Seminar and meeting videos seem so simple that people often attempt to do them themselves. In many cases, this false economy results in a video of a shadowy figure with weak, unintelligible audio.
The objective of a seminar video is to allow viewers who were not at the presentation to see it or review it. In order to be effective, these (frequently lengthy) videos should be of normal brightness and the speakers voice should be clear. Anything less is difficult to watch, wasting the viewer's time and energy.
Presenters often use visuals in the form of overhead or computer projected images. Room (and presenter) illumination, usually somewhat reduced for an overhead presentation, is greatly reduced for a computer projected presentation. Both result in low light conditions for video. A professional three-chip broadcast quality camera and lens are needed to produce a good image in such conditions.
Especially with overhead presentations, there is a large difference in brightness between the dimly lit presenter and the bright screen. Our videographers manually adjust exposure as they pan from one to the other. Low light conditions make focus more critical, and auto focus systems don't work well in low light. Our videographers focus manually using a high resolution viewfinder.
Our professional fluid head tripods allow tighter shots of the presenter, tracking their movements. This is another area where the skill and experience of our videographers pays off. Our digital DVCPRO cameras assure the highest quality image, with a running time of up to two hours on a single tape with no interruption.
Sound is equally important in a seminar video. Rather than rely on a simple camera mike, we use a $2000 Sony wireless mike on the presenter. A high quality shotgun mike on the camera provides a second channel of audio for audience reaction and questions.
Most seminar videos are shot with a single camera. To learn about multiple camera angles, additional microphones, use of PowerPoint slides and other materials check out our article on Advanced Meeting/Seminar Videos.
Seminar videos require only moderate editing. Using our linear suite, we can quickly and economically prepare a master. The session is trimmed for effective opening and closing. Delays in the presentation can be cut out, appropriate titles added at beginning and end, and the audio channels mixed to provide consistent level and enable audience questions and comments to be clearly heard. The Betacam SP master is then ready for duplication.
Most production companies keep the edit master and camera originals, forcing you to order all your copies through them. Our clients may purchase their camera originals and edit master for a nominal fee. We want you to order copies through us- our short run duplication is the best quality you will find anywhere. Rather than hold edit masters hostage, we earn your duplication business by charging fair prices and providing good service. If you need large quantities, we can make arrangements for you or recommend capable mass duplicators.
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