There are many different aspects of a successful
shoot. It is the details that are often overlooked; this can make
the difference between a professional looking video and one that
was shot by Cousin Joey. When professional actors are used, they
already know how to handle wardrobe, hair and makeup. If, on the
other hand, your talent is your coworker, these things should be
addressed prior to the day of the shoot.
| WARDROBE |
Advise anyone who will be onscreen to avoid the following:
- Clothing with sayings or logos –
unless it is a company logo
- Solid white or black – whites can
appear too bright onscreen and blacks can appear as a ‘black
hole’
- Avoid extremely bright Red colors (lipstick
or fire engine red are particularly bad)
- Tweed, herringbone and small checks are
not camera-friendly. Also avoid plaids. Plaids with thin
lines can buzz onscreen; however, ‘buffalo plaids’
are acceptable
- Small prints or thin lines – these
can look busy or “buzz” onscreen
- Avoid clothing made from a glittery fabric
or with jewels attached
- Keep jewelry to a minimum and avoid big,
bright pieces or jewelry that jangles and clinks. Be aware
that necklaces may rub against microphones clipped to your
clothing.
In general, wear comfortable clothing that you feel good
in. It is best to stay away from extremely light or dark
colors; instead, concentrate on mid-tones or pastels. Advisable
selections would include solid, bright clothing or large
patterns. Clothing and color selections should fit the mood
of the spot. Generally all shades of blue and green look
good on video.
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| HAIR
& MAKEUP |
Keep it simple and be yourself. Your daily hairstyle is
fine and makeup should be what you normally wear. We can
provide a light dusting of translucent powder to take away
shine from noses and temples.
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| 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 enjoyable and
fun. Please review the following prior to arriving for your
debut; it will help.
- If directed to do so, look directly at the camera as much
as possible, even to the point of addressing the camera
when you talk to someone in the same room with you. This
practice helps the audience feel as if you are talking directly
to them. Avoid ‘checking in’ with the director
too soon; this can result if a shifty-eyed look.
- Taking cues is a good workout for peripheral vision. Do
not overtly acknowledge the director’s cues by nodding
or saying, "OK". Also, try not to shift your eyes.
Cues are given close to the camera lens to make it as easy
as possible to take them within the flow of the production.
- Pause after the director asks questions 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, not the director.
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| VOCAL
PREPARATIONS |
Preparing your voice is an integral part of a successful
presentation. Try the following:
- If you find yourself nervous, take deep breaths, get a
drink of water, laugh or yawn. Why yawn? You cannot yawn
and be tense at the same time. Even a nervous laugh to yourself
will help relieve tension.
- Prepare your voice. Relax your throat with a glass of
lemon and hot water before departing for the shoot. Also,
certain foods and beverages coat your throat, causing difficulty
in swallowing and speaking; stay away from cola drinks,
chocolates and dairy products.
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Download a printable
version of these tips.
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