The Office of Student Scholarship, Creative Activity, and Research (OSCAR) Celebration Resources

Not sure where to start? What our OSCAR Seminar on Video Presentation and get all the initial info!

• You will want to something to hold your camera steady when filming, regardless of your filming device, rather than relying on a person holding the camera. Typically, this would be a tripod or stand of some sort. This doesn’t have to be expensive additional equipment; it can be as simple as a stack of sturdy books but will greatly increase the watchability of your content.
• Make sure to take a few test videos to ensure that you are getting yourself or your subject in the shot.
• Consider the lighting when shooting your video; avoid filming at night or in poorly lit rooms. The best source of light is bright and diffuse, coming from straight at the object to be filmed; direct overhead light can create awkward shadows in place
• Avoid filming against a completely blank background as you don’t want to look o like you are lost in a void.
• As with audio, you can always record an other take so watch your recording, note areas of improvement, and record again

In this photo you can see that the student did a great job of setting on the camera on a secure tripod, and that she is recording using just her phone. She is well lit, and in front of an interesting background. However, having someone else in the back of your shot is not recommended unless they are an intentional part of the video. You wouldn't want someone to drop something or interrupt you if you are having a great take!

Dos and Don’ts of Recording Video on Your Phone – TB Media Group. https://tbmediagroup.com/dos-and-donts-of-recording-video-on-your-phone/. Accessed 25 Nov. 2020.

• Make sure you are speaking clearly and confidently. Don’t speak too slowly, which will make the video drag, or too quickly, which will make you difficult to understand.
• Try to edit out any long pauses or audible breaths. You can use free software such as those listed in the general resource sections to do so.
• Record your audio in a quiet room, without a lot of echo. You can hang blankets or stack pillows outside of camera view to help prevent echoes.
• Notice and compensate for things that could affect the audio quality, such as background noise from home appliances like dishwashers, noise from outside an open window, or from moving items around while you record.
• Remember you can always do another take; listen to your recording, note areas of improvement, and record again.
• Write out everything you are going to say beforehand and don’t try to “wing it”; this will cause stuttering and awkward pauses in your audio as you think of the next thing you want to say.

You can see in this image that the individual set up a recording area in their closet in order to get the best sound. The cloths absorb the sound and make the audio less echo-y. Now this is a sophisticated set up, but this could be as simple as sitting in your closet and using the mic from your phone or computer to record voiceover. 

“Building a Recording Booth in Walk-in Closet for Voice over Work - Home Recording Forums.” Home Recording, https://homerecording.com/bbs/general-discussions/studio-building-and-acoustic-treatment/building-recording-booth-walk-closet-voice-over-work-388647/. Accessed 25 Nov. 2020.