Video Podcast Setup

For those of you who are currently recording audio-podcasts, take note:
There is a slightly different guest intake process and host checklist for our virtual video studio. Below you'll find info and products related to setting up your lights, camera, and studio.

Production Elements: 

• Lighting

  (For one or more people + greenscreen options)

  In simplest terms, lighting usually requires that you hit the participant(s) from both sides, to avoid harsh shadow. But, you can light a solo podcaster with a single light. See below.  
  
  If you choose to add green-screen... you'll need more space, and (likely) two additional lights to fully and evenly illuminate your background. 
  
  

  - Lighting Supplies

  No two rooms are the same. But the more you control for natural light and backlight... the better the end product. 
  
  video - Lighting for Videos in Small Rooms
  
  video - How to Use One Light for Video
  
  video - Lighting for 2 People
  
  video - 5 Most Common Lighting Mistakes
  
  
  
  Approximate rule of thumb for lighting in-room participants:
  
  1 person = 1-2 lights
  1 person green screen = 3-4 lights
  2 person = 3-4 lights
  2 person green screen = 4-7 lights 
  
  
  Green Screen Lighting Options

  Video-Lighting for green screen recording
  
  Video-Green Screen Mistakes to Avoid
  
  Video-Small Room Green Screen Guide
  
  
  
  Shop - Amazon Kits For Green Screen 
  
  Shop - Google Shopping Results
    
  
  

• Camera  
  

  It's generally best to record through a computer with a good mic & headphones. If your computer camera is standard, you'll want to upgrade. 
  
  The following products are available from almost any electronics retailer.
  
  - solo shot - Logitech C922 - usually $99
  https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/webcams/c922-pro-stream-webcam.960-001087.html?crid=34
  
  - wide/multi person shots - Brio Ultra HD Pro - usually $199
  https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/webcams/brio-4k-hdr-webcam.960-001105.html
  
  - use your smartphone as a webcam on your PC (if your phone has a fabulous camera)
  https://riverside.fm/blog/how-to-use-phone-as-a-webcam\
  
  
  
  video- how to use your smartphone as a webcam on Riverside fm
  
  video- how to use your smartphone as a second camera-angle on Riverside fm
  
  
  
  

• Internet connection & Power

  -Plan to setup where your computer will have excellent connectivity. 
  -Plug in the power cord while recording video.
  
  
  
  

• Solo Podcast Microphone

  Most of my audio podcast clients use a Podtrak P4 with a Shure/Samson microphone. That unit will connect to a pc via usb C. 
  
  If you are recording solo & with video - use a mic with a direct usb connection to your computer-
  
  Blue Yeti: 
  https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/yeti/
  
  video - Using the Blue Yeti mic
  
  or
  
  Rode Podmic: 
  https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1449997-REG/rode_podmic_dynamic_podcasting_microphone.html
  
  
  

• Multi Participant (same room) Microphones

  This is where you will want to use a Podtrak P4 with multiple mics. Or, some similar solution for multiple in-room audio tracks mated with a single video camera.
  
  
  video - About Podtrak P4
  
  
  Connect the P4 to the video podcast computer and do your best to level the volume of each in-room participant. 
   
  In this scenario, the host can record separate audio tracks for each in-room participant to the memory card of the Podtrak P4 - while simultaneously feeding their audio into the video studio app.
  
  
  Podtrak P4 bundles w/mic, headphones, mic stands, etc:
  Google Shopping Results