Let's Go To The Video Tape

The other day, I was invited to a private event, hosted by a University client.

Accepting was immediate, as was placing my marketing brain into gear.

The list of attendees consisted of alumni, major donors and esteemed guests.

With such hectic schedules, the Executive Administration didn't recognize the potential "gold" they could access, by capturing these VIPs on tape.

That lack of planning spurred my decision to write this article.

The one thing today's forward technology can't do, is go back in time.

Once an event occurs, without a taped record, it is lost.

All too often, footage may not have ever been shot!

Too many excuses exist as to why people don't preserve an event, speech or function.

Cost, lack of capability, what to do with the footage and proper use of camera and lighting are partially responsible, along with possible feelings of imposition on the attendees.

Even worse, a creative person responsible for producing a fundraising, promotional, or educational video might

neglect to examine the footage from the prior year’s event.

Once however, the decision is made to capture video (using an employee or hired photographer) the ability to catalog a variety of moving pictures is a snap!

I do not recommend using an I Phone or Flip Camera, but when all else fails, it's better to capture footage, than to pass completely, since professional editing equipment can be used later.For optimal results, always use a broadcast quality HD camera. 

And now the taping:

ASK individual VIP's to appear in a quiet area, in front of an attractive textured curtain or a nicely decorated board room. This may take a little persuading, but insure they will enjoy the process.

REMIND them to enunciate clearly and a just a bit slower than normal speech patterns.

MAKE CERTAIN the room is secluded from others who might be watching or listening.

(Now, the camera man can interview and play the part of newscaster.)

REMEMBER to relax the subject as best as possible, since most people are nervous in front of a camera. A glass of wine or cold beer has been used in the past. Go figure.

ALWAYS receive advanced permission from the person to be taped.

FURTHER TIPS:

Greater success can be obtained by making guests aware that solid colors photograph most effectively.

Red, and stripes, is not your friend. Neither are very busy patterns.

Have ready a little powder and make up pad if needed, to avoid a shiny nose or forehead.

With each reply, be sure to include the interviewer's question within their answer.

When asked, "In what city were you born?" the preferred answer is, “I was born in Detroit “(not "Detroit”). This creates fluid content, improving post-production.

It is worthwhile to offer a list of probes in advance. Here are some samples:

A) How did you become involved with this institution?

B) What excites you most, regarding this institution?

C) What is the one thing that people don't know about this institution, but absolutely should?

D) Why should a Donor give to this cause?

E) Which staff member or volunteer deserves public praise and why?

F) What would result without generous donors?

Once the taping is over, let the talent know that only perfectly edited footage will be used, making them appear poised and professional.

An editor will create indexed logs with the names of the persons taped, and the main subjects discussed.

Going the extra mile to produce an interesting YouTube video, corporate presentation, emotional fundraising video or a tribute piece, will be highly valuable to any organization.

Happy Shooting.

Don Tolep

www.dontolep.com