A professional production company will organise the creative and technical elements of your corporate film, such as the lighting and staging, however there are a few things you can do to help make sure you’re looking good on camera…

• Choose clothes that present the right image, and that you are comfortable and confident in. Just because you’re on film, a sharp suit may not always be the appropriate choice.
• Select something comfortable, don’t try to squeeze into an old favourite if it’s going to be uncomfortable and distracting. You don’t want to fidget, sweat or even burst out of your clothes on camera!
• If you are filming a green screen session, the number one rule is DO NOT WEAR ANYTHING GREEN! Failure to obey may result in this…

• It can get  warm in front of the lights, so aim for light and breathable clothing. Avoid heavy, thick or itchy material.
• Psychedelic patterns, tiny checks, very thin stripes and herringbone tweeds tend to cause a strobing effect on film. The camera does not view colours and patterns in the same way as the human eye, meaning they may ‘swim’ or distort. Red accessories can also look blurred around the edges.
• Calming pastels and natural tones all work well on camera. It is best to avoid very dark blues.
• Don’t over accessorise, and avoid wearing loose jewellery. If you tend to be quite animated with your hands or arms when you speak, the clinks will be picked up on the microphone.
• If you are a spectacle wearer, or your skin tends to shine on photographs, just let the crew know in advance so they can plan the lighting accordingly. They’re professionals and know how to keep reflections to a minimum.
• Bring an alternative shirt/blouse/top. If there are any colour clashes or accidental coffee spills, it’s good to have a backup!

• Always practice before the shoot. Whether you are reading from a script, being filmed ‘in conversation’, or you’re involved in a role play scenario, a little rehearsal beforehand will help to set you at ease and keep things natural. But…
• …don’t overdo it. Too much practice can erode a natural conversational style and sound like you’re trying to robotically recite something word for word.
• People are watching your film because they are interested in your company, product or services – they’re not looking to critique an Oscar-winning performance. The occasional pause or stumble actually shows you are a real business person, not a professional actor.
• Smile before you start speaking. It will help you to relax you and make sure you are not looking too stern at the beginning of the film (unless that is the look you are going for, of course).
• Talk slowly, do not rush to get through it as quickly as possible.
• Do not forget to breathe!
• Try to avoid rocking back and forth when you are speaking. The viewer may focus on your movement rather than your words.
• Remember to not look away or have a big sigh of relief as soon as you finish the take. Wait about three seconds after the last word. This gives the editor something to work with. Scenes rarely cut away abruptly when the speaker has finished.
• Try to relax and enjoy what will be a memorable experience. It can be quite fun doing something different to your regular job, so remind yourself to pause occasionally and take in the enjoyment of it.
• Remember: Corporate videos are not a live broadcasts. If you’re unhappy with anything, you can go back and reshoot it. You do not have to get it right first time. There are very few business people who can record a piece-to-camera in one take. It is perfectly normal to shoot quite a number of takes.