How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
How to build an in-house
VIDEO STUDIO on a budget
Share this!
video hosting for business
How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
Get real results from online video Easy, flexible and affordable video hosting for videos with a job to do. Promote your brand Increase conversions Build engagement Control your content Try vzaar free for 30 days
2
SHARE THIS PAPER
Google +
How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
Why build your own studio? How do your online videos reflect on your business? Do they convey a successful, organized, savvy business that produces quality work? Or are they clips of questionable quality that do little to inspire confidence in your brand? Video technology has become so accessible in recent years that not only is it possible to produce impressive looking content yourself, doing so is actually easier and more affordable than you might think.
vzaar's video specialists researched your options and put together this comprehensive guide on setting up your own video studio on a budget, complete with a shopping list of necessary equipment. Whether you're shooting interviews, product videos, tutorials, or promotions, this guidebook will get you set up and ready to roll for just about a grand. Let’s get started!
3
SHARE THIS PAPER
Google +
How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
The perfect space Find a 10’x10’ room (or larger) where you can keep a permanent setup. You don’t want to have to set up and break down everything every time you shoot something new.
Potential spaces ๏ Conference room ๏ Basement ๏ Attic ๏ Walk-in closet
Control the environment The more you control the better. Does your space meet these requirements? No AC (or can be shut off) No street noise No overhead noise Carpeted floors (optional, but ideal) No windows (blackout curtains are a solution) High ceilings (easier to accommodate mounted lights)
4
SHARE THIS PAPER
Google +
How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
Background & Soundproofing Consider investing in some foam or even fiberglass panels to soundproof your studio. Not all foam is created equal, make sure yours is both sound and fire proof!
A green screen is only necessary if you want to edit in a different background later. In a pinch, green paint or even paper will do the trick. Otherwise, a simple white, grey or black backdrop can lend a professional feel to your videos.
5
SHARE THIS PAPER
Google +
How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
The right camera There are many cameras to choose from, depending on your requirements. For an in-house studio, you will be filming mostly talking head style videos and can probably get away with not splurging on a high-end camera, but you should consider if you will ever want to shoot outside of your studio environment. ๏ Does the camera have an external mic jack? ๏ Does it have an SD card?
Try before you buy The camera will likely be your most expensive piece of equipment, so consider trying before buying. Rent a few different cameras from a local camera shop to find which camera suits your needs best.
The Sony NEX-VG20H delivers outstanding quality for just over $2,000
Kodak Zi8 Pocket Camera. Don’t forget your tripod
Hi-Def recording for a budget $385
6
SHARE THIS PAPER
Google +
How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
Great lighting Invest in a 3 point lighting setup. It’s the industry standard, will suit most videos, and is one sure fire way to give your videos a professional feel. Don’t be intimidated, it’s easier than it sounds and once setup, you can leave it in place.
Back light Key Light: This is the most important and strongest light. It will shine on your subject, slightly from the left or right. Fill Light: This is a second, softer light shining on the opposite side of subject. It eliminates any harsh, unnatural shadows resulting from the key light. Back Light: Lights up your subject from behind.
Fill light
key light
This helps keep the subject from blending into the background.
Control and adjust lighting by using white or silver umbrellas, diffusing paper or gel filters.
Money saver $$$ Swap out a fill light with a simple white foam board reflector
7
SHARE THIS PAPER
Google +
How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
Crisp and Clear Sound All pros will advise you to invest in a good mic. Quality audio is arguably more important than quality video.
The in-camera mic is not your friend: ๏ It’s far from the speaker ๏ It’s not high quality ๏ It will pick up any noises the camera operator makes
Testing 1,2,3 There are many microphones on the market, but you’ll mainly need to decide between these three popular models:
1. Handheld This familiar standby does the job well Good sound It’s in the frame Restricts speaker’s hand movements
8
SHARE THIS PAPER
Google +
How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
2. Shotgun Mic An excellent option if you have an extra hand on set Great Sound Off-camera Requires a second person to hold on a boom stand.
3. Lavalier mic
(AKA Lav or Lapel mic)
Clip it on and forget it’s there for the most natural results
Virtually invisible Allows for flexibility of movement Cost increases significantly with quality
9
SHARE THIS PAPER
Google +
How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
Video Editing Software Great footage is useless if you can’t edit it together. Good software will allow you to present your work in its best light and weave together a compelling narrative.
Professional Powerful and flexible, allowing vast control over video and audio. Steep learning curve beyond the basics.
Adobe Premiere Pro CS6
Apple Final Cut Pro
Windows or Mac
Mac
Budget Easier to master while still providing significant control over video and audio. Enough for many projects.
Adobe Premiere Elements
Apple iMovie
Windows
Mac
10
SHARE THIS PAPER
Google +
How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
Shopping lists Splurge list Video Camera
Sony NEX-VG20H
$2,199
Tripod
VariZoom VZ-TK75A Aluminum Video Tripod
$190
Shot Gun Mic
Sennheiser ME66 - K6
$500
Lav Mic
Sony ECM-44 Omni-Directional
$214
Complete Light Kit
Lowel DV Core 250 Kit
$975
Editing Software
Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 Apple Final Cut Pro
$799 or $200
Backdrop
Muslin Backdrop + lighting kit
$130
Soundproofing
4 2x3 panels
$220
Video hosting
vzaar Professional account with 200GB bandwidth
$79 / month $4,707 to $5,306
TOTAL
Budget list Video Camera
Kodak Zi8 Pocket Camera
$430
Tripod
Pearstone VT-2100 Fluid Head Video Tripod
$70
Mic
Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone
$25
3 Point Lighting Kit
ePhoto VL9004S3 2400 Watt Photo Studio Softbox Kit
$180
Editing Software
Adobe Premiere Elements Apple iMovie
$199 or $15
Backdrop
Muslin Backdrop + lighting kit
$130
Soundproofing
12 sq. ft of foam
$42
Video hosting
vzaar Express with 100GB bandwidth
$29 / month
TOTAL
$921 to $1,105
Prices may vary and are correct at date of publication
11
SHARE THIS PAPER
Google +
How to build an in-house video studio on a budget
Any questions? Contact a vzaar video specialist for more information Phone: 1.877.831.7110 (US), +44.20.7820.6280 (UK) Email: sales@vzaar.com
Find us online vzaar.com Twitter Facebook Google + LinkedIn
12
SHARE THIS PAPER
Google +