A video or audio product is a great way of boosting your profile and may create extra income. Creating a professional seeming product without the help of a professional is not easy, but it can be done.
The following tips on the recording, editing and packaging your audio visual presentation will put you on the right track (!) and help you avoid the traps.
Recording
Tips for recording a seminar
Even those looking to do a DIY recording of their presentation or seminar should consider having a savvy assistant on hand whose only job is to attend to set up and recording. Typically, you won’t get a second chance to get it right and the room for error is significant.
With audio, for example, you’d be amazed at how many times sound levels go too low or too high and with video, poor lighting, camera position and running out of tape or HD space provides its own set of challenges. This can result in missed or distorted recording of valuable chunks of information or interaction.
Often conference organisers record all sessions, however don’t assume that the recording will be of a quality to make a saleable product. Ask the organiser to check with the sound engineer to see whether the recording of your audio visual presentation will be of a high enough quality to use in a product.
Tips for recording an interview
Before you get going, always test and re-test your equipment. Your subject would much prefer you to take the time to check that all is working than to have to do the whole interview again.
If you are planning to interview a subject at their office or home, be aware of and avoid any potential background noise that could interfere with the recording. I once had to contend with removalists thumping up and down stairs.
Finally, do not succumb to the myth of ‘digital’ meaning easy or good. Just because something can be recorded on your computer or over the phone doesn’t mean it will be of a sound quality that is useable in a product.
Editing
For your program to have maximum impact, you may decide to include narration, editing and generally ‘slicking up’ the delivery of your content. You need to keep a program moving and entertaining even for the most committed listener.
The amount of editing your recording will need will depend on the fluency of the presenter and whether it was done in a studio or at a live event. It’s worth noting that sometimes the best presenters on stage need the most guidance and editing to create a fluent and flowing audio visual presentation.
You have the choice of editing it yourself with one of the many editing programs available, or sitting next to an editor in a studio and telling them what to do or using a creative producer. The latter is naturally more expensive but will result in a classy, professional product.
Ideally you should recoup the cost of production in the first run and then it will only cost for duplication.
Packaging
The style, size and quality of the packaging may considerably influence the price you can put on your audio visual presentation product. An accompanying workbook is a great add value selling point.
Consider the weight and durability of your packaging in your pricing. Some packs are more economically and safely mailed than others.
Have any of you created your own audio or video product? How did it turn out?
“ A video or audio product is a great way of boosting your profile and may create extra income. ”
Wendy Buckingham provides independent information to assist soloists who want to add coaching skills to their portfolio.
