Filming a corporate talking head can be deceptively simple, but it requires careful attention to technical details to make it look and sound professional. Whether it’s for internal communications, social media, or a brand’s website, delivering a polished video reflects directly on your company’s image.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s essential:
1. Lighting
Lighting is the most crucial aspect of any video production. For a corporate talking head, you’ll want soft, even lighting that highlights the speaker without creating harsh shadows. The best setup is a three-point lighting system:
- Key light: This should be positioned to one side of the speaker, illuminating their face. Use a softbox or diffuser to avoid unflattering shadows.
- Fill light: This light is positioned on the opposite side to soften the shadows cast by the key light.
- Backlight: Positioned behind the speaker to create separation from the background, giving a sense of depth.
2. Audio
While video quality is important, poor audio can completely ruin the viewer’s experience. For corporate videos, clear and crisp audio is non-negotiable. Using a lapel (lav) microphone or a shotgun mic off-camera will ensure you capture the speaker’s voice clearly while minimizing background noise. Position the mic close to the speaker without being visible on camera.
3. Framing and Composition
The speaker should be the clear focus of the shot, but the composition matters. Use the rule of thirds to position the speaker slightly off-center, which makes the shot more dynamic. If you’re filming at a company location, ensure the background is relevant but not too distracting. Corporate branding elements in the background can help reinforce the message without being too obvious.
4. Camera Setup
Now, let's talk about the camera. While smartphones have come a long way in terms of video quality, nothing beats the versatility and image quality of a DSLR or mirrorless camera for professional corporate videos. Here’s why:
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Superior image quality: DSLRs have larger sensors compared to phones, resulting in sharper images, better depth of field, and enhanced low-light performance. This allows for a professional, cinematic look.
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Control over settings: A DSLR gives you full control over critical settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. This control lets you adjust the exposure and achieve a perfect balance, regardless of the lighting conditions.
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Interchangeable lenses: The ability to switch lenses gives you flexibility in framing the shot. A prime lens, for example, can help achieve a stunning background blur, keeping the focus on the speaker while blurring any distracting elements in the background.
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Better stabilization: While some phones offer built-in stabilization, the level of smoothness you get with a gimbal or tripod-mounted DSLR setup is far superior.
5. Editing
Once you've filmed, editing is where the final polish comes in. Add captions for accessibility, and maybe some branded graphics or lower thirds with the speaker’s name and title to reinforce professionalism. Adjust audio levels, correct color tones, and add transitions to keep the video flowing smoothly.
Why DSLRs Outshine Smartphones for Corporate Filming
In short, while smartphones might be convenient for quick social media clips, a DSLR will give your corporate talking head video a truly professional look. The depth, sharpness, and control over the visual style you get with a DSLR simply cannot be matched by a phone, especially when you consider different lighting environments and the need for high-quality audio.
No Time, Expertise, or Equipment?
If all this sounds overwhelming or you're short on time and resources, we’ve got you covered! At The Business Visuals, we specialize in filming corporate talking heads that look and sound exceptional. We take care of everything—from lighting and audio to framing and editing—so you can focus on what really matters: your message.
Visit us at www.thebusinessvisuals.co.uk and let’s make your next corporate video a standout!