3 things to know when it comes to your video’s audio
While most people tend to focus on the visual part of video planning, thinking about getting great shots, audio can have a huge impact on the overall quality of your video. You can get amazing angles with the best camera but if your audio stinks it can make viewers cringe and click out.
Here are a few basics for marketers and business owners to keep in mind when you’re planning your next video project.
Make location a consideration
When you’re thinking about a potential shooting location, make sure you’re taking a good look (and listen!) to your surroundings. For example, filming an interview outside may make for a beautiful aesthetic, but how hard is the wind blowing? Could there be a dog barking, people talking or kids playing nearby? Maybe it’s next to a busy street. All of these aspects could potentially jeopardize your audio.
Even inside shoots have their challenges. Take note if you can hear people talking in the next room. Is there a humming from a refrigerator or HVAC system? Consistent room noise can often be taken out in editing but is there anything you can do to minimize any existing sound?
Don’t forget to consider what you can’t see. Are they doing construction on the adjacent floor? Do they mow the lawn outside your window every Wednesday at 10am? Think about your building and its surroundings. Ask around with questions if needed. The more you consider your environment the better you can minimize disruptions and help your video stay smooth and efficient.
Different mics do different jobs
From lavaliers to booms and beyond, various microphones are best in specific scenarios. Some are better at canceling out ambient noise while others are suited for capturing up-close sounds during interviews. That’s why it’s so important to scout your location and work with your video team during pre-production to determine what mic best suits the shoot. There's nothing worse than arriving on filming day and not having the appropriate equipment to do the job, which could compromise your final production.
Music matters
Another pre-production consideration is music. Thinking about music in the planning stage can ensure that your audio and visuals are aligned with your script so they work together to tell the best story.
Music can change people’s emotions and mood. Consider watching bright, joyful visuals along with upbeat music. You’d likely feel happy. But think about if those same visuals were paired and more somber music. The juxtaposition could make you feel a bit creeped out or like something bad is going to happen. By simply changing the music, you fundamentally change the whole feeling of the video. Sometimes even a lack of music can really make your message hit hard.
Sound effects can also affect mood and help your video make sense. Sometimes you can’t capture all the sounds you need on a shoot and must insert them in editing. People don’t always realize how the lack of a sound effect can spark skepticism in the brain. Think about watching someone slamming a door but not hearing it. Such inconsistencies make people stop for a second and break away from the story.
As we always say, having a team of professionals with diverse skill sets is key to the quality and effectiveness of your video. That’s why, along with your videographer, gaffer on lighting, producer, director and others, it's important to have someone monitoring your audio and alerting of any issues so that everything works well together.
To learn more about audio, check out our podcast:
Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-audio-misconceptions-episode-60/id1501809743?i=1000641083923
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