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When is Movement Appropriate for Your Presentation Video?
Shooting presentations can present a unique set of challenges. The ones that concern camera movement and pacing can be particularly tricky. The goal is to capture the energy of the presentation while providing a slick, professional feel to the video. A well-produced video can allow your company to use the footage for future reference internally and even repurpose it as a marketing tool down the road. So the question is whether movement is appropriate, or is it distracting to the audience?
That’s a trick question! Movement is always appropriate. The differentiating factor is knowing how and when to use it.
When Movement Works
Movement will add production value to the video. Smooth camera movements using sliders or a dolly can give the video a nice cinematic touch as opposed to a static shot on sticks that will eventually bore your audience.
The movement should never be too obvious; however, it should feel organic to the video and compel your viewers to the point where they may not immediately notice the slight movement at all. Talk to your cinematographer prior to the shoot about how they plan on capturing the presentation, what tactics they will use, equipment, lenses, etc.
Want to learn more about defining a camera strategy? Click here.
When Is It Distracting?
There’s a distinct difference between well-trained movement that helps engage the audience and movement that becomes strikingly apparent. You want to avoid shots where the movement is fast paced and jarring because it will feel out of place for the presentation.
This can create a sense of discomfort in your audience and will distract from the presentation’s speaker. Pacing and movement is extremely important, and should always compliment the speaker. If you’re asking yourself if the camera is moving too fast, then it probably is. Keep it slow and steady, and always remember that the main focus is the speaker.
If the speaker moves quite a bit throughout the venue, a tip for avoiding problematic movement is to have your crew do a two camera shoot. Frame the cameras up with one using a wide angle that will always cover the person giving the presentation, and the other capturing a close-up or medium close-up.
For editing purposes, alternate the camera with movement and the one with the wide angle in case the speaker unexpectedly goes out of frame or an external factor causes the camera operator’s movement to lack smoothness (like an audience member unknowingly crossing the frame while recording).
Still uncertain about how to properly integrate movement into your presentation video? Finding a talented cinematographer or film crew and camera operator will help put that worry to ease.
Make Crews Control your go-to for a reliable and talented crew. With years of experience under our belt, we offer the finest talent to help capture the moments your business desires. Click here for a quote, or call 1.800.545.CREW – and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.
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