longer than 60 seconds is available @ $100.00 per hour.
Full scriptwriting service is available @ $250.00 per hour.
Online videos should be short and relevant
Remember, for your video to play on your website and\or on YouTube, the shorter the better. 30 seconds is the norm and about 60 seconds is the max. People just don’t have attention spans longer than that for web videos . . . unless, of course, they are your wife or husband.
On the other hand, if you are producing a promotional or training video to play online, it would not be unusual to separate your video into several 5 to 7 minute segments. When it comes to online video shorter is always better. Plus the more individual video segments you have the more optimized titles you have for improving your search engine rankings.
What to Wear Onscreen
Generally all shades of blue look good on video. Just remember to avoid all shades of green.
Performance Tips
If you’ve never been in front of the camera before, you may be a little intimidated. Please, relax! We will do everything we can to make your experience as easy as possible. Please review the following prior to arriving for your debut, as they will help.
If reading a script to the camera, look directly at the camera as if you are talking to someone in the same room with you. This practice helps the audience feel as if you are talking directly to them.
If you are not reading from a prepared script and are doing a question and answer situation like an interview pause after the person asks a question before responding. This will produce for a clean edit and prevent your reply from being clipped.
Rephrase the question in your response. If asked, “What is your name?” respond with “My name is…” rather than simply stating your name. Remember, you are talking to the audience and the most times the question will be edited out and the audience will just hear your response.
Most Important Step
One of the most important steps is to complete your script a few days before your shoot and practice it out loud. This will help you get a feel for the material and allow time to make any changes you would like to the script. Taking time to practice reading the script several times out loud also helps you get more familiar with the material and will give you a much better result.
If you have any questions please give us a call at 713-465-0051.