The Importance of Closed Captioning in Professional Video Production
Skillman Video Group offers closed captioning services for both DVD and web based video formats. Closed Captioning is a term describing several systems developed to display text on a television or computer/video screen to provide interpretive information to viewers who wish to access it. Closed captions typically display a transcription of the audio portion of a program or video as it occurs, and can include non-speech elements such as music or background noise.
A lot of times we get asked what the difference is between “closed captioning” and “subtitles”. The term “closed” in closed captioning indicates that not all viewers see the captions—only those who choose to decode or activate them (usually through your TV). “Subtitles” assume the viewer can hear but cannot understand the language, accent, or that the speech is not entirely clear, so they only transcribe dialogue and some on-screen text. “Captions” aim to describe to the hearing-impaired all significant audio content—spoken dialogue and non-speech information such as the identity of speakers and, occasionally, their manner of speaking—often along with music or sound effects.
However, the benefits of closed captioning extend far beyond the deaf or hard of hearing community. As time goes by, the general population is beginning to recognize its other useful applications. For example, it is not uncommon to see closed captioned programming in noisy public environments such as airports, public lobbies, and sports bars. It has also been said that Closed Captioning can aid those who are trying to learn English as their second language.
Closed Captioning is a great and very affordable “add on” for many of your live event, marketing or corporate video productions. The power of video is that you audience can see AND hear what is being spoken. For what equals out to be just a few dollars per minute, you would be widening the audience for your marketing, training, testimonial or social media video to include those who are hearing impaired. Captioning is a service that betters our community and enhances the teaching power of media. Contact Skillman Video Group today to see what we can do for your video production with our transcription, closed captioning and subtitling services today!
Capturing Clean Audio in a Professional Video
Ok so we here at Skillman Video Group are always preaching that in any corporate marketing or promotional video should always look and sound good. No matter what platform you chose to embed your videos on, such as your web site, or on Social Media sites like YouTube.com or Facebook.com – your viewers will appreciate quality!
SVG camera crew testing auio levels at a recent shoot
We’ve talked a lot about how video should look good (see previous posts!), but a very important component of professional video production is the audio. The best lit video in the world is useless if the audio comes out fuzzy, muffled, too “hot” or otherwise inconsistent. Audio in professional corporate video production needs to be clean, crisp, and clear so your audience is never distracted from your message.
What’s the difference between “professional” vs “amateur” audio you ask? First, it’s the equipment. Skillman Video Group uses only top-of-the-line audio equipment which insures the best sound recording at any shoot. We only use industry-standard professional XLR cables and microphones. We may utilize three different types of microphones depending on the type of shoot. Each has its own unique use and function and the audio specialists at Skillman Video Group know what equipment to use in any given situation to capture clean, clear audio.
- Shotgun Mic: A “shotgun mic” is a highly directional microphone that may be hand-held or mounted on a boom. It is best suited for capturing “natural” or “environmental” sounds like at a party, the sounds in nature (bird chirping etc), or the excited chattering of a group of children – and these are just a few examples. It picks up the nuances of the shoot’s environment and gives a realistic feel for how the voices and sounds naturally echo. Marketing videos looking to showcase the environment of a working location is an example where a shotgun mic would be used.
- Wireless Lavaliere Mic: A “lav” mic is a portable microphone that hooks around neck or is clipped to clothing. Also known as a necklace, lapel, or pendant microphone. It has a wireless transmitter that is placed either on a belt or in a pocket of the speaker, and is transmitted to a receiver connected to the camera. These are most popular in television and video production when it is important to get clean and crisp audio from the person or persons speaking on camera. It is best suited when the focus is on the speaker and not on surrounding sounds. A “talking head” video is an example where a lav mic is best suited.
- Wireless Handheld Mic Similar to the wireless lavaliere, the wireless handheld is perfect for the “Man on the street” type of interviews commonly used on the news broadcasts. While the audio will sound the same as a wireless lavaliere (when held towards the mouth), it is an entirely different visual.
The 2nd component of capturing great audio is the actual shoot location. The location of the shoot is just as important as the type of microphone being used. If capturing clean audio is the top priority (and remember every video is different), then the location of the shoot must be relatively sound-proof and distraction free. Doors opening and closing in the background and/or phones ringing will all be distractions from the speaker’s words and can potentially ruin the “take” (which trust us when we say if it is going to happen, it will be right in the middle of your best take and we will have to start over). The video producers and audio technicians at Skillman Video Group are all highly skilled in minimizing and removing such distraction from even the busiest office space. We’ve seen (or shall we say heard) it all!
The third component of capturing great audio is the actual content (or words being spoken). It is important to practice beforehand what you are going to say in order to speak fluently and clearly without the regular “ums” and “ahs”. It is NOT as easy as it looks! The producers at Skillman Video Group will offer coaching during the shoot but practicing before will help the shoot to go more smoothly – which ultimately will save you time and money in the long run.
What separates video from other mediums out there is that your audience will be able to see AND hear you. While the nature of video is what makes it the most effective format for building trust and rapore with potential customers, it can be disastrous to your brand and message if not handled correctly. All these various options also highlights the point that pre-production planning is very important to the success at any shoot. The video producers at Skillman Video Group work with our clients to discuss shoot locations, lighting AND audio options all before the camera crews arrive. Call today to find out how Skillman Video Group can help your business!
