It seems like everyone and their brother is getting into the video business. Why? Because video has become a key component of a successful web marketing campaign. Basically, without video, your marketing efforts are likely to falter.
With video growing in popularity, many people are trying their hand at making their own videos. An increasing number of business owners are going beyond on-location video shoots with their smartphones and are building their own basic video studios. But is this a good idea?
Quality Video Is Crucial
Since so many businesses and blogs are getting in on the web-video game, video quality is improving at a rapid pace. It's no longer good enough to shoot a grainy video. So, if you are considering putting together a video studio, think quality first. This means owning a good computer, editing software, video camera, and sound and lighting equipment. These items alone can cost you many, many thousands of dollars.
Studio Space Considerations
Next, you'll need to think about the building itself. Common places for amateur video studio spaces include:
- Basements
- Garages
- Attics
- Sheds
- Spare bedrooms
Before you get excited and clear out a space, you need to think hard about the room in question. You should first consider sound. Are there going to be sounds beyond your control that ruin your videos? While you can turn off an air conditioning unit or only shoot when the rest of your family is away from home, there are some sounds that are hard to cancel out. Footsteps from your upstairs neighbor, cars passing by, or airplanes flying overhead are some noises that are difficult to seal out. If noise is a concern, be prepared to throw some money at the problem in the form of serious and expensive soundproofing materials.
Then you have to consider backdrops. Are you going to go the green screen route? If so, you'll need to make sure it's the right color, that it's big enough to cover all your shots, and that you install it correctly. If you're setting up different backgrounds instead of a green screen, the costs can add up quickly.
Is it impossible to set up your own video studio? Of course not, but it may cost more than you think. And, if you decide to get out of the video business, it won't be easy to recoup your costs.
An Alternative Plan
Before you max out your MasterCard, call 703.962.1270 and take a tour of our professional video studio. We rent our four-sided DC green screen video studio at reasonable rates, for projects big and small, and we can help you decide if it's in your best interests to invest in a home video studio. Call today—we love talking video!
