Steps to ensure best video shoot

[bowmah]

So, we are attempting to shoot a few video podcasts. We purcahsed the Azden wireless mic setup (thanks to the feedback from this forum), will purhcase a compact flourescent lighting kit (about 75 watts x 2 reflectors) and just learned how to manually white balance on the Panasonic GS120 miniDV camcorder. Well, we stick a white piece of 8.5x11 paper in front of it and hold down the set WB button. Hope that does it.

Once all the gear gets here, we are going to do a few dry runs with a written script. In the meantime, thought I would ask for suggestions to see if there is anything (gear, script, setup or anything else) that we can do to produce a betetr video?

[Soopafresh]

Do you have a tripod ?

[bowmah]

Good thought. Yes, we have a simple tripod. Video will be half body shots so we don't need to move around... at least not yet.

[edDV]

Rehearse and perfect what you see on the monitor well before the day of the actual shoot. Work on your technique.

[SCDVD]

Although it makes editing more complicated, it helps make a more interesting video if you use two cameras. If you have two camera angles, you can cut from one to the other when you edit. This can also be a life saver if you need to cut out a shooting error on one camera. You can even do this if you have two cameras and only one shooter. You can set one camera to a wider angle and just let it run and use the other camera for tighter or more aimed shots. If you have a cut-to camera running, it also makes it easier to move or zoom the manned camera because you don't have to worry about ruining the shot with zooming or camera movement. Just use the cut-to camera's footage when the manned camera is moved.