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It could also be more like a poster board near the
camera. Either way, do not include word-for-word
scripting on these. Use bullet points or outline topics
to keep you on track and save you if you lose your
next beat. This helps you talk about each topic with-
out sounding recited.
Some people can become distracted by trying to
adhere to the script too strictly or the fact that they’re
on camera. If you’re preoccupied by missing a line
when you’ve worked hard to memorize every word
or trying to carefully manage your hand movements,
it can throw off your entire performance. Try to focus
on the concepts and content so you can be yourself.
Remember, you’re really just talking to other people
who are interested in the subject matter.Dress comfortably and consider the angles
If you’re going to be the on-screen talent instead of
the director, it may feel like you won’t have a voice in
wardrobe choices. If what to wear is a source of worry
for you, it’s a useful conversation to have. Wearing
clothes that you feel good in can be one way to ap-
pear more comfortable in front of the camera. Work
together with the director—or wardrobe manager if
there is one—to find common ground on your outfits.
There may be reasons they want you to wear a
certain color or you may have total freedom in ward-
robe, so definitely ask questions. Find out what the
background and props will be so that you won’t blend
in or clash. Use your most flattering colors if you can.
Choose clean lines and avoid busy patterns. Solid
white is rarely a good choice because the lighting can
make it seem extra bright or it may be slightly off
from the white of your teeth.
Take other details of the project into consideration
so that you’re really dressed for the shoot. If the
video is about cooking, for example, you’ll need to
be able to reach and bend. Plus, a kitchen set might
be much warmer than other sets because of ovens and
stovetops. You’ll want to be in comfortable fabrics
that won’t restrict your movements. It’s advisable to
wear these clothes once or twice before filming to be
sure they will meet your needs.The bottom line is this: if you feel good in what
you are wearing, it will help you feel more confident
and comfortable on camera.Know your cast, crew and audience
Another way to be more comfortable on camera
is by being comfortable with the other people
you’ll be working with. Meet as many colleagues
as possible before the shoot. Obviously, you’ll
want to spend a reasonable amount of time with
the producers or directors and try to be involved
in pre-production decisions when possible. Try to
learn about the target audience so you know who
you’re really talking to.
There are several conversations you can have with
the director to guide your performance and quell any
nervousness about unknowns. Talk about the script
to get a feel for their vision and suggestion changes
that will help you feel more natural. Have those
discussions about wardrobes, backgrounds and notes.
Always lead with “why” in these conversations so
that it’s clear that you’re trying to give your best, not
take over the project.
Go a few steps further, too. Grab coffee with a
co-star a few times to build a friendly, professional
chemistry that pulls through in the performance.
Make time to introduce yourself and learn the
names of anyone you encounter on set, especially
the camera crew. Ask about their favorite past
shoots or ask if they have any helpful tips to share.
Having this kind of camaraderie on set will help
you feel better and it will show in your overall
performance.Settle into your surroundings on the set
Arrive early on filming days and get comfortable in
the finalized space. Have a firm understanding of the
range of camera view and where the edge of that is so
that you aren’t accidentally stepping out of the frame.
If there are critical spots to stand in relation to the
cameras or background, know exactly where those
spots are. The director and cinematographer can
advise you on this.How to be comfortable in front of a camera
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