Recently, Videomaker completed its first-ever Basic Production Techniques webinar and we couldn’t be more pleased with the turn-out. There were so many good questions, but, unfortunately, not enough time to answer them all. Here, at Videomaker, we value every question presented and aim to answer each one of them. One question we were unable to answer within the allotted time was regarding basic tips for composing, lighting, and shooting a talking-head corporate video.

Great composition is vital to any video production. Generally, you always want to observe the rule of thirds. If you divide your frame into three equal parts, both vertically and horizontally, you’ll end up with a basic guideline for good composition. The goal here is to place your subject, or points of interest, on one of the intersections within your imaginary grid. In the case of shooting a “talking-head,” you will want to place the subjects eyes on an intersection located in the upper-third of the grid. If you can’t fit your entire subject into the frame, be sure to crop the top of the head and not the chin.

Since corporate videos are pretty straightforward, you don’t need to create an extravagant lighting scheme. A basic 3-point lighting setup – a key light, fill light, and hair light – should do the trick.

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The office is bustling, here at Videomaker, as we prepare for our upcoming workshops. The weekend of October 9^th is coming up fast and we couldn’t be more excited. For the first time ever, we’re offering an Intensive Lighting Workshop, as well as our Basics of Video Production Workshop.

Our Basics of Video Production Workshop is a start-to-finish course on movie making. This is a great way for beginners to become familiar with the equipment and the processes involved when telling a story with video.

For those of you who already have a grasp on the basics of video production, the Intensive Lighting Workshop will allow you to build upon your production skills and knowledge by focusing on light theory, equipment and techniques.

If you’ve been to one of our workshops you know that it’s a great way to get hands-on experience with professional equipment, learn new techniques and work with people who are as enthusiastic about movie making as you.

It’s not too late to sign up, so if you have never attended one of our workshops, or just want to build upon your previous experience, now is as good of a time as any to join in on the fun.

Click here for more information on attending a Videomaker Workshop

Videomaker hosted a collection of 15 video enthusiasts this past weekend to our offices in Northern California for our popular Videomaker Basic Production workshop.

Outdoor Shoot using Crane

After a series of lectures on the basics of video production that included shooting, lighting and editing techniques, we broke the class into two groups, each making their own video story.

Along with our cameras, lights, mics and other assorted video toys, we brought out our crane for some fun shots with one group and a dolly track for the other.

Once the attendees break out into their groups, they sit down to plan out their video for the weekend, using either storyboard or shot-sheet planning guides, and then we get to shooting.  Half the day one class shoots in the studio while the other half shoots on location outside, then they rotate, so that each group gets the chance to learn how to work with studio lights inside as well as reflectors and boom mics outdoors.

Studio Setup using Lights

Within the groups, we also rotate the roles each member plays: Director, Camera op, Audio Monitor, Lighting and Grip, etc;  so that everyone gets the chance to see what it’s like directing a crew, shooting a production, lighting a subject and making  sure all the elements come together as smoothly as possible. Then, they sit down and edit their masterpiece.

The videos shot this weekend are “Film Focus” and “I Quit, I Quit!” and can be found at:

Please be kind with your comments, most of the attendees are new to this wonderful business of making video!

Our next workshop is May 1st through the 3rd, and offers the Basic Production class as well as Advanced Editing. There’s still room available for this workshop, and the month of May in Chico California is probably the best weather you can experience!

Come early Thursday for our popular Thursday Night Market, a weekly fun spring-thru-fall event that’s like an outdoor Farmer’s Market combined with a “Small Town Main Street” feel that includes music, food, craft fair and kiddie activities. Mainstreet America doesn’t get better than this!

Hope to see you soon!