Prepare for a Multicam Shoot: 5 Essential Tips

This story began during a chat with our favorite Avid Liquid expert, Myron Achtman, about running a series on multicam editing. Achtman told us that smart multicam work actually begins during the filming phase. You can order Achtman's Avid editing video on his personal site or view tutorials online at VTC.com.

So are you ready for filming? Here's what you need to know to get great multi-camera results:

1. Keep the Cameras Running
   Be sure that all the cameras used run continuously. Tell your camera operators not pause their cameras during boring parts or you won't be able to do multicam editing.

2. Place Your Mics Carefully
   At least two of your cameras should have microphones attached, so that if one fails you'll still have usable sound. Place wireless mics near the key speakers. Let the other cameras gather ambient sound, which you can use during editing to make sure your material is in sync.

3. Place One Camera for Cover
   One of your cameras should be in the back of the room, where it can take in all of the action. This is your cover. When your camera operators are moving the other cameras around for better positions, you can always go to your cover camera for a good stable shot. It's better if your cover camera isn't manned, to be sure it doesn't move.

4. Shoot the Presentation
   If you're filming a conference with a PowerPoint presentation, set one camera to record the slides. You won't use this footage in the final product; it's just for timing. Get a copy of the PowerPoint so that you grab clear RGB graphics for your editing. The video lets you know where each slide was used.

5. Shoot the Audience
   Having audience reaction shots is good for evoking emotion in the viewer. Don't overuse them in your final result—"Cutting back to the audience for the purpose of cutting back to the audience can be a bit tedious," says Achtman—but show them when they react to what's going on, such as when they laugh at a joke.

Now are you ready for editing? Join us in two weeks for a look at multicam editing with Avid Liquid.