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In this video:
00:10 – Equipment for recording a video
00:45 – The backdrop used in video recording
01:19 – Lighting positions
02:08 – Creating content for SuperFastBusiness.com
02:22 – On creating quality content productions
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Transcription:
James Schramko here from SuperFastBusiness.com and this episode is about my stand-up desk and some of the equipment I’m using in the studio.
Filming device
To make this video I’m actually recording on a Canon 60D DSLR camera that gives me up to 12 minutes of high quality filming. I’m using a Canon RC-6 remote to turn this video on and off, and to auto focus. I’m actually watching myself back on a flip out screen so that I can actually ensure that I’m in the picture.
Sound recording
I’m recording the sound with a RODE NTG-3 shotgun mic feeding into a BeachTek Mixer that gives 48 volt phantom power. That means I get 1 SD card that I can edit.
Backdrop and other elements
Now to make this look good I’ve got the backdrop here as a black felt but I also have white paper and green velvet. And over there I’ve actually got a whiteboard which is 4 meters long. I can use that as well.
Now, I’ve got my MacBook Air sitting here. Now I could use this as a tutorial thing, and cut between me and ScreenFlow, and I could actually use this to prompt or I could use either the 27” monitors that are right beside the camera screen that I’m looking at now. If I just look to the monitor and I could be reading it but I’m not, and it would probably be undetectable.
Things needed in setting up a video studio
Lighting equipment
Now for lighting I’ve got a light down here pointing back onto the backdrop which is why you can see that sharp line of light between me and the background. I’ve got a light here pointing down to the top of my beautiful head, and that would give that definition. Got a light over here (points in front to the left) coming to me at this angle, and I’ve got a light just here (right side) pointing to me.
That’s why you see this computer light up nicely here because it’s got a light. This desk is fantastic it’s just about belly button height. And it means that I can work away at my computer standing up and avoid the fatigue of having to sit down all day.
Convenient set-up
Now I know I can crank out tutorial videos all day long with this setup. It’s set up to go, I don’t have to move anything, I can just turn the lights off and then I can switch it on again tomorrow and create content.
A big thing this year for me has been creating a lot of content for SuperFastBusiness.com. That’s why my listenership for the podcasts has increased, my YouTube channel is growing stronger, and people coming to my site are getting really good information.
A good question to ask yourself
So I guess the action step for you is – how can you lift the quality standards for your productions moving forward this year so that you can have the best quality content for your customers?
I hope you found this useful. I’m happy to take your comments and questions.
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Please comment below.
Kai says
February 6, 2013 at 8:10 pmVery helpful video James ! Video looks much better then previous once. Couple of things : stop wearing. Flimsy 2 dollar tshirts when you film :-) polo shirts look much better maybe get your own logo on the polo .? How about a different bulp in the light which makes you look less pale ? Grow a goaty or have a clean shave mate, five a clock shadows don’t look good on camera , but that’s just my opinion . Have a great day.
James Schramko says
February 7, 2013 at 6:34 amHi Kai, Obviously you are new here, thank you for commenting. Just a quick reply: I dont wear $5 shirts or makeup nor do i have a wardrobe assistant. My videos are not carefully crafted for me to get a show on opera. They are to educate, inform, entertain and stay connected. (Also occasionally they sell too). In some of my videos I have a $400 shirt with collar. Some people complained about it… I do have polo shirts, nice ones, Ralph Lauren, Ferrari, My own branded ones. I have my own branded T-Shirts and hoodies too. In my wardrobe I have $5000 Cashmere jackets and suits. Does it matter? Not sure. The thing is Kai, I wear what I want and I shave when I want. I have no boss and this is part of the deal. I wore a suit and tie from age 9 through 36 so I’ve done that whole formal thing. Maybe I need to iron my T-Shirts or something. The lights I have would be fine for a professional (and I film outside a lot), I just need to learn how to use them better.. This is a skill issue. Regarding shaving… Nah. Opinion noted, however I am just going to remain being me until I get more feedback. I think I will pose your question to the audience in a video so thank you for the idea.
James Schramko says
February 7, 2013 at 6:45 amP.S – Next you will probably tell me I have to wear shoes too? ( :) )
Mark says
February 6, 2013 at 8:15 pmWhat is the name of the audio mixer you use? Went to beachtek and there are four options available. Wanted to know if there is one better than the others.
James Schramko says
February 7, 2013 at 6:16 amMark I use a DXA-SLR it has power
Veit says
February 6, 2013 at 11:13 pmHi James,
nice set-up. If you use that desk for actual day-to-day work, according to our chiro you should make it a touch lower, so that your hands are below your elbows while working…
I work standing up myself… actually, I work while walking on a treadmill to keep the spinal fluids moving while at work.
Takes about 2 hours to get used to.
Have a great day,
Veit
James Schramko says
February 7, 2013 at 6:15 amVeit the desk is a touch lower – I was standing a little wide here to get me head below the shot.
Brenton says
February 6, 2013 at 11:28 pmGreat work James, love seeing the ‘behind the scenes’ videos!
James Schramko says
February 7, 2013 at 6:14 amThanks Brenton. Eating my own Dogfood :) http://www.superfastbusiness.com/traffic/seven-easy-video-ideas-for-marketers/
Casey says
February 7, 2013 at 12:19 amDo you do house calls James? Can you come and set up my home studio for me please?
James Schramko says
February 7, 2013 at 6:13 amIf I am in Tassie I’ll drop by for coffee
Ken Beller says
February 7, 2013 at 12:30 amJames,
Thanks for the info. I am setting up my own studio now and it works pretty well, but I have a few questions for you.
How far are you from your backdrop and from the camera?
What lens are you using on the camera?
What type / wattage of lights are you using on your backdrop?
BTW, i use a leveler mike and it works great. The sound using it in my studio and sitting at my desk using SnagIt and a headset is great and the same, so it never seems like I am changing venues when i go form me on the screen to the PowerPoint slides.
Thanks… Ken
James Schramko says
February 7, 2013 at 6:13 amHi Ken,
about 16feet from the camera and I use a 50mm Canon 1.8 lens. I like the recording into the computer when possible. Not as easy outside though.
Stephen Gibson says
April 10, 2013 at 9:33 amJames, What method do you use for syncing your audio to picture when you record the audio directly into the computer?
James Schramko says
April 10, 2013 at 1:18 pmI use screenflow and I line up the soundwave by hand
Stephen Gibson says
April 13, 2013 at 11:01 amThanks James, that’s exactly how I do it too, but because I do music I usually do my syncing and post stuff in Logic 9. Nothing beats a bit of manual hard graft..good for the soul.
Darrell says
February 7, 2013 at 2:18 amGreat video James. Really cool to see the whole set up and how simple to get really professional results. I’ll definitely be using this for myself. And never heard of a stand up desk before but I love it!
James Schramko says
February 7, 2013 at 6:11 amWait till you try it :)
Jon Poland says
February 7, 2013 at 4:35 amJames: Thanks for the information regarding the equipment you are using. Video is going to be a big part of what I am doing in 2013 and I really like the set you are using. I have noticed that your videos keep getting better and better.
As for the stand-up desk, I started working with one about 18 months ago and I absolutely love it. You were absolutely right when you stated that working while sitting makes you fatigued. With the stand-up desk, I can work for 2 to 3 hours and still feel fresh. It’s a great for productivity and it’s healthier for you.
Kai says
February 7, 2013 at 9:02 pmMy respect to you James with regards to what you want to wear and look in your videos. No doubt that you have all the nice stuff in your wardrobe.
BUT your red t-shirt appears to have a dark stain in the middle of your chest !? Is it my monitor or maybe my eyes ? what is it.. seriously ? ;-)
I like your videos and I am grateful to get good information of someone who hits the nail on the head and you do that.
many thanks
James Schramko says
February 7, 2013 at 11:37 pmThat is a pattern – like a splatter – just a bit of fun :) [brand new actually]
James Schramko says
February 7, 2013 at 11:44 pmI made a video today Kai so we will put it to the people so to speak and let them decide :)
Veit says
February 8, 2013 at 12:40 amHi James,
first of all, I don’t see why you have to justify your choice of shirts on your website… yes there is a subconscious message with clothing, but I don’t see your market wanting to see you uptight and overdressed… overdressing doesn’t go well with the laid-back Aussie accent anyways… ;)
Simple fix re lighting issue. Have the camera a bit higher, slightly pointing down at you, rather than straight on.
Then lower the lights a bit, have them shining at you straight on, and move them a bit closer in next to the lens of your camera.
That way you get more light disbursed under your eyes.
Also turning up the exposure of your camera will help to add life.
Also your high light over your right shoulder is pointing too much at you from the side. I’d play around and use it on top of the black backdrop to throw the light down at your back, rather than head.
That would give you the halo effect you are after.
As for sound, if you want to cut some room sound out, get a rug to stand on, and get a blanket from an op-shop and screw it in the ceiling above you. That’ll cut out a ton of the room sound.
You can get another blanket and put it on the wall next to you. There seems to be a lot of glass in the room, and if it’s a dedicated film studio, cover that from your backdrop, to about 2 or 3 m into the room.
Blanket above you and rug will be very effective though.
All the best,
Veit
James Schramko says
February 8, 2013 at 6:54 amThank you Veit. People like you help many others when you help me lift my tech gap!! I appreciate this warmly. I am implementing now!
Stephen Gibson says
April 10, 2013 at 9:24 amHi James,
Audio quality can really help your videos and
I really love the quality you’re achieving with the Rode mic. It picks up the direct signal well and is still out of shot!
I use different methods for different kinds of videos. Another method when recording to camera is to use a lavalier mic with a either a pre-amp or usb converter to boost the signal before editing in screenflow or camtasia.
Really glad I found your site-great stuff!
James Schramko says
April 10, 2013 at 1:19 pmThanks Stephen. I have and use the Zoom H4 or the Rode Pin Mic or the Rode Podcaster USB or the Rode NTG-3 (Yeah I love Rode)
Stephen Gibson says
April 12, 2013 at 7:50 pmI’m going to check some of these out. Thanks James
Mike says
May 16, 2013 at 9:03 pmJames,
thanks for sharing. I’ve setup a similar studio due to your input. I just need to get the MacBook next. Quick question somewhat related…once you make your videos, are you finding any benefits anymore in using video distribution services like TubeMogul, etc.? Or, is that theory dead on SEO now and backlink building.
James Schramko says
May 16, 2013 at 9:31 pmMike there is no real benefit to mass uploading videos. You are better to make good videos, put them on YouTube and promote them on different places perhaps using LeadPlayer on your own site to re-title the videos for SEO gain and more eyeballs.
Mike says
May 17, 2013 at 2:13 amJames, thanks so much. I had heard that it wasn’t that beneficial anymore. Thank you for confirming. Good tip on Leadplayer. Thank you sir!