Nathalie Cattaneo, LGAQ Digital Journalist
The statistics from online video content are staggering. 500 million hours of videos are watched on YouTube every day by the site’s 1 billion users (almost one-third of total internet users).
If video content isn’t already king, it’s marching its way confidently towards the throne; social video generates 1200% more shares than text and images combined and simply mentioning the word video in an email subject line can increase the click through rate by 13%.
Video is a fantastic way for councils to engage with their communities, whether it’s promoting an event, engaging your community in a decision or communicating a new development.
Here are my tips to get you started for all budgets:
Scenario 1: You’re working on a shoestring budget and you
only have a mobile phone.
What to buy: Get a tripod (around $100 for lower end) and a mount for your phone ($20 – $30).
Sound: Quality sound can make all the difference; choose a location that’s as quiet as possible where you won’t be interrupted and get a Rode video mic for ipad or iphone ($75).
Light:Film your videos inside, beside a large window that gets a lot of light during a sunny part of the day. Play around with different set ups: depending on the day it may look better so the light falls directly on your talent’s face, or it might look better if they sit at a slight angle.
Editing:There are a heap of editing apps where you can edit your footage directly on your phone –I recommend InShot.
Music: YouTube has an audio library full of all kinds of music that is royalty-free and easy to download.
Scenario 2: You’ve got a moderate budget, want higher quality image and sound but you can only afford one camera.
What to buy:If you only have enough money for one camera but find you do a mix of taking photos and filming it can be hard to know whether to buy a DSLR (Digital single lens reflex camera) or dedicated video camera. Personally, I would go for DSLR. They take great photos, and you can put them on a tripod, put them on auto and they’ll also shoot great film. Spend between $700 and $1500 (Nikon or Canon it doesn’t matter) and you’ll get something that does what you need.
Lighting: If you have the money I would buy at least one light that you can use in conjunction with natural light. LEDs last longer but are more expensive (range from $200 - $1000) you’ll need a stand, a filter and barn doors. For a smaller budget go for a traditional bulb light (around $100). You’ll also need a stand and a soft box.
Sound: You've got money for better microphones, but you don't want to break the bank. Buy two lapel microphones, download a recorder app on your iphones and you're set to go. I recommend the Rode lapel lavalier mics (around $60) and the rode recorder app.
Editing:You can’t go past the Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing. The single app is around $30 a month.
Scenario 3: You have big plans for video, have a bigger budget and want a dedicated media space
It can be easy to be overwhelmed with all the options available to you if you have more cash. I recommend starting with a base of items to get you going and once you start filming you'll know what you're missing.
What to buy:A dedicated video camera, if you can afford it - buy two - or if not use your DSLR and video camera in conjunction to do some fancy film work (check that your DSLR and video camera will work in conjunction okay).
- Around $1500 and you'll get a video camera that will do what you need. Check out the Sony HXR-MC2500
- Around $2500 and you can stretch your skills with something fancier – consider the Canon XA30
- Around $4000 and you'll be entering your films spin Cannes – take a look at the Sony HXR-NX5R NXCAM
Lighting:You can buy a full high-end LED lighting kit for around $2000, all inclusive, including a background screen.
Editing:Get the full Adobe Creative Suite for $72 a month.
Media room: To fully sound-proof your media room, it's going to cost you around $2000 - $3000 depending on the size of the room. You can use a variety of materials from curtains to foam panels and simple rugs on the floor.
Sound: Get a Rode shotgun microphone and build from there.
Music:Subscribe to a yearly music library, Soundstripe offer a subscription for $135 a year for unlimited licenses.
Councils from around the state are doing some stellar film work. Check out these councils for some inspiration:
