Get Higher Quality Video from your Interviews

Brief Description

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Here’s how you can get higher quality video from your interviews: have your guest record themselves locally, and send you the file for editing afterwards.

 

This year, it became apparent that virtual guests would be the new normal for podcasts, vlogs and even traditional media. 

 

When recording, most people record their guests straight from Zoom, or whatever virtual platform they are using to conduct the interview.  However, this can result in diminished video quality that can detract from the overall message of your interview.

 

 

 

Why is it better for the video to be recorded locally?

 

Zoom and platforms like it compress video on the fly and most programs have a compression speed of less than 3mbps. So, even if you have amazing download and upload speed, these programs will still compress at that rate which diminishes the quality of the video.  

 

When guests record locally, the video is recorded at the highest quality their device is capable of, resulting in a video of much higher quality.

 

This seems complicated…

 

Good news, with a little bit of prep, and maybe some technical help from us (shameless plug) – we’ll help you get higher quality video from your interviews.

 

The best way to do this is to have your guest record the interview or video on their computer and then send in the recorded file afterwards so you can edit them together – or, we can take care of the entire process for you! Just shoot us a message and we’d be happy to help. 

 

Prior to the Shoot:

 

Conduct a prep call with your guest to help them:

 

  1. Set up their camera in the best possible way
  2. Walk through how to record and send the production team the footage files
  3. Find the best possible shooting location in their house, or office. Read more here.
  4. Test sound and video quality of their device, as well as the connection
  5. Walk them through the interview guide document including questions and key messages

 

Step by Step: Recording on a Mac:

 

  1. Open the Quicktime Player app
  2. Select File > Start a New Movie Recording
  3. Click the drop down arrow near the record button. Under ‘Quality’ – make sure Maximum is selected
  4. When you’re ready to start the interview, press the ‘Record’ button.
  5. When the interview is finished, hit the ‘Stop’ button
  6. Select File> Save…
  7. Name the file as follows: Interviewee Name_Interview_Date
  8. Upload video file to Google Drive or other

 

Step by Step: How to Record on a PC:

 

  1. Open the ‘Camera’ app
  2. Click the ‘Video’ icon at the right of screen
  3. Select the Settings Gear at the top left corner
  4. Select the dropdown menu for ‘Videos Quality’
  5. Select the highest quality available at 30fps
  6. When you’re ready to start the interview, click the ‘Video’ icon
  7. When the interview is finished, hit the Stop button
  8. Select the thumbnail image of your recording in the bottom right corner
  9. When the file opens, click the three small dots in the top right corner, then select ‘Save As’
  10. Name the file as follows: Interviewee Name_Interview_Date
  11. Upload your video file to Google Drive or other

 

Step by Step: Recording on a Chrome Book:

 

  1. Open the Camera App
  2. Click on ‘Video’ from the menu on the right side
  3. If possible, change the camera resolution
    a. Click the Settings gear icon
    b. Select the Front Facing Camera, select the 16:9 / HD1080p option
  4. When you’re ready to start the interview, select the ‘Record’ icon from the menu on the right side
  5. When you’re ready to end the interview, select the ‘Stop’ icon from the menu on the right side
  6. Open the Files menu and find your video file under the ‘Downloads’ section.
  7. RightClick or AltClick to rename the file: Interviewee Name_Interview_Date
  8. Upload your video file to Google Drive or other

 

While this seems like a lot of work, it is so worth it to get higher quality video from your interviews. Plus, if you’re sitting there thinking ‘this is way too technical for me’ – never fear– our team can help you with everything from scheduling guests, production management, editing and everything in between!

 

Just shoot us a message and let us know how we can help.

 

 

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