Many people don't realize how important audio is to video. Especially good audio. You have to have good audio or people may not be interested in watching your video or movie for any extended amount of time. To prove it, just turn the sound down next time you watch a movie or even commercial on TV. It makes no sense without audio yet many people do not pay attention to the sound when recording home movies and many independent film makers don't pay attention to sound in their movies.
Let's discuss a few simple steps that can help you with your home movies first. By home movie I mean those videos you shoot to remember birthdays, holidays and such. We're strictly talking audio here.
1) Don't talk - If you are running the camera or are near it but aren't part of the video don't talk. It's that simple. As an example, let's say you are recording your local Memorial Day parade and everything you see you say "Oh look, a firetruck!", "Oh look, a horse!", "Oh look at how cute those kids dressed as vegetables are!". The viewer will be watching your video and I ASSURE you they will know that the big truck with ladders, hoses and guys sweating their butts off in fireproof suits is a firetruck. They will know that the big animal with the long neck is a horse and not a giraffe. As far as kids dressed as vegetables they will also have an opinion about whether it's cute or just plain weird. People will enjoy your video alot more without commentary. The exception would be if you are actually teaching your audience something they don't know such as a tour of Hoover Dam for instance. Then you might want to explain what things are and how they work
2) Don't stand near noisy equipment, TV sets, radios, people talking (see #1), traffic or anything that is generating lots of noise that might distract from the video. Be aware of what's around you. If you tape your child's play in her classroom and there is an air conditioner running, set up your camera on the other side of the room. You will be surprised at how much easier this makes this video to watch no matter how painful the child's play may have been.
3) If your using the microphone that is on the camera be as close to the subject as possible. Get to the events early if need be. Remember, if you get to an event late you may have to be behind people who are talking and your camera will pick their discussions up. Nothing is worse than going to a local music concert and the audio on your camera has a mix of Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic" and some lady complaining about her friends "ugly lipstick". Try to move to a location that has the bet sound quality for whatever your recording at home or on the road.
4) Get a better microphone for your camera. Most cameras have built in mics that are lousy to say the least, but they may have an "external mic" plug so you can plug in a better microphone. There are many choices available. check places like BHphotovideo.com and amazon.com. You'll be impressed with the difference a good mic can make!
5) Be near the audio that does make sense. At an amusement park? Maybe the sounds of the motor of the ride are kind of cool to have in the video. Be at a distance where they mix nicely with the sounds of people yelling, screaming or just having fun. At an air-show? Stand near one of the speakers so you can get the narrator speaking. This is such a simple way to make an air-show video much more enjoyable! At a family gathering? Maybe uncle Eugene tells funny stories so tape him telling stories. Video peoples reactions but be close enough to hear clearly Uncle Eugen's tale.
6) Be aware of wind and don't handle the camera too much. Wind can raise havoc on the audio and handling the camera excessively can be a noisy proposition. If using a tripod be prepared for what shots you want so you don't have to keep loosening and tightening the tripod. If it's windy outside move to a location, if possible, to block the wind and make sure you have your mic switched to wind reduction if it has that feature.
Follow these simple steps, use a little common sense and your audio will move to the head of the class in no time!
A quick note for Independent film makers. If you have the cash try to buy a nice mic with XLR conectors and a boom. This will bring up the quality of your movie tenfold. If you don't have XLR on your camera you can purchase mics with mini jack but be careful. This audio is what is called "unbalanced" and can have alot of noise. XLR is by far the way to go.
If you have questions or comments I'd love to hear them,
Forris
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Ideas for practicing voiceover
Here are a few ideas for practicing different voices for all the folks who are into voiceover or want to get into it.
#1 - Read everything and read it out loud. Read it with your normal voice and read it with your character voices. Add inflection, even if it's a serious piece from the newspaper, read it as if it were funny, sad, or whatever you come up with. This is a great way to add inflection to your reads. You can read an instruction manual for an air conditioner, do it in one of your character voices, add inflection and you'll be really surprised with what you get!
#2 - in conversations with your friend use one or more of your character voices when speaking to them. Yes... your friends will think your weird, but hey, they probably think that anyhow.
#3 - Do stand up comedy. Look for open mic comedy night's in your area, go to them and do your voices when you tell your stories and jokes. Watch comics on TV and you'll see that they do it all the time. You can too!
The following is a shameless plug for my open mic comedy page
#4 - Purchase books on the subject. There are tons of them and most are very good. Amazon.com has lots of reviews on them and you'll know which ones to buy. I plan on doing interviews with some of these authors in the future so stay in touch for that. These books have allot of ides for practicing your voices.
#5 - Follow along on TV cartoons and television shows. Repeat what they say. Try to mimic the voice or make up your own. Write some of the dialog down and keep practicing it.
These are just 5 of 5,000 ideas. Think outside the box. Always practice different voices and you'll be well on your way, if you aren't already to doing voiceover as a hobby or career.
If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them.
Forris
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