Bizvid Communications is a leading video producer in San Diego. Today’s blog walks you through the process of acquiring talent for your next production.
In the same way that your first impression when you meet a prospective customer is important… First impressions made by your video, and the actors or models chosen for that video are equally important. If your budget allows, it is always a good idea to seek professional presenters in your company’s behalf. Read more →
As a San Diego Video Production leader, BizVid Communications has a lot of opportunities to coach talent and help them give their best in front of the camera. If you’ve ever done public speaking, you know that this is no small task. In the next few minutes, I’m going to walk you through some of the do’s and don’ts to get the most out of your on-camera talent. Of course the end result will be a unique production that encapsulates the unforgettable essence of the person and the topic you wish to present.
This video offers some excerpts of a recent taping we did on behalf of Cal State University San Marcos…for their student and family orientation videos.
Each of the students we interviewed had great personalities and important things to say. Our job was to coax it out of them.
If you are coaching the talent, it’s very important to structure your interview with questions that require more than a one or two word answer. For example, instead of “are you a student here?”… you should ask, “what’s it like, being a student here?”
It is also important that you dispel their anxiety from the very beginning. I like to joke around with them a little, to make them feel comfortable. If I can make them forget about the camera and focus on being themselves, half the battle is already won.
As an interviewee, you may want to find out what your talent’s interests are. They may have a skill set that can be taken advantage of during the interview. Here, one of the students enjoyed creating raps, so we experimented with letting them do their thing. It turned out that we used it in the video.
Others have great senses of humor. Look for ways to encourage them to use it in their delivery. Remember stiff doesn’t sell, but real, really sells.
What’s more, I encourage talent, especially amateurs, to talk using their hands, if they are comfortable doing so. This seems to help them make their points and it is a good way to get a glimpse into their personalities. Something it may seem a bit over the top, but it is actually perfect on-screen. Just don’t overdo it. Of course, some may not use gestures …in that case, don’t worry about it.
Also, whether they are professionals or amateurs, it’s important to let them know that they are under no pressure to perform. If they can have fun without the fear of making mistakes…that will come through and captivate the viewer. In fact, I often declare that we are not looking for perfect delivery… but a delivery which accurately presents the speaker. To us, that IS a perfect delivery.
Some of our best footage comes from a talent who laugh and giggle and do little stutters or hand gestures when they get excited… in other words, we want them to act naturally. It’s our job, to capture their true essence in the best light.
This brings to mind a comment my partner has made to me, when I’m trying to get an “academy award” performance from a very stiff interviewee… sometimes it may be better to thank them and go to the next person. Some people were not built to be in front of a camera.
As a final note, when a talent begins their dialogue, you may want to instruct them to lose the “uhs”, the “ummmms” and the “okays”…. It makes editing much easier. Then, once a talent had delivered their lines well, it is important for them to stay looking in the same direction for several seconds after they are finished. The tendency is to look away immediately. But, an editor loves it when you give them a little extra useable footage at the end.
We at BizVid Communications hope you find these little tips helpful. As an interviewer, whether you are on camera or off camera, your mission should be to provide a platform for success upon which your interviewees can play.
When it comes to video production in San Diego, BizVid Communications finds that the little extras on a video production can really add credibility and brand recognition to a client. One of the creative components we are adding to videos more and more regularly is motion graphics tied to the client’s name or logo. A sun flare here or a flying word there, blended with a sound effect and a burst of flame or smoke (as with BizVid’s animated logo) can add that sometimes illusive “wow” factor to any video project. Our video animator is one of the best in the business. His name is Dave Matthies. Dave also happens to be partner Bill Gruber’s son-in-law.
Besides being our ongoing motion graphics innovator, Dave’s work can be seen throughout the various television networks. He is responsible for designing those heavily animated openings for a variety of true life series’ that you’ll see on the screen.
Dave is a master of the blatant and the nuance. He can create an “in your face” graphic whose message is undeniable, or a subtle visual that implies the quality and excellence of a client. It’s hard to describe these elements in words, but easy to display them. Here’s an example of the creations Dave does for us and others. You can also find him at his cowboymustache website.
The work that Dave presents can cost from the hundreds to the thousands, depending on the complexities. His favorite software is the Maya system. Even so, Dave’s genius is found in the way he pushes the limits of his software to build visuals that have peers asking, “how did he do that?” Another amazing facet of the artist named Dave Matthies is his remarkable even tempered nature. When other creative minded geniuses are screaming and giving tantrums, Dave is gently hearing and answering client directives with a gentle demeanor.
When our clients want to stand apart from their competitors, there are always pleased in the graphics, whether simple or complex, that we have Dave create for them. He can turn a client logo into a work of animated art.
San Diego video production company, BizVid Communications understands the need to acquire good talent for your video. Here are some tips to help you “Do-It-Yourselfers”.
For professional on-camera talent there are agents and casting services available through web searches. Union talent is pricey but proven. Artist Management and Shamon Freitas Modeling and Talent Agency may be worth a call. Samuel Warren and Associates casts for movies and productions, drawing from numerous agencies. Whoever you choose, be sure to tell them your expectations and budget up front.
Most low or no-budget videographers will want to secure inexpensive or free talent. First look in the mirror. Do you have the right zeal and understanding for the part? If not, consider a representative or employee familiar with and excited about your topic. School drama departments or community playhouses are good resources. Always have your prospect deliver a line on camera before deciding.
If you’re planning a voice-over, one of the resources BizVid Communications uses is Voice123. There, you can listen to many talents from the comfort of your own computer and select the voice that suits your script’s dynamics. You’ll negotiate the pricing with the person directly. As an aside, often talent will try and convince you to pay them in renewable flights, union scale, or based on coverage. We always try to buy talent out-right, on a one time, full usage basis. If you have a strict budget, beware that some announcers are pretty hungry these days.
Remember, finding a good talent for your production may mean the difference between passable and excellent.
BizVid Communications is dedicated to helping businesses in many ways: in addition to our unforgettable video productions and training seminars through the Carlsbad Chamber and elsewhere, you can also listen to our weekly small business advocacy show, entitled SBA Radio.
