A good way to avoid the static, “talking head” feel of the typical lawyer video is to shoot your subject from various angles. This will require investing in multiple video cameras, as well as tripods to hold those cameras steady. You'll also need to splice the various takes together with a top-notch video-editing software program. Sound complicated? The production experts at Gearshift are always available to help!
Shooting from Multiple Angles Can Give Your Video that “Hollywood” Feel
The next time you're watching a movie or TV show, look closely at how the actors are filmed during long stretches of dialogue. Because it can be tiring to watch the same person talk for minutes on end, directors will usually shoot the actor from various angles and splice the footage together seamlessly as the character delivers his or her lines. This engages the viewer's interest (if only on a subconscious level) until the next explosion or car chase, and it prevents the viewer from switching to another channel or going to the refrigerator for a snack.
Provided you have the budget, shooting your “talking head” video from various angles can help keep the viewer engaged, and prevent him or her from closing out your clip before it's halfway through (which Google often interprets as a signal of a low-quality video, with the result that you might lose placement in search results). At the minimum, you'll need:
- Two high-quality video cameras, preferably identical, shooting video in the same format
- Two tripods to keep the cameras steady
- A video-editing software suite that lets you seamlessly integrate footage
Of course, there's no need to go overboard. Even the dullest lawyer won't have to be shot from more than three vantage points, and two are usually enough to keep the viewer's interest during long stretches of exposition (and, if the exposition is unusually long and dry, that may be a signal that you need to change your script!)
Fairfax Video Studio Can Give Your Videos that Professional TV Look
If this setup seems too daunting for a two- or three-minute video clip, call Gearshift today for a free consultation. Our experts can set up your shoot in one of our “green rooms,” utilize multiple camera angles, and deliver a video that potential clients will be eager to watch.