

L I G H T S C A M E R A A C T I O N
R E C O M M E N D E D T O O L S

LIGHTING FOR VIDEO PRODUCTION
USA:
Basic Kit - Cheap and easy to assemble. Great for facebook live videos. If you are not sure which one to get, start with this one:
Amazon link
Stronger light version -(also higher quality - has 5 lights vs 1. May be overkill for many applications, but will give flexibility to move lights further away.)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1133032-REG/interfit_int502_f5_two_head_fluorescent_lighting.html
Another option - Higher quality version of the basic kit listed above:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/945055-REG/impact_soft_and_natural_single.html
Ring Light/Diva light:
This is actually a really great light. Massive output. You will see these lights in makeup stores around the place. You place the camera in the middle of the “Ring” of light, which results in a halo type shadow around the subject, which can look quite good. It also eliminates many of the directional shadows on your face, hiding imperfections.
TRIPODS FOR VIDEO PRODUCTION FOR YOUR PHONE
For your phone (simple tripod from ebay or amazon will suffice):
USA phone only:
- Simple super compact tripod and holder for phones including large phones like the 6S plus $7.79
- Phone stand, selfie stick and bluetooth remote all in the one neat package. This looks kind of cool. $19.99
- Larger tripod with bluetooth remote that will work with a smart phone and a small camera. This is a larger tripod than the other options. $21.99
- Super Deluxe Gimble selfie stick and holder. This is the RollsRoyce of selfie sticks and will give you amazingly smooth and steady shots, however it comes at a price. It’s called the DJI Osmo Mobile. $189.00
AUDIO FOR YOUR VIDEO FOR YOUR PHONE
A simple lavalier microphone can make the world of difference to your recordings.
- Lapel Microphone - Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone. - Not the cheapest, but from a quality brand with great sound. We have this one and it’s great.
- Alternative Lapel Microphone -BOYA BY-M1 Lapel microphone. - Cheaper option than the rode. It has the added ability to be used on a smartphone and a dslr/computer. Has good reviews and is cheap for the build quality.
- Built-in Iphone Audio Recorder - If you want to record your audio separately, you need an app to do it. You can use the built in audio recorder on the iPhone, however I use an app called “Rode Record” which you can grab HERE for the iPhone. Unfortunately Rode doesn't make a recorder for Android, however there will be a bunch you can use by doing a search for “Audio recorder” in the Play store.
- Wireless Microphone - If you want to go wireless and high-end, then you can get the Rode Wireless Filmmaker system. It’s not cheap, but it is very good. It’s $399 USD, and you can get it here. If you are using this product for a smartphone, you will need this adapter.
AUDIO/MICROPHONE FOR PODCASTS/YOUR COMPUTER
Microphones for sitting in front of your computer and recording meditations or any voice audio work.
- Blue Microphones Yeti USB microphone is almost legendary. We have one and it is smooth. It is solidly built and is a bit bulky, but you will see this guy in background pictures of all your favorite coaches. The link should work for Australia and USA. ($105.99 USD).
- What is better than a Yeti USB microphone? Why a Yeti Pro of course. Basically the same, except this guy has a xlr output (analog output that can plug into regular pro gear). Grab it here. ($249 USD)
- Samson Go Mic Portable USB Microphone. Good reviews for bang for your buck. I have not used this one, but at $40 USD, it’s meant to be great. Click HERE.
BACKDROPS FOR YOUR VIDEOS
Having a great looking backdrop is a creative exercise in itself. You have many options available to you that depends on your brand and the image you want to communicate to your audience. You can use anything as simple as a plain colored sheet (if doing this, it’s important to make the sheet tight with some sort of frame. You can make one out of PVC pipe!), to a professional backdrop to a green screen so you can replace your backdrop within the computer. Some options include:
- Custom Backdrops - http://bespokebackdrops.com/ - These are custom designed to fit your needs. I have not personally used this service, but looks awesome.
- Photographic paper rolls - Large paper rolls give you flexible options to change the color of your backdrop simply by changing the roll. Rolls can be purchased here in the USA. You will also need a support system for this which can be purchased here in the USA.
- Popup Green Screen - This requires the use of software called “wirecast (click here for mac version)” and is a rather technical way to go, but if you want to try this out, you can start with a popup green screen that you can get here for the USA. Green screens can be tricky, and you may need to light the background separately to yourself for a good result. Also some separation between you and the screen (at least 1m) can help with better results.
- Clean Wall -You may also just want to use a clean wall you have in your home. Be creative and test out different options. You may choose to have your backdrop clean, or you may decorate it with things that are meaningful to your brand. Entirely up to you.