82 Chapter 6 DIRECTING CORPORATE VIDEOS Limit the number of shots you plan to complete during the time you have with nonpro talent. If you appear to be in a hurry, the on-camera staffer will probably pick up on this. Thinking she is trying to please you, she may perform too quickly and cause even more time to be wasted. Slowing down the process can help ease her nerves as well as those of the crew. Auditioning the Talent Auditions are an important technique for determining the choice of talent. Many producers and directors record the audi- tions to help them select talent, and sometimes the client watches the videos when they want to participate in choosing which actors best match the company image. Watch for the talent's particular mannerisms and gestures that are a reflection of his or her personality. They can be appeal- ing and complementary to the corporate image, or they can be a distraction. Unless the script calls for drama, the prospective actor will need to keep his or her performance straightforward. In any case, watch for overacting; it can be a deal-breaker. Don't let the too-enthusiastic actor onto a corporate video set unless he or she can readily accept direction to tone it down. When choosing an on-camera spokesperson, in addition to finding an actor to match the corporate image, look for the actor who appears genuinely enthusiastic and natural. Good eye contact with the camera is an important trait, as are appro- priately timed smiles and other facial gestures. Appropriate head-nods and arm and body movements can add life to an otherwise mundane talking-head segment. If shooting in a factory or another noisy setting, it can be dif- ficult to capture a clean voice track. Consider using a chroma key or green screen technique to allow the on-camera narrator to speak in a studio with the location keyed into the back- ground. You may need to create virtual moves in the back- ground if the talent moves or you move the camera on a dolly. Directing the Crew While crew size varies by the budget, the type of company may also be a consideration when selecting your crew. You may already have crew members you like to work with, but some of them may not want to work on a surgery video. You may need a Steadicam operator in some instances, or you may need a gaffer with particular skills in low-light settings.