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video tips

Top Advice for Video Creators from IAWTV Award Winners

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IAWTV sponsored an awesome video track at NMX 2013, and after the conference, they also hosted an awards ceremony for web TV content creators. NMX sponsor .tv got a chance to work the red carpet, interviewing some of the nominees and winners.

But in this case, the question wasn’t “Who are you wearing?” Instead, correspondent Mark Yoshimoto Nemcoff asked these top content creators to share their very best tips for up-and-coming video creators. Check out what pros like Kristyn Burtt, Grace Helbig, Goldie Chen, Chris Hardwick, and Tim Street had to say:

Many winners and nominees at the IAWTV awards were actually speakers at NXM 2013. Want to see their presentations? You can get all of the conference recordings as a premium member of NMX University with our 2013 Virtual Ticket. Learn how to sign up here.

Quick and Dirty Video Production

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From writing a script to lighting and sound, recording with the built-in webcam on your laptop, editing, production and post-production with Apple’s iMovie, award-winning speaker Dave Taylor demonstrated every step needed to create your first YouTube-ready video during his session at NMX 2013. We had the pleasure of seeing Dave’s workshop yesterday at NMX. Here are some of the highlights from his talk:

  • “You don’t need to invest yet to get started.”

iMovie comes preloaded for free on Mac computers and Dave fully explained how to use this free software for all it’s worth. From tips about shooting footage to best import options and title and transition tips, Dave explained all the options and best practices for creating a quality video. He then went on to put together a video in front on the attendees, demonstrating exactly how to implement the topics he covered.

  • “There is nothing that you can come up with that can’t become interesting.”

Anything, even the most mundane topics can become an interesting video. The key is presenting it in a fun, engaging way. Make a story out of a seemingly uninteresting topic to capture viewers’ attention.

Dave also shared many easy tips about recording and editing throughout the entire session, including:

  • “Really focus on looking at the camera, not the screen.”
  • “Shorter is better than longer.”
  • “Do something engaging.”

Did you know we have tons of bonus content from the show being uploaded everyday? Head over to NMX University to see videos, livestreamed keynotes and more.

About Dave:

Dave’s been online for over thirty years, during which time he’s founded four startups, published twenty books, and earned both an MS Education and MBA. He currently writes for a wide variety of online publications and produces how-to and marketing videos for a variety of clients, including Intel, Kingston and TrackVia. Find him online at DaveTaylorOnline.com

Video Content Ideas from NMX Speaker Chris Ducker

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Chris Ducker is one of the best people I’ve met at past NMX (BlogWorld) events, so I was completely bummed when I found out he wouldn’t be speaking in New York due to surgery. I’m happy to report, however, that Chris has recovered (woo hoo!) and will be speaking at NMX Las Vegas (double woo hoo!). Chris is a virtual assistant maven, so he’ll be presenting “45 Things New Media Content Creators Can Outsource to Virtual Assistants to Help Grow Their Business” during the event, which you definitely don’t want to miss.

Did you know that Chris is also a talented video producer. Video is a hot way to reach your audience, but it can be frustrating to come up with content ideas. So in this video, Chris gives you ten great video content ideas that anyone can produce – no fancy equipment needed!

Here is the “show notes” version of Chris’ great ideas for video content:

  • Idea #1: The Talking Head
  • Idea #2: Location Shots
  • Idea #3: Interviews
  • Idea #4: Split Screen Interview
  • Idea #5: Live Speaking Footage
  • Idea #6: Behind the Scenes Footage
  • Idea #7: Unboxing Clips
  • Idea #8: Event Walk Throughs
  • Idea #9: Business Promos
  • Idea #10: Answers to Questions

Don’t miss out on your chance to meet Chris in person, attend his virtual assistant session, and check out more video tips in our Web TV and Video track sessions. You can register today here – See you in Vegas!

Composing Your Video Shot: The Rule of Thirds

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The artistic composition of your shots can instantly make a video look professional – or, unfortunately, like you don’t know what you’re doing. We’ve already gone over some composition tips for shooting emotional video in the past, but today, I wanted to highlight a really important design concept that all beginners can use: the rule of thirds.

The rule of thirds can be used for any kind of shot, but I personally find it most helpful for interviews and (in photography) portraits. Basically, if there’s a person in the video, this technique is going to help you set up your camera to get the most professional-looking shot.

Here’s a quick video that explains the rule of thirds. It’s super simple, so even if you’re just starting out, don’t be intimidated to try it out!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NbGDDDcM-k&[/youtube]

Want more great video education? Check out the web TV and video track at NMX!

How to Set Up Lighting for a Video Interview

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If you’ll be interviewing subjects in your videos, using the proper lighting is important for a professional-looking quality. One of the best set-ups to use is three point lighting, which uses a direct key light, filler light, and a back light. This kind of lighting allows you to see the subject’s face clearly, without any stark shadows, and it also makes the subject stand out from the backdrop.

For more information about three point lighting for video interviews, along with diagrams of your lighting set up, check out this video:

If you’re on a budget, don’t worry; you can still do three point lighting without the fancy equipment. Use the same general concept and principles with whatever lighting equipment you do have.

Want more great video tips? Check out the web TV and video track at New Media Expo in Las Vegas this January.

How to Use Camera Techniques for Emotional Filmmaking

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Camera shots in your favorite movies, television shows, and web series aren’t random. With the right shot, you can begin to elicit emotion in your audience before your characters ever say a word. These are techniques you can do with any kind of camera, and they’re completely free; you don’t need fancy equipment to make the shots happen (at least most of the time). So what are your options and how do these kinds of camera techniques psychologically affect that viewer? Here’s a great video from Film Riot that explains the relationship between emotion and the shot you choose:

Remember, although this video is talking about pulling emotions during a work of fiction, you can use these same techniques if you’re creating non-fiction videos as well, such as interviews and tutorials. Playing around with camera placement can make scenes feel extremely different, so try a few options to get that overall video tone you really want.

Video Trick: Smooth Panning Using Rubber Bands [Video]

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Not every trick to shooting professional video has to include the purchase of a high-cost tool or fancy editing software. In fact, sometimes, the answer is a “tool” you already have – in your junk drawer of all places!

Check out this very quick video on creating a smooth panning motion using nothing more than a rubber band. If you’re a beginner at creating videos (like me!), little budget-friendly tips like this can be lifesavers, right?

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/890329[/vimeo]

Check out the rest of our Web TV category for even more great tips like this one – and remember, we have an entire track at New Media Expo for people producing videos, so make sure you’ve grabbed a ticket to the show if you haven’t already!

Using Flickr to Find Locations for Your Web Series

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Sometimes, a natural location makes the most sense for a scene in your web series. When that is the case, what are your options?

  • Ask your friends for location recommendations?
  • Go back to a location you’ve shot at in the past?
  • Tweet to see if any of your followers have any ideas?

All of these methods for finding locations can work, but it’s kind of a crap-shoot.  You might get the perfect spot. You might be forced to compromise.

Want more options? This video from Izzy Video gives some awesome advice on how you can use Flickr when you’re hunting for that perfect location for your next video. Check it out:

Even if a special location isn’t necessarily for your video (for example, maybe you’re doing non-fiction work, where you’re just talking to the camera), shooting with a new, interesting location in the background can help give your videos that extra something special, setting you apart from others who are filming from their home offices. So don’t be afraid to get out there and experiment with different locations, especially now that you have a great way to find them!

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