Talking Head Video Producution
Everybody loves a good talking head; but what makes a talking head good?
TALKING HEAD VIDEO FOR AAB
We created a series of talking head style corporate videos for UK based accountancy practice AAB, at their base in Leeds.
The standout feature of these videos is the overlaid graphics which have been used to enhance the engagement with the content of the videos; the videos are aimed at informing busy professionals of the impact of the Autumn 2024 budget on businesses.
It was therefore imperative that the message got over quickly and clearly and that the videos could be watched silently as well.
We achieved this by editing the videos using a mixture of software programs to overlay the most important messages.
The result was a series of short, engaging videos like this one which were all shot in one day using the client’s office.
The videos were professionally lit using our state of the art Aperture lighting systems, and the interview was conducted by Chris, with the client present to listen to and amend any technical information which needed it.
Talking head videos: production process
Talking head video production can be as complex or as simple as you need. The best way to produce a talking head video and the way we like to make them, is to use two cameras, a 3 point lighting rig and a separate microphone over hanging the subject.
This means we get the best possible look for you with the best possible sound. Yes – you can do it on an iPhone, but it wont’ be very good to be honest. If we could get away with using iPhones instead of production cameras we would. But you don’t hire us for that. We get hired for quality.
Having two cameras gives you immense editing opportunities to switch between angles and hide cuts. Doing this, we can re order and re craft your messaging to your hearts desire and make sure you say exactly the right thing on your finished product.
Talking head videos: production process
It’s not about kit, though our kit is top quality, industry standard, Sony stuff. Chris, our director was a detective in the Police for many years and was an advanced investigative interviewer specialising in serious and organised crime. He’s used to seeing people under stress and putting them at ease – that might sound odd, but the vast majority of the interviewing the Police do are with witnesses and victims or people in the street. Expect to be ‘clocked’ straight away and have your number plate memorised. Well, admittedly that is weird, but you can’t untrain some things.
Interviews aren’t about what happens when the tapes start rolling, but how the interaction begins the moment you walk through the door. It’s about building rapport, using a structured conversation model and really drilling down into the content. Producing talking head videos with us is fun and gets you thinking deeply about how you are communicating. If you can’t explain to a lay person in 30 seconds what you mean, then there is something wrong with your idea. Ever thought how you explain the theory of General Relativity simply? Well, we have. We think if you can make a complicated idea easily understandable, you are on to a winner;
DE-MYSTIFYING WHAT HAPPENS INSIDE A BUSINESS
We work across many sectors and many different industries. In this short video for Hummingbird Holistics in Harrogate, Katy explains to her customers what it is she does and invites potential new clients from the public to come and try a session.
Videos like this are very much about de-mystifying what happens inside a business and also about helping new clients to trust the people who run it.
Videos like this require little pre production, but rely on the talent of the main person on the screen. In this case that was not an issue, but sometimes it can be easier to hire actors or voice over actors. It depends on what you want the film to feel like and what the budget is too.
ABOUT US
What we do:
We produce video content on behalf businesses, agencies and TV production companies in the Leeds and Yorkshire area from the air and the ground. We work for national brands and small businesses. We are fully licensed by the CAA to fly drones. We create corporate, social media and TV advertising assets as well as photography.
Our Mission is…
…to create financial or social prosperity through the use of video while having fun.
How we do this:
- By listening to what you need and challenging what you think your value is
- By getting you to think deeply about who you are and who your clients think you are
- By doing the right thing
- By encouraging our people
- By buying our equipment from local shops and encouraging the use of local talent
- By turning up on time and doing what we are asked to, professionally and safely.