Corporate Video: Working with a Videographer See full series list
EPISODE:
Preparing to Record
The details matter when it comes to creating a polished business video. In this episode of Working with a Videographer, Eric Wylie shares practical tips for:
- Choosing the right location (indoor vs. outdoor)
- Helping your presenters look and sound their best
- Prepping spaces and employees for B-roll
- Reducing noise and avoiding interruptions
Whether it’s interviews, presentations, or behind-the-scenes footage of your team at work, a little preparation goes a long way toward making your company look professional and confident on camera.
This video series is designed to assist corporate communicators and business owners understand the video production process, the many ways video can support business processes and revenue, and how to select and work with a videographer.
In this series, video production veteran Eric Wylie of Wylie.Video shares his expertise after years as a corporate communications professional and freelance corporate videographer, editor, and voiceover artist.
TRANSCRIPT:
Today’s episode is all about how to prepare for your corporate video recording session — from choosing the right location to helping your presenters and employees look and sound their best on camera.
*MUSIC OPEN*
Hi, I’m Eric Wylie, and welcome back to Working with a Videographer — the series that helps you and your team prepare for successful business video production.
First up — where will your video be recorded? Most of the time, indoor locations are the best choice. They give us more control over lighting and sound — and that means better quality video.
But sometimes it makes sense to record outside. Maybe the topic relates to agriculture, construction, or your specific outdoor location.
That can work — just be sure the background is appropriate, not too busy, and not too noisy.
Try to avoid areas with a lot of people walking by or distracting background motion. And of course, watch the weather. If you’re planning to record outdoors, build in flexibility and always have an indoor backup location ready just in case.
*INDOORS*
So let’s talk about recording indoors — at your office or facility.
You’ll want to choose a space that looks good on camera, supports your brand visually, and is absolutely quiet. That means avoiding small, noisy rooms. Even the best microphones and post-production adjustments can't help doors slamming in the hallway, loud fan noise, or phone interruptions.
The room you choose needs to be big enough to fit the lighting, camera, and sound gear. If you don’t have a great-looking spot inside your building, consider using a green screen. Your videographer will record your interview or presentation with a green screen background, and can then insert a photo of your office interior — or choose something else that fits your brand or topic.
*CLOTHING*
What to wear... Whether it’s an interview or a presenter speaking to the camera, appearance matters.
Here are a few tips:
Avoid wild patterns like stripes or checks — they don’t play well on camera.
Solid colors work best. It’s even better if they match your brand colors.
Logo wear is great — as long as it’s your own logo. Avoid clothing with visible brand logos from other companies. You don’t have permission to associate your business with them — and they can be distracting.
Also — keep jewelry simple. Avoid layered necklaces, bangles, or bracelets that might make noise during recording.
Ask presenters to bring a backup outfit just in case something doesn’t work on camera.
And a quick note on grooming... You don’t usually need a professional makeup artist for a corporate video interview, but a quick check in the mirror can make a big difference. Presenters and people being interviewed will want to tidy up their hair, blot any shine on their face, and straighten collars. A quick check of these items helps people feel more confident on camera, and look more polished.
*B-ROLL*
I've talked about B-roll before. Thats the footage that supports your message — shots of your team working, equipment in use,
or activity around your facility.
Before we record B-roll, make sure your space is clean, organized, and guest-ready. Straighten up desks, clear clutter, and check sightlines — what the camera will see.
If employees will appear in B-roll footage, make sure they’re dressed appropriately. In casual workplaces, it might be a good time to hand out company-branded shirts. That’s especially helpful in places like warehouses or factories.
One other note...anyone who appears on camera, even in the background, needs to sign a talent release. We’ll cover those forms in more detail in a separate video.
*INTERRUPTIONS*
And finally — help reduce interruptions. If we’re recording in your office, post signs nearby. I have several laminated signs in my camera cases for this purpose. But you can post yours the day before to let staff know what time the recording will take place, and ask them to avoid loud conversations and silence their phones. This helps your videographer stay efficient — and avoid costly retakes.
*WRAP UP*
So, those are my tips on how to prepare to record interviews, presentations, or b-roll within your company. Choose the right location, ensure everyone looks their best, and work to reduce noise when recording.
If you found this information helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to this series.
Please connect with me in the comments or get in touch, if you have any questions. I'm Eric Wylie. Thanks for watching. I’ll see you next time.