Video Production 101: Corporate Training Video How-To:
by 4VideoEquipment

It’s easy to learn how to make an effective training video for your company. You may not know this but you are already half way there, you found our article! For more information call 4VideoEquipment at 1-888-9VIDGUY (984-3489) or visit our eBay Store at: 4VideoEquipment eBay Store

Let’s start by using an example. How to make a Job Safety Video

There are several basic core components that you will need to create an informative and effective professional grade video.

Camcorder(s) / Accessories
Audio Equipment
Lighting
Setting
Actors / Actresses
Editing System
Output / Duplication
Script / Outline

Camcorder & Accessories – You want to make sure you have a good camcorder. A camcorder you buy at a local electronics store may do the job, but if you are looking to create a professional video that is equal to what you would pay a professional to do, you need a nicer camcorder. Visit our website for a 3-Chip camcorder, that means that each important color (red, blue, green) will have it’s own processor and your colors will come out sharper and more vibrant, necessary for a clear video. You can use a MiniDV camcorder, such as the Canon GL-2, or a MiniDV camcorder that has a film look to it called 24p, such as the Canon XL-2. You also can create a video using the latest technology called HDV (High Definition Video) camcorders such as the Sony HVR-Z1U, which is an affordable High Definition camcorder. Each of these camcorders creates a different look for your videos, so call us today to speak with a consultant. You can always call us to discuss available camcorder options and pricing, we stock all the camcorders you’d need.

Components:

Camcorder (Canon GL-2 / Canon XL2 / Sony HVR-Z1U)
Camcorder Case (Kata Bag)
Direct to Disc Recorder (CitiDisk HDV or nNovia QuickCapture)
Wide Angle Lens (if necessary) (Kenko 0.65x or Century Brand)
Fluid-head Tripod (Bogen 501 kit or Bogen 503,351MVB2K Fluid Head Kit)
Stabilizer (if necessary) (Glidecam 2000 or 4000 pro w/ Glideacm Smooth Shooter)

Audio Equipment – This is often overlooked, and can make or break a effective video. If you can’t hear your subject you will lose focus from the viewers. Don’t let that happen to you and choose one of our recommendations. You can make the choice based on your application. First you need to decide how many people you need to hear, if it’s just one speaker, than a wireless microphone solution will do the job. If you need to listen to a group of speakers, then a “boom” or “shotgun” microphone will be needed. If you have One speaker then a Lavaliere microphone and Transmitter called the Azden WMS-PRO system will do the job. If you need two speakers and want a wireless microphone for each of them, then we have other Azden solutions that will do the job (Such as the Azden 200ULT Microphone System). Give one of our consultants a call today and we’ll guide you through the selection process. If you have a group of speakers, a wireless hand-held microphone system will also work effectively, and allow you to pass the microphone along. You can also use a shotgun microphone for a group of individuals. The Azden SGM-1000 and SGM-2X are effective shotgun microphones. You can purchase a stand from us that will position the microphone properly.

Components:

Wireless Microphone w/ Lavaliere (Azden 10LT or 200ULT System Kit)
Wireless Transmitter for Camera (Azden 200UPR Transmitter)
Hand-Held Microphone (if necessary) (Azden 10HT or 200ULH Kit)
Shot-gun Microphone (Azden SGM-1000 or Azden SGM-2X)
Boom for Shot-gun Microphone (Gitzo G-557 Microphone Boom Pole)

Lighting – This is the most overlooked aspect of creating videos. Without proper lighting you may give the wrong mood you are looking to create. Shadows and dim-lighting can be your enemy when creating an upbeat and exciting video. In our safety video example, using shadows in lighting techniques show a worker using poor safety procedures can be effective comparing it to a worker using proper safety and upbeat and exciting lighting. This is essential to get the message across, and lighting is an overlooked key to effective training. We can teach you how to properly light your video in one of our how-to seminars, so come by and check it out. (Also available on the web)

Components:

Two Lights Behind Camera (Photoflex Octodome NXT)
Two Lights on Sides of Subject (Photoflex Medium Light Kit)
Backdrop (if necessary) (superior 10x24 chroma-key backdrop)
Reflector Disc (if necessary) (Photoflex 5 in 1 Multidisc)

Setting – This is pretty simple. If you want to do a safety video on how to properly use a machine in your manufacturing plant, you don’t want to shoot the video in a executive office, you want to choose a setting that is relative to the subject matter. Also remember that distractions in the background may lose the viewer’s attention so a backdrop may be necessary.

Actors / Actresses – This includes using your current employees for the video. If you can’t schedule your employees for the video, then you may want to hire actors / actresses to perform the tasks of narrating or demonstrating the safety procedures.

Editing System – This is the main part of your video production. You want to choose a system based on your needs and budget. There are many different systems, so I’d recommend calling one of our consultants to discuss this further, but I will cover a few basics here. One example is a Computer based system. They are designed to input the video and apply cuts and effects using a computer interface. You then output the finished video to DVD, VHS, Web or CD-ROM. You should buy a computer specifically designed to operate the software/hardware, you don’t want to use your current computer for that task. There are some stand-alone systems that will also edit your video but sometimes limit yourself and upgradeable as technology progresses. Some brands include Pinnacle Systems, Canopus, Adobe, and Matrox. Give one of our consultants a call today to discuss which system is right for you.

Components / Options:

Editing System Choice (Pinnacle Liquid, Avid, Adobe Premiere, Canopus Edius)
Video Editing Storage (How much footage will you have?, available from G-Tech or Stardom)
Computer Designed for Video Editing (Call us for custom configurations!)
Preview Monitor (if necessary) (See output of video)
CD & DVD Burner Drive (Pioneer DVD Burner)
Warranty / Support (always important for businesses)
Training on Editing System (DVD Courses, Classes, Books) (Available from us)

Output / Duplication – This is the part where you need to decide what your finished product is output to. You can choose DVD, VHS, the Web, CD-ROM, and others. You can choose one or many forms to distribute your video. In our safety example, if you have employees across the country you need to train, then Web based training or mailing them a DVD would be effective. You also need to think about how you will duplicate your finished product. We offer tools such as DVD/CD-ROM duplicators and printers so you can create professional looking covers fast and efficiently. You can also have professional duplication houses produce them for you, but if you are on a smaller budget, then purchasing your own duplication/printing equipment will be the best choice.

Components:

CD/DVD Duplicator (4VXtreme Tower or Bravo type)
CD/DVD Printer (Bravo II Disc Printer or ProCon Alpha)
Blank Media (DVD’s CD’s)
DVD/CD Folders, Cases, Holders
Website (for internet distribution)

Script / Outline - The next step in creating your video is coming up with an outline. Brainstorm ideas of what you want included. Since we are doing a sample Safety video, let’s work out a few ideas here:

Explain how to properly operate the equipment
Explain methods of improper use and what to look for
Give checklist of how to inspect equipment before using
Cover safety gear used with equipment
Explain basic first aid in case of injury
These are enough to get me started. So let’s work out a final outline here.

Safety Training Video

A Welcome to XYZ Company message.
- About our company and president's welcome to team.
Safety Equipment you’ll need.
- Goggles, Special Boots, Where to find them and maintain.
How to use Safety Equipment
- Make sure goggles securely seal.
- Make sure steel toed boots are certified.
Proper use of XYZ Machine
- Pull lever down with left hand.
- In case of emergency push red button.
Improper use of XYZ Machine
- Do not use right hand, will cause injury
- Do not wear lose clothing
Basic First Aid in case of Incident
- Apply pressure to wound
- Move injured away if safe

Ok so now we need to take that outline and make a script and shot list. The script is what you will say on camera. We’ll discuss in another how-to about using teleprompters and why they can increase productivity. The shot list is a organized list of what you need to video tape. For example if you need to video tape Suzie in front of the building outside for the introduction you’ll note that there. You want to organize everything so when you video tape the speaker you can get it done quickly and don’t leave out any segments.

Now that you have the script and shot list done, you’ll need to go and do the actual video taping, put it all together and you’ve got a Training video! If you need help putting it all together, check out our other how-to articles or give us a call for more information. We are experienced consultants here to help you from beginning to end.

For more information call 4VideoEquipment at 1-888-9VIDGUY (984-3489) or visit our eBay Store at: 4VideoEquipment eBay Store