Recording Day (How to)
The key to a successful recording session starts with a solid framework and schedule. The Dirt Farmer Jay team starts every recording day with breakfast and rundown of every project and goal that we have for the day. If you have a list of content, print it out and read through it. It may seem, at times, that it’s redundant, but you’ll find that reading each step beforehand can help you stay on track and avoid missing any important shots or sections. If you’re looking to start your own channel, don’t overlook this vital part of the process.
Another important suggestion that we would always have is to review your area for staging and proper light. As much natural light as you can get is always welcomed, since that eliminates the need for too much color correction. Make sure that every portion of your video is prepped for smooth transitions and easy access while filming to avoid unnecessary cuts and jumps. Aim for longer shots with less transitions. If possible, you can write yourself a script and hang it somewhere out of view. This can help both you and your cameraman to flow through each planned shot with ease.
As you work through your “set list”, make sure that your b-roll and still shots are incorporated before you move to your next location or setting. It’s much harder to duplicate exact lighting and ambience than it is to take a quick break and record something for overlay. On your set list, you should have those stills and b-rolls written out and prepped as a checklist. This can help to ensure that all of the content that you need is ready for quick and seemless editing.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but carrying a small notepad for content ideas and concepts as they come will help you in so many ways. This notepad can be for notation on when your b-roll and stills can be pulled (if it isn’t on your set list), but more importantly, for any new content ideas that come as you hash out your current project. If you’re familiar with the YouTube grind, you know that content ideas don’t always come easy. So having a notepad to write them out as they come is an important tool that you should incorporate, not only during shooting, but perhaps during your normal day-to-day routine.
Do you have any questions about how to start your own channel or what best practices you should incorporate into your routine? Click the “get in touch” button on our contact page. We’d love to hear from you.