Hi all, I’m back with another video. Thanks to a new team, we’ve made some improvements over the last round: better lighting (we did this set in my photo studio rather than my kitchen), I had a little coaching on what to wear, and Planet Waves has a nice new camera. There are three videos in this round; I’ll post them all this week. I would appreciate your feedback and suggestions (besides try to keep my eyes open, I already know about that). Thank you for your input — and thanks to Alise-Marie and Sarah, who helped create this segment and the next two.
— ef
Eric, some comments from a director’s perspective that can help you project your message (any message) with more clarity. I hope I’m not overstepping my bounds…
You’re working in a visual medium now, and absolutely everything that appears on camera should be there (or not) for one reason: to help tell the story, even if the ‘story’ is a chat or a lecture. Keep in mind, too, that because you are appearing as yourself, you are an integral part of this particular story.
Color and visual texture are very important. They can create a mood, hold attention, or just as easily distract. That said, the shirt you’ve chosen absolutely works for you. Excellent choice. A flat, white background is tiring on the eyes. Add more to it; the lighting effect on the wall is a good start but you should fill the entire space, not just the spot next to your head. Create an environment as big as the camera frame, with lighting, color, textures, objects (furniture, windows, whatever). The environment you create can be about the subject matter or about you, Eric Francis – writer, astrologer, photographer (in my opinion this would be the more interesting choice). It almost doesn’t matter what you choose, so long as you’re not sitting in a visual vacuum. And so long as it helps draw the viewer in rather than pull focus, of course.
Now ask yourself, “who is my audience for this video?” Experts? Novices? What is their presumed level of knowledge of astrology? Am I here to enlighten? Teach? Entertain? Editorialize? Then – in your mind, pick a single person whom you know and enjoy talking with, who has the level of understanding of the audience you’re addressing. Imagine you are talking directly to that person. Play with this exercise using different people. You’ll see how your delivery changes depending upon whom you’re talking to, as it does in real life. The more specific your choice of person, the more effective – i.e. better absorbed – will be your message. When you’ve found the “right” person for the video, visualize them – their face looking back at you and actively listening to you – to either the immediate left or right of the camera lens (If that person is physically available, why not ask them to sit in with you when you film?). This will help you focus on your message, ‘forget’ that the camera’s there and also help take your mind off of what to do with your body in front of the camera.
Body movement is fine IF it helps convey your message. If not, it’s distracting. Here it looks like you’re sitting on a swivel stool, and I find myself watching you rather than listening to what you’re saying. As to effective body movement, you don’t really have to do much of anything; the camera magnifies all movement, so less is definitely more. This isn’t to say you should be rigid, just comfortable enough to reduce (not restrict) your movements. Maybe try sitting in an armchair, something that will help hold you comfortably in place. But do use your hands, your facial expression, your voice, freely and naturally for emphasis. You’re talking about material you know cold, right? You should aim to do so with fluidity. If you’re having trouble getting to that point, one useful technique is to mark your script (and you should have a script, not just notes, until you become thoroughly comfortable working on-camera) for inflection and emphasis as if it were music – rests, stresses, etc. You don’t have to use actual musical notation; you can invent your own system. This works well whether you’re reading advertising copy or Shakespeare.
Eric, you write with such engaging authority. Remember that, use that, and it will come through on camera loud and clear. Give yourself permission to express with all the confidence you have in your knowledge and your perspective.
There’s no mystery to working on camera and you’ve already got many factors in your favor: your audience wants to hear from you; you are thoroughly at home in your material; and you’re photogenic. I hope I’ve given you some tools you can work with (and, as I said above, that I haven’t overstepped my bounds) 🙂
You might be interested in this editorial in the UK Guardian arguing that it was China that scuppered Copenhagen:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/dec/22/copenhagen-climate-change-mark-lynas
If it’s true, it’s cynical and depressing. But that’s politics. (And more of Saturn-Pluto?).
..that was cool. I’ve been playing tunes for cats lately, for my sake,.. it does good. You need a damn cool picture, screw the endorsing nomenclature, a ‘cool ass picture’ will do. We’ll work it..
(I’m glad you still have the little kid look, on flick.. don’t get too old too fast! The ’60’s were like yesterday! Smile with that whole bean you call a head..)
Love ya luv!
J
There is some great portent in your report, Eric, that I think we’re headed towards some meaningful changes in the climate in the next four years that will precipitate rapid need for change. If we’re smart we can prepare and, as we keep saying “be as resourceful as possible”.
Eric,
Very interesting and informative video. I found it very engaging. I second Gauri’s idea of a banner or logo of Planet Waves somewhere. Also, maybe some images behind you or color on the wall (don’t know if that’s an option). The white wall looks a little austere. Also, I liked the intro with the Saturn rings. I thought you did a good job talking to both people who are new to astrology and people who know more about astrology.
Eric, You may want to consider having a logo/a banner of some sort that says ‘Planet Waves’ in the background (on the wall behind you) or at the bottom of the video, so the name stays in focus while you speak. It may not matter much to your regular readers, they know what you represent, but new people may not keep up with the name too well, if it’s not right in front of their eyes.