Start a Personal Video Blog. A Vlog!!

Starting a personal video blog is easy. Pick up a camera or smartphone, film and upload. And that's it. At its simplest no editing, no title, no background music. And the results can be interesting and watchable. I've made several videos in this vein and here is my formula that works.

First I always use the selfie model, secondly I keep the video length down to less that 2 minutes, thirdly the content has to be conversational like talking to a friend, fourth I think through what I'm going to say before recording so I have a plan, and last there should be something worth listening to and about. I try to keep to one take but inevitably re-do about 4 or 5 times. I do believe that each take is better than the previous but you are never going to be perfect so just finish and download.

Now lets look at each facet. Running this in selfie model is good. People like talking heads because they hear the words, see your lips move and subconsciously decipher your body language - just like you were there in person. And when you realise that we rely about 80% of what we see only on 20% of what we hear body language is a big deal.

Try to look at the camera lens. Many people look at the screen where they see themselves but the camera is often situated at the top. You'll see a pinprick, check by covering with your finger and if the screen goes black then you've got it. Look at the camera and you'll seem more intimate to viewers. Try to get an interesting background but fill the screen top to bottom with you face and shoulders. Many hold the camera as far away as possible to make themselves smaller, and this is wrong. Viewer want to see you. We are all a bit apprehensive about how we look on screen. Don't worry, you will look fine.

 Try to look happy unless you are talking about something really serious. I look at myself and think I look miserable. I just don't know.

Because you've thought through what you will say it will be easier not to hesitate. Stumbling over words, hesitation and umms or errs are really irritating. The good news is, however, that practice makes perfect. So don't worry too much with your first efforts.

Keep it short. You can usually get your message across in less than two minutes. This is a great control and will ensure you cover just the essentials. Firstly surfers will stay for 2 or 3 seconds to see if interesting and if there is no impact they'll leave immediately. Otherwise they stay but the average is less than a minute. So you've got to make it really interesting. OK your family will not only watch everything you film, but they'll watch over again. But not the man in the street. I try and give some factual information first then a point I want to get across. Look at the video on this blog and you'll see what I mean. 

When you are talking think that you are having a conversation with one person. Maybe you are telling someone in your family or a friend. This will make the video more intimate and will hold the viewers attention. And it's easier to think you are talking direct to someone you know than an impersonal camera.

I try to do it right first time and when I re-shoot I keep thinking this is the last. Inevitably I do about 4 or 5 retakes and each one is better. Just give it a go. You'll be bettrer than you think.

Now for the final act. Upload to Facebook or Youtube. Job done. If you find this useful or want more information make a comment at the bottom of the page. Go out there and shoot a mega movie.

Interview Techniques to Make better Video

Hi Guys
 

Interview techniques are straight forward but often we forget some of the basics so here's some tips.

Decide the format of your interview.

     Is it a two-hander showing both the interviewer and interviewer?  Just the interviewee? A documentary with the interviewer telling the story and cutaways of interviewees to accentuate a point?

Once you've decided then stick to the same format. If you change mid-stream it will throw the audience.

Are you using one or two cameras? You can make an interesting interview cutting between both parties with one camera but it takes a bit or organising and planning. With two cameras you can direct one at each party, lay them down in parallel on the time-line when you are editing and then cut between. This is the simplest. Firstly when you are editing it's possible to see both faces and cut to the best shot. If there is hesitation or any reason to edit something out then you just cut to the other party and there is no jump in the continuity.

If you are using one camera and you are shooting and interviewing then it's still possible to show both parties and retain the flow of conversation. We do this by pointing the camera at the interviewee, filming them talking then, when complete, move the camera to focus on the interviewer who asks some of the questions again, the words don't have to be exact because you will be cutting in when editing. Then take some shots of the interviewer nodding in agreement, shaking their head and looking as if they are listening. And of course finish with a summary piece looking at the camera (called to camera). You can then edit this together to look like a two headed interview.

Lighting is important. You should think about natural light which is best but avoid direct sunlight particularly in someone’s face. They will have no definition and will probably screw their face up. It’s always best to find a place in the shade.

If you are filming indoors then try filming near a window with the light on the interviewers face. If necessary then you’ll have to use artificial light. Video lights on Amazon are really cheap now. An LED hand held battery operated light will be as low at £20 but we do not have time to cover lighting here. Watch out for a FilmMakerTips information sheet .

 I would highly recommend that you get anyone you are filming to sign a release form giving your permission to film them and use it at all times. If you are using it commercially and possibly paying them, then put that into the agreement. The main thing is that you have their permission. If they are contracted to a major TV network or film at a later date then they may have to sign an exclusivity document preventing them from working with anyone else. I've had this a few times now with TV stations and Shows like the X Factor. In fact I've just wanted to use a photo of a girl who worked with me 4 years ago and I'm told the BBC want me to remove it off the website. I haven't looked at the legalities because we had a contract at the time, but have just done it to save time and effort.

Always explain to the interviewee what you are going to do and what you expect from them. So, for example, tell them where to look - you or the camera. Tell them to relax and that any mistakes can be edited out or they can start an answer

again. Tell them most importantly that it’s just a conversation and to talk to you like a friend.

Start off with some local questions to put them at easy so that there is some flow going when they answer the relevant important questions because they are comfortable. So talk about the weather, sport, TV last night, families. Then just carry on into your questions. Afterwards tell them how good they were, and that you will tell them when it's edited.

Before the interview do some research if you have sufficient time to do so.  This is obviously important with pre-arranged interviews where you won't get a second chance. I remember a reporter coming from London to do two interviews for me with local people. As soon as she sat down with them it was obvious that she had done her homework. She knew all the relevant information and more. She talked about their families, their jobs and history and the heart of the interview topic with confidence. I guess that's why she was contracted for so much Sky TV work.

At the interview avoid eye contact with the camera unless intentional. It’s always best to use front and back end pieces to camera even if you don't use. You can't go back later. Use open ended questions that can’t be answered with one word. Use Why, Where, When, What, Who because they lead the interviewee onto a full answer. Encourage the interviewee by nodding, shaking your head, smiling, leaning forward. Anything to get them to open up and elaborate. You will find you are closer to each other than you expect but this improves the visual impact. You will look further apart, just like you will appear to be slightly heavier in weight than you are in life.

If things go wrong just carry on. It is best to pause for about 3 seconds which gives you time to regain your posture and get your thoughts straight, but also helps the editing.

Times are important too. The editing will always cut out content but when you are interviewing you can go on too long or forget the time. If you are on your own refer to clock or your watch. If you are being directed then watch the director and take instructions from them.

When interviewing get names right, say them back before the interview to check pronunciation. Use names through the interview but not in every sentence. Remember you are in control so direct the conversation back whenever it slips away.  

A quick word about microphones. The usual microphones for interviews are lapel mics, handheld mics or if you are in a studio with assistants then a boom mic. You may also use a fixed overhead mic. I'll be talking about mics on another blog. The cover over the mic softens wind whistle sounds. Lapel mics are really good, they pick up the voice but most other sounds are out of reach. When you use a hand-held mic then point it at whoever is speaking. Often non-professionals wave the mic around, or don’t point it in the right direction. Sometimes the interviewer will tap the mic unconsciously with their fingers.  But always remember to tell others in the room to be silent whilst recording.

Wear suitable clothes. If it’s a formal interview then wear formal clothes. Always try to dress to suit the occasion. This looks better on screen but also puts the interviewee at ease. Avoid wearing clothes with confusing patterns, In fact keep it simple. Plain clothing is best. In the event you may be recording in a green screen situation then avoid greens and blues.

Any questions? Write to me at my e-mail which is ask@mikeleahy.com

Welcome to How to Make Awesome Videos

Hi There and Welcome,

This blog is the companion to the new course that I'm putting together now.so you can expect some good tips and products here that will help you make great video. The course is due shortly and will be very comprehensive.

Some of the topics we'll cover are choosing cameras, lighting, sound and editing equipment and software on a budget. In fact I'll be showing you how to create stunning video using your smartphone. It's hard to believe you can do editing, add music and titles and download from within the phone itself.

I'll be looking at setting up a home studio and what you need for a mobile studio. How to take YouTube to the next level and use as a platform for your own online TV Channel. Filming interviews, local events and how to monetise your video. I'll set out the complete syllabus shortly.

I will set up a Facebook page and have already fixed an e-mail so click on the START photo which will take you straight there. I'm also setting up some regular freebies that my course students and followers here will benefit from. Yet another reason to sign up.

Now just a bit of background information. I don't have a degree in film-making or any other academic qualification. What I do have is practical experience in indie work and surrounding myself with professionals.

Just to let you know I made my first film in about 1951 so that may be before you were born, and maybe before your parents were born! I was about 8 years old and borrowed my father's 8mm camera. There as some film stock in it and I borrowed a couple of tartan skirts from my sister. I went off to the local park with a couple of mates and we made a film of about 3 minutes about the Scotsman Rob Roy, who fought the English. I can't actually remember much else except mny father was really mad that I'd taken his most treasured possession.

I will tell you more about my experience as we go on. It'll show you how technology has improved film-making and brought costs crashing. we'll look at the beginnings of the film studios in America and how you can use their techniques to make budget films.

So watch out for more.

Good filming