|
|
Whether the event is part of a political campaign, Conference, an issue advocacy effort, or a product launch, the goal is always to convey the message as effectively as possible to a targeted audience. While there are many ways to make an event newsworthy and increase its chances of inclusion in a newscast, there is one surefire way to keep it out: put the event in front of a backdrop that doesnt look good to the audience or on television.
| Here are a few things to keep in mind while building a backdrop that will look attractive to the most important beholder of all, the camera eye: Message - If you have text on your backdrop, it should be clear and concise. Since backdrops help set the tone for what happens in front of them, they do not need to communicate the entire message! That is what the event program is for. Keep the message simple. Use non-reflective material Backdrops should be completely non-reflective. A matte finish means that light — from carefully focused stage lights, portable «sun guns» mounted on video cameras, or even the sun — will not cause reflective glare and ruin the picture. Content - Since the backdrop is supposed to reinforce the event’s message, you will need to be aware of how the stage set looks when the camera operators frame the picture. When the camera zooms in on the podium, all the television audience will see is «or Pr». And speaking of podiums: Remember to include the most important theme or logo on a smaller sign that will be attached to the front of the podium. That sign will almost always be in the camera shot. Color - Large fields of white or very light colors will also make proper exposure on a video camera difficult. Backdrops should be dark material with light-color text or graphics. Instead of white text, use a 10% gray screen, which will show up as white on video, but without the glare that a bright white will cause. Distance from podium/subject - The backdrop should be placed where it will look best relative to the subject and the camera positions. Proper installation - Installed incorrectly, even the best backdrops will look bad Lighting the backdrop, and not just the podium - Designing, building and correctly positioning the perfect backdrop isn>t enough. You also have to light it properly. Light levels on the backdrop and the foreground subject should be similar. Avoiding unnecessary contrast in exposure between subject and backdrop will make your event more attractive to the camera. |