My Experience with Being a Video Subject
Earlier this year, I set out to make a corporate bio video, discussing what Indermaur Media is all about. I started the project before the Pandemic (with no beard) and ended up finalizing it with a much-needed haircut and a beard. :) But more importantly, I learned so much from the experience of sitting in front of the camera, instead of my usual position behind it.
In a nutshell, it is hard being a subject!!! I have been an interview subject before, and that seemed to be somewhat easy for me. Probably because it’s much easier to be in conversation with someone else. I have also done a lot of public speaking over the years, and that has helped me communicate more clearly. Put me in front of a camera, as a “client,” using a thoughtfully produced script, then speaking the main points into a camera, was not easy for me.
First, I wrote my script and had it edited by my Producer. Then I used a teleprompter and read my script word-for-word into the camera. This seems easy, right? I’ve used this strategy many times with many subjects and for corporate video projects. But I was not happy with my own outcome. I shared it with a few friends, and some people felt that while I got the words and messages across, it didn’t feel like I was speaking with emotion, from my heart. To me, it felt cold and as if I was reading it from a teleprompter. Well, I was reading from a teleprompter. With mixed ratings, I shelved it for months.
I learned that reading from a teleprompter does take practice to make it look and feel natural - with emotion and energy. I have always been a fan of speaking from the heart. Some clients will do better with a teleprompter, some without it. The length of the prepared messaging and the subject's comfort level are two items to consider when creating a video.
For me, I realized that remembering the points I wanted to make, and speaking openly without the use of a teleprompter felt more natural. During this Pandemic, and at home for weeks (without a haircut), I decided to give it a try solo. No assistant, no producer, no teleprompter, and staying on message with my handwritten outline. I took a million takes and gave up very frustrated. Creating a video solo was not going to happen.
This experience was a big reminder that having the production crew support - even a very small one - was worth a lot! Being the subject, producer, director of photography, assistant, and the sound engineer was not easy. When what I needed to focus on was my being on camera and delivering my message, and it wasn’t working well. There was too much going on in my head while I was attempting to speak on camera. I must admit I am a perfectionist when it comes to production (one of the finest reasons clients hire me). However, I became even more critical, seeing myself talk on video. Most YouTubers create videos with their computers, but to create videos on their own, I now realize, takes lots of time and practice!
I then asked my producer to assist. A few weeks had passed (my hair got longer) but we finally pushed through! Having a producer/coach really helped me stay on topic, feeling good about directing clear messaging with feeling. Bingo, it worked!
A reminder that creating a successful corporate video helps when a focused crew isn't juggling too many balls. Having the production support for staying on message, hitting the highlights, using my energy, and being the focused director I am, ultimately brought the message forward!
The importance of a good video production crew - even a crew of one - can make or break your video. Making the subject feel at ease and assisting them through proper messaging, vision, set, lighting, and expectations before a production begins will streamline the entire process. I can now plan on doing more solo videos, but I won’t do it without assistance!
If you’ve been thinking about your own skillset, or creating some cool videos, let’s do it together.