On-set with Systemax: 7 Tips to Prepare You for Lights, Camera, Action!
Well, the time has come. You’ve made the cut to be the next movie star for your company with an on-camera appearance! It might be to pitch that new product or service, speak about the history of the company, or that exciting new project that is currently underway. Whether this is your first time on camera or tenth, the big bright lights, multiple cameras, and microphones are bound to make you nervous and feeling underprepared. Have no fear, here are 7 tips to prepare you for movie star status with your next on-camera experience with Systemax!
1. Be prepared for your story
Being prepared doesn’t mean having your lines rehearsed. You certainly want to touch on your key points but don’t memorize them word for word. It will seem scripted and unnatural. Feel free to bring your notes to brush up on between takes if needed. We can also write key points on an office whiteboard to help keep you focused during filming.
Forget the audience. Think of the interviewer as your old best friend and you’re catching up! Some of the best content we have filmed is when people don’t think the camera is rolling and it’s just a normal conversation. Camera? What Camera?
2. Keep it simple
You will have a ton of information that you want to deliver. Touch on your key points separately but keep it succinct. It’s very tempting to provide as much information as possible in a response to a question you might be asked. But, with most businesses utilizing video for social media in 2022, there’s a good chance that what’s filmed will be trimmed down into much smaller segments. To ensure something you said isn’t cut in post, just keep it simple.
3. Avoid jargon
Act like we know nothing about you, the company, or your story. Avoid using slang or acronyms that you might normally use when speaking with your colleagues or customers. Bob might not know what “WYSIWYG” means.
4. UMMS, UHHS, and ERR’s
Take time to prepare your answer for a question or the next line you’re delivering. Avoid using time-fillers like “umm”, “uhh” or “err” to complete your sentence. It makes it difficult for the editor to provide a natural flow when things are edited in post-production. You will also count every single “umm”, “uhh”, or “err” you said in the edited video (I promise).
5. Treat every question as a new question
Before filming starts, we will most likely discuss what we will talk about during the interview. But remember when filming, act like this is the first time you have spoken to us. Avoid phrases like “again” or “as I mentioned earlier”. These will leave people wondering what they might have missed.
6. If you stumble: STOP, reset, and start again
You will probably stumble at some point. You might get caught up on a certain word or not like the way the ending of your last sentence sounded. STOP and reset. When I am filming, the camera is always rolling. I don’t start and stop the camera if someone stumbles, so take your time. It’s best to reset your composure and start again when you’re ready. I have found myself editing out a stumble on words, but the on-camera talent is laughing or smiling (because of that stumble) when starting over. This causes it to look unnatural and choppy when piecing clips together. Reset and start again with a fresh face.
7. What to wear
Solid colors are a must! Avoid pinstripes or any patterns. They do not get along with the cameras. Solid white or black should be avoided as well as they are the absence of color. Dress for the mood. Is this a fun video? Bright colors are an option. Is this a more serious video? Darker colors will work. We love blazers, jackets, and cardigans! It gives us a place to put our lavalier microphones. If you wear glasses, try to avoid wearing them on camera. Light glares on your lenses can cause delays in the production setup and require you to sit in an uncomfortable pose so the glares cannot be seen on camera.
The next time you receive that email request to be on camera (after you’re finished being overwhelmed with EXTREME excitement 🙂) come back to these 7 tips to prepare for your way to a star on Hollywood Blvd!
We’ll see you on-set! 🎥 🎬
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games present a unique and exciting opportunity for local businesses to tap into a large, engaged television audience. The Olympics attract millions of viewers from all over the globe, and a significant portion of those watch their local stations, creating opportunities for highly effective local TV advertising campaigns. And even though national campaigns were booked long ago, it’s not too late for local advertisers. Near-to-air inventory may still be available at many local stations, providing unique opportunities for local advertisers.
THE STRATEGY & PLAN
The Olympics is one of the few events that captivate a global audience, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. For local advertisers, this means a diverse and extensive viewership. The 2024 Paris Olympics promise to be no different, with a schedule packed with a wide variety of sports that appeal to a broad range of viewers. There’s something for everyone, from traditional favorites like athletics and swimming to newer additions like skateboarding and surfing.
Why Local TV Advertising?
- Geo-Targeted Reach: Local TV advertising allows businesses to target their immediate geographic area. This ensures that the ads are seen by potential customers within the vicinity of the business, increasing the likelihood of conversion.
- Community Connection: Local businesses often better understand their community’s needs and preferences. Local TV ads can be tailored to reflect community values, culture, and events, fostering a stronger connection with the audience.
- Cost-Effective: Local TV ads are more affordable than national TV spots, making them accessible to small and medium-sized businesses. This allows even those with smaller budgets to leverage the massive viewership of the Olympics.
- High Engagement: The immersive nature of TV viewing, combined with the excitement of the Olympics, leads to higher engagement levels. Viewers are more likely to remember ads they see during noteworthy events.
Strategies for Effective Local TV Advertising
- Align with the Olympic Spirit: Themes of perseverance, unity, and excellence resonate well during this time. For instance, a local sports store could highlight local athletes who have shown Olympic-like dedication and skill. Another example might be a local restaurant promoting healthy eating habits inspired by the athletes’ diets.
- Leverage Local Heroes: If your area has athletes competing in the Olympics, consider featuring them in your ads. This builds local pride and provides a relatable figure for your audience.
- Promote Special Offers and Events: Use the Olympics as a backdrop for special promotions or events. For example, a restaurant might offer special deals during game times or host viewing parties.
- Storytelling: People connect with stories. Craft narratives that tie your business to the Olympic ideals. For example, a gym could tell the story of a member who achieved remarkable fitness goals, drawing a parallel with Olympic athletes’ journeys.
- Visual and Emotional Appeal: High-quality visuals and emotional storytelling can make your ads memorable. Use the dynamic and vibrant imagery of the Olympics to enhance your ads.
- Call to Action: Ensure your ads have a clear call to action. Whether viewers visit your store, take advantage of a limited-time offer, or join an event, they should know what to do next.
Timing and Placement
- Timing is crucial for TV advertising. Ads placed during prime-time events or popular sports will have higher viewership but also higher costs. Balancing budget and desired reach is critical.
- Prime-Time Events include the opening and closing ceremonies, significant finals, and popular sports like gymnastics and track and field. Local station breaks during prime-time broadcasts provide opportunities for local advertisers to access the highest viewership.
- Niche Sports: Placing ads during less mainstream sports can be cost-effective while still reaching engaged viewers. Sports like archery, fencing, skateboarding, or surfing have dedicated audiences that could be highly relevant for specific local businesses.
- News and Recaps: Local news and daily Olympic recaps are watched by those who want to stay up to date but who are unable to watch live events. These segments often have consistent viewership and are a good opportunity for local businesses.
The 2024 Paris Olympics present an unparalleled opportunity for local businesses to reach a broad and engaged audience. By leveraging local TV advertising, businesses can create targeted, memorable, and effective campaigns that resonate with their community. With thoughtful planning, creative execution, and diligent measurement, local advertisers can capitalize on this global event and drive significant business growth.
Interested in placing your company’s story in front of the eyes of many? Lets start from the top and go higher! Speak with one of our Strategy Marketing Directors today.
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