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So, you want to make your own videos? Great! It's easier that you think, just follow these simple tips:

• Use a Tripod - The most important thing in improving your video is stabilizing it. Your video camera may have built-in image stabilization, but it can only compensate for so much motion. One of the best ways to improve the appearance of your video is to get a good tripod. If you want to walk from room to room, keep the tripod attached (folded up, of course), this will help stabilize your camera.
• Start with a short intro (10 or 15 seconds max) in front of the house.

Filming the Exterior:

• Start with a long shot from the front of your property.  Make sure to get the entire structure in the frame, press RECORD, and hold camera still FOR AT LEAST 10 SECONDS then stop the recording. If you have to go across the street to do it, please do so.
• Next, from that same distance,  frame up the shot to feature some of the property around the house, press RECORD then move the camera very slowly from left to right, ending at the front of the house.  Then do another one from right to left.  The idea here is to go from a view of the street to the front of the house.  Remember each shot should go from a still position and move very slowly in one direction only  Please do not use zoom or walk while you are recording this part.
• Next, get some shots from the sides and back of the property.  If there are features in the back such as patios, cooking or play areas, take separate shots of those, again never using zoom and moving as slowly and smoothly as possible.

Filming the Interior:

• Include all the major areas (i.e.... kitchen, family room, master bedroom, dining room, backyard, etc). Also, don't forget the community amenities,
• such as Neighborhood sign, clubhouse, pier, or tot lot. Never film more than 15 seconds in any one area.
• Go through and shoot each room of the interior of your property. Get the widest shot possible on each so potential clients can get a good feel of the size of each area. Make sure the camera is not zoomed in.  Stand in a corner as close to a wall as possible to get the best results.  If it is an exceptionally large area, take another shot from the opposite wall. Feel free to pan left or right in the room if you wish but not both.  In especially small areas like bathrooms set up the shot from the hallway if necessary.
• Try never to shoot directly into a window, instead, stand with the window behind you to use it to help light the shot.
• If there are features you want to highlight such as hardwood floors, fireplaces, closets, kitchen counters or appliances take separate shots of each.
• Take your time.  Do not try to rush. On every shot remember: never zoom, never shoot directly into a window, move as slowly and smoothly as possible, take separate shots of every room and every feature.
• If you choose to walk from room to room with your camera, make sure you walk into a room, pan the room, then slowly back out and continue to the next room.

The home tours should be 1-5 minutes long, so, try to keep your intro/outro to a minimum.

Here are some scripts ideas that might help. Choose or use the one that fits your needs. Make it your own; however, make sure that you:

• State your full name and Real Estate Co. your are with. You must show that you are affiliated with a broker if your a Real Estate Agent.
• Have a game plan, sit down and write your script. Know what you are filming.
• It's your choice to disclose the property address. Make sure to mention the State, city, community and or subdivision.
• Try to completely say your words. Try to avoid slang and fillers, for example: "like", "like", "uh" "uh","and um" you get the picture.
• Practice! Do a dry run a few times until you get comfortable.
• Shoot your video on a sunny day. Late afternoon to early evening produces some of the best light. Choose the best light that's suited for your house and location.
• Try to lighten up. Have fun and just let your personality come through. Don't forget that first impressions are very important.
• Never mention the price of the property on the video, just in case you have a price reduction.
• These scripts are just recommendations. Make the script your own, come up with some unique saying or tag line (e.g., Mr. Waterfront, your condo expert, your Annapolis expert, the Smith South Beach Team and so on).

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Know Your Video Camera - The best videographers know every function of their video camera and could operate it with their eyes shut. Having good knowledge of your video camera's features and functions is a necessary element of making better videos. Know your settings, volume controls, etc...

Lighting - Most lighting issues can be resolved by making the best of the natural or available lighting situations that you face. Whenever possible, shoot in a well-lit area. Turn the lights ON! Make sure there is not bright light like the sun behind a subject. Put the sun behind you. You may have to visit the property at several different time to see when the best light is.

Interviews - This a great way to add a nice touch to your video. You can interview your seller (this is a great way to get your sellers involved and show them that you are working hard for them. Also you can have a colleague interview you.

• When do the interview make sure that you know what questions to ask and do a dry run with your interviewee.
• Focus the the video camera with on the head and upper chest and with the subject off-center to one side.
• You can stand next to the interviewee or stand next to the camera and do the interview off camera. Doing the interview off camera is not recommend, you want to set yourself a part and viewer (prospected clients) to see you.

ENJOY! - it's very important to just enjoy yourself. Think outside the box, use your imagination, put some effort into the project. Ask friends for advice and or help. You can always email us if you have an questions. Experiment with your video camera first, and just enjoy the processes.