How to Shoot HD Flip Video for Business

It's been just over a year since we've started our company, and after editing and coaching clients to make the 800+ videos we now have on YouTube, we've identified some best practices to make your videos look great with the LEAST amount of effort. Each new client is required to watch the above video. However, if you'd like an inside look at how we coach clients to film video for business (meaning you don't spend a lot of time on production and planning - it's expensive), you'll learn how we generate at least 60 new videos a month when our clients are responsible for shooting their own footage, without any experience, in UNDER an hour a month of their time. This is John's first video, and he followed the script written below. Enjoy!

Hi, I'm John McMillan and I'm going to teach you how to use the Flip Video camera for business. This video has three parts. First, I'll cover the basic principles of video capture so your videos look sharp. Second, I'll teach you how to present yourself on camera, first starting with a script then moving onto advanced scenes. Finally, I'll teach you how to get the footage to us for editing.

Basic Principles of Video Production

1. Don't stand in front of a window and keep the light source behind you. It's best to shoot outside because of natural light. If you're indoors, turn all the lights on. Do your best to keep the subject well lit FROM ALL ANGLES to eliminate any shadows.

2. Stand close to the camera so your sound is sharp. If you're too far away, we won't hear you. The Flip Camera (which we recommend) does not have a microphone input. Some clients use the comparable Kodak, which does have a mic input; research which is best for you.

3. Use a stand, or hold the camera steady. You can pick up a camera stand for $20 at Best Buy, or make sure to hold the camera VERY steady with both hands so there's no shaking in the footage.

4. Keep the subject in the third of the frame, either to the slight left or right. If you shoot the person (or object) directly in the center, there will be a BIG PLAY button over their face, plus using the 'rule of thirds' makes the video more visually interesting.

5. Which leads me to my 5th point, shoot the subject over an interesting background. The more depth to the background (park, hallway, etc) vs. a flat wall makes the video more interesting.

6. Clean the lens with a soft cloth before shooting or there will be smudge marks from your skin oils on the lens, which blurs your footage.

If you follow these rules, you'll shoot video that look expensive and professional with only a $200 camera.

Tips for Comfort & Professionalism on Camera

Now, if YOU are the one on camera - especially if this is your first time, here are my tips to ensure you project a professional image and stay comfortable.

1. First, use a script. Type out what you want to say using 28 point font. Have your assistant hold the paper directly next to the camera, adjusting the line you're reading to the same level as the lens. I'm reading my script right now, just like I recommend.

2. Once you see the red button on the Flip Camera come on (meaning you're recording) PAUSE FOR 3 FULL SECONDS with a smile, both at the beginning and end of your video. This will give us room for a nice fade to and from your logo.

3. Once you've mastered the script, try shooting your videos at a few different locations. We'll stitch them together as one complete video. You can also add guests and conduct interviews. TIP=Charge vendors and partners to be in your videos, you're giving them exposure!

4. Once you've shot at different locations, add B-Roll - a fancy term for footage we put on top of your regular video. For example, I'm recording this, which is called A Roll, and as I talk we're cutting to B-Roll. We encourage you to always capture B-Roll. Keep your Flip Camera with you at all times and shoot scenes you can use in the future. We'll strip out the audio and put it on top of your 'A-Roll' video, making your final video more interesting.

5. Finally, you can always act out a skit to grab attention at the beginning of your video, which communicates the problem you solve in a humorous way. Now this is high level, and it's not necessary for results, but it sure is FUN!

6. As a final note, be yourself. Conversational, relaxed, and approachable is better than stiff, professional, and distant. This isn't TV - you're speaking to ONE PERSON sitting behind a computer. Act as if you know them. Don't say "HELLO EVERYONE" - speak to one person, not a large audience when you're on camera.
And of course, when you're a client - we'll coach you to be a rock star on camera.

How to Send Footage to Us for Editing

Now it's time to edit the footage. We use Pinnacle 14 and we recommend you keep it simple (no need for expensive Final Cut Pro). Now, we do the editing work for our clients, so here's how to get the footage to us so we can upload it to YouTube and place on your video blog.

First, plug your camera into your computer. DO NOT use the Flip software that pops up to send us the video, it compresses it and makes it un-editable.Then, open your web browser and log on to our YouSendIt DropBox. This allows you to send us these large, raw video files. Browse for your FlipCamera Drive, open the DCIM folder, and navigate to the footage. Now, we recommend you rename the footage to what you'd like to it be titled on YouTube, or we can do that for you.

Then select all the footage we need a click send. Please include a message of any special requests on how you'd like the video edited, scenes to cut out, etc. KEEP THE FLIP CAMERA PLUGGED IN as the footage is uploaded. And that's it - we'll confirm receipt of the footage, professionally edit your video, and get it up on YouTube usually within 2 business days at most.

If you have questions, call me - I'm the video editing guy here at Vyral. When you're a client, I'll also help you with your scripts, locations, and give you fun B-Roll ideas. Thanks for watching!