Lights, Camera, Action - Uptown Studios

A woman looking frazzled and stressed out standing in front of a camera with a worried look on her face

POV: Your company is working with an agency on a video project. You and your co-workers have been asked to participate in a professional video shoot next week. Now what? How are you supposed to prepare for that?!

Re-frame the Panic

It is entirely natural to feel nervous when a camera is pointed at you and you are expected to speak to it. Most bodies perceive the situation as a threat, initiating a fight or flight response (which makes you feel and look anything but calm…). You may also have been previously traumatized and critical when viewing your captured image because your face appears reversed from what you are used to seeing in your friendly bathroom mirror and your voice seems different than what you hear in your head.

It may be reassuring to know that other people rarely notice the things that bug you the most about your appearance. What they see, feel, and react to most is your energy and personality so you will want to do whatever you can to make yourself comfortable before and during the video shoot so the ‘real you’ can show up.

Another very important thing to focus on is that you are acting as a trusted and friendly provider of information rather than playing the role of a celebrity or salesperson. Place your ego gently to the side and imagine that you are just sitting and talking to a good friend to help them.

Peace Through Preparedness

The videographer and producer will meet with the person in charge of coordinating company participants ahead of time to discuss general tone and style options. Decisions will be made regarding where to conduct the shoot (outdoors, indoors, with or without a backdrop) and what colors and styles of clothing would work best to produce a unified set of videos that align with the company brand.

Performers are trained to over-prepare so when distractions like other people in the room, an unfamiliar location, and lights and cameras are introduced, there is some brainpower left to deflect all that extra junk. If you practice what you are planning to say either in front of someone else or on your phone camera, you will receive valuable feedback so you can adjust your thoughts and wording to be as clear and natural sounding as possible.

So, in advance of the shoot, try out the following strategies:

Gather and finesse your thoughts. Write down a no-judgment list of things you might want to say. Then, pick out the things that sound the strongest and most interesting. Continue to refine your message by taking out anything that doesn’t help tell your story. Practice what you plan to say out loud until it starts to sound natural and unforced.
Seek friendly feedback. Ask your partner, your siblings, your co-workers, your cat, or your dog to be your test audience.
Do some test shots at home. Shoot some casual, unposed videos with a wide range of attitudes and angles, and then examine your clips with a kind eye. See which shots come off looking and sounding natural and closest to the real you.
Crush the jitters. Free your breath by jumping up and down, shaking your arms, crouching down and coming up quickly, or twisting side-to-side before you start speaking. If sitting, breathe into your belly and feel your shoulders soften.
Prepare your look. Be sure to plan out your hairstyle and how you want to apply your makeup (if you usually wear it) for the video. Try out and plan to bring several pieces of clothing that fit well and make you feel extra comfortable and confident.

Own Your Moment

As you step in front of the camera, take a deep breath and embrace the experience. If you feel your body stiffening into an uncomfortable or unnatural position, use the jitter-crushing techniques from your shot test sessions to free the excess adrenaline. Please use your hands and body to gesture if that is how you usually speak as this will make you feel and look more natural.

Ask the crew for feedback on how you look or ask to review a few shots that they have already taken so you can get a sense of the overall composition and how you are coming off. As needed, ‘shake it out’ and move your ego to the sidelines.

Remember, let go of the self-critic—don’t worry about your appearance and how your voice sounds. Instead, concentrate on telling your most sincere thoughts with the camera, as if it’s your good and trusted friend. Trust in your preparation and know that your message will be helpful and meaningful to those who view the video.

With a little preparation, a professional video shoot can be a fun and productive experience. So have fun, and be proud, you are doing important work here. : )

Uptown Studios provides full-service photo and video shoots. Reach out to us today!