When you are thinking of shooting a video, what location should you choose? Most people probably think of shooting a video in an office, a studio or their home, but other locations can work well too!
There are no rules regarding locations for shooting your video, but the location of your video gives context and sets the tone in many ways. It’s an aspect of your video that speaks to your message without using words. What is your message and how will the location of your video support that message?
Do you want your audience to feel comfortable? Shoot your video in your home in a cozy room with soft lighting. Are you talking about something professional and want the feel to be scholarly? Shoot your video in an office or library with books and a professional feel.
Other locations can work very well also. An outside location can work for many videos. If you are talking about something personal or want to convey a relaxed environment, outside may work for you. If you are a service business, the place where you greet your clients and customers will give a sneak peek into your operations.
Think about how the setting of your video would most help your audience connect to you and your message. Consider shooting in a kitchen, on a loading dock, on your rooftop or in your warehouse. Each has a different feel but may add a little context to your message.
It’s a good idea to stay in one place if your message is quick and simple. If you are talking about a few facets of your business or yourself, it is ok to move around. Choose locations that help convey your message but not too many that it becomes confusing. You don’t want people paying more attention to where you are and less attention to your message (unless of course the point of the video is to show off a new facility – then show everything!)
A couple of things to consider when deciding the best location(s) for your video: Make sure the space is appealing. It doesn’t have to be beautiful – it just can’t be unattractive. The more control you have the better. Be mindful of the Lighting available (is there any?), the sound in the room (air conditioner?), the sound outside the room (are you shooting next to an airport?), the temperature (is it a cold room or very hot?), and the electricity available (you may need some!).
If you give appropriate context and set the proper tone with your location…it’s a home run.