Studio

Whether presenting to a live audience, or broadcasting from your home studio, proper technology is your best friend for smooth, professional results. Here are a few tips to get you started. Still have questions? Check out more resources in our Labs section. Or contact us for a studio design consultation to make sure you’re on track. We’re here to help.

Tips

            Choose your location

• If using a green screen or backdrop, select a space large enough to stand 3-4’ away from the screen.
• Common studio space is a 10’x10’ footprint in 15’x15’ room.
• If no backdrop is being used, find a spot with pleasing and non-distracting décor. Remember, everything in your shot communicates and people are analyzing it.
• Any windows should be in front of you, never behind you.

Green Screen

• Ensure there are no wrinkles or shadows cast on it.
• Make sure you are centered on the screen.

Bandwidth

• Make sure you have strong bandwidth with at least 5 mbps up if you are broadcasting live.
• Test your speed at https://www.speedtest.net/

Lighting

• Use a lamp or natural light from a window.
• No shadows.
• Ideally, you’ll have backlight, key and side light, as well as light from directly in front of you.
• You’ll want even lighting on your face, with few or no shadows. Be mindful of too much light creating lighting hot spots.
• Light backdrop screen separately from the subject with less light than the subject.
• Avoid any backlighting, like a window, which creates silhouettes.

Audio

• Hide mic cables from camera view.
• Don’t use a headset. Invest in a USB lavaliere mic or earbuds with built in microphone. Make sure devices are charged before shooting.
• Make sure everything on your set is quiet before going live. Listen for motors, fans, dogs, sirens, and other noise makers.

Camera Settings

• If using an upgraded camera, fast shutter speeds are better, 1/100th shutter speed with a 180-degree shutter angle simulated in postproduction.
• Expose for the foreground, not the background.
• Camera at eye height or just above.

Graphics / Monitor

• Don’t get distracted by your own image in the monitor. Minimize and focus on your presentation.
• Have someone else advance your graphics if possible.
• Do not stare at your graphics in the monitor, keep your eye line focused on the camera.
• If that is not an option, make sure your presenter view is directly below your camera, so your eye line does not appear to drop.

Subject  

• Stand a few feet away from screen.
• Center yourself in your frame. Don’t leave excessive headroom above you.
• When presenting, stand up if possible. It keeps your energy level up.
• If sitting, do not lean into your webcam. Try not to slouch or fidget. Use a stationary chair that doesn’t swivel. Avoid high-backed chair. It should not be visible behind you.

For a studio design consultation, please contact us at info@livemiclabs.com