Ready to set up a commercial video recording studio with non-professional talent? You’re in the right place! This article will guide you through all the necessary steps for creating high quality, professional videos without breaking your budget. Learn how to get your project off the ground and running quickly, efficiently, and effectively.
Working with amateur actors can be a challenge, as they often lack the proper training, discipline and experience that professional talent bring to the table. Despite this, every now and again it’s necessary to work with non-professionals – that’s where our guide comes in!
We’ll walk you through the basics of working in a commercial video studio and show you how to get the most out of working with non-professional talent. We’ll cover factors like:
- Equipment selection
- Audio considerations
- Lighting options
- Camera angles
- Tips for guiding your performers towards delivering their best performance.
We’ll also demonstrate techniques for editing your footage quickly and efficiently so you can maximize production value when creating content for web use or TV broadcast. With our guide in hand you’re sure to create great results when filming with non-pros!
What is a Commercial Video Studio?
A commercial video studio provides professional-level, high-quality recording and editing services for clients who require a more polished approach to their video production. These studios are typically found in production facilities that specialize in producing videos for television advertisements, promotional campaigns, internet content, and more. A commercial video studio may contain a variety of digital equipment—including cameras and editing suites—that are designed to capture the highest quality audio and visual products possible. The technicians working in these facilities have a great deal of experience with both hardware and software systems, allowing them to provide top-notch recording and editing services to clients.
When utilizing a commercial video studio, non-professional talent can be utilized alongside experienced professionals to create high-quality videos. Non-professional talent is especially beneficial when mood or emotion is needed that can’t be obtained with strictly professional actors or voiceover artists. This allows for further creative possibilities when it comes to producing an impactful video product. Additionally, the typical costs associated with shooting in these types of facilities can be lower than hiring professional talent alone because you don’t have to pay for their time on set or on location when shooting at the studio. Professional guidance from studio technicians can also provide valuable insight into making sure your project is as successful as possible—including accurate sound mixing, scene arrangement/blocking guidance, editing advice, displaying motion graphics accurately onscreen during recordings if necessary; everything one needs to make sure their project is well executed before it wraps production!
Benefits of Recording and Editing with Professional Talent
When it comes to video production, there is a wide range of options available to clients. Depending on their objectives and budget, they may opt for professional talent or non-professional talent.
Benefits of recording with professional talent include the following:
- Professional actors have experience in the industry and therefore possess the necessary skills to deliver a quality performance.
- Professional actors bring a higher level of professionalism that can help set a studio apart from competitors.
- Professional actors are committed to their work 24/7, which allows them to provide the maximum level of production value for each project.
- They can also be more efficient in their delivery as compared to non-professional talent who may take longer because they are less experienced with performing in front of a camera and need more time to practice and master acting techniques.
Benefits of editing with professional talent include:
- Professional editors have an eye for detail that can help improve the overall quality of the video.
- They are able create compelling visuals faster then their amateur counterparts due to their ability to process information quicker and understand how each scene works together within an edit.
- Some editors specialize in certain genres such as sports and music which can bring unique visual styles into your project.
- Lastly, they know how long certain types of shots need be so that the flow of the video feels natural all while maintaining your intended branding message throughout its entirety.
Challenges of Recording and Editing with Non-Professional Talent
Recording and editing with non-professional talent can pose unique challenges for commercial video production studios. The talent being used may not be experienced in the studio environment, which can lead to difficulties with sound and camera synchronization and aspects of performance management. Additionally, the lack of professionalism from inexperienced actors may slow down or lengthen the recording process.
Furthermore, inexperienced actors will generally require more direction from the directors throughout the recording, particularly when it comes to their performance as it relates to pacing and timing. This could potentially have a bearing on potential editing opportunities down the line as editors may have to adapt their approach depending on the raw footage they are presented with.
In terms of an optimal rendering of a project that uses non-professional actors, directors and producers should:
- Create a strong creative environment during pre-production so that expectations are wholly communicated with each actor.
- Give extended attention during both re-recording activities as well as offering coaching support while reviewing dailies to ensure sound delivery is up to par when working with novice talent.
Tips for Working with Non-Professional Talent
Working with non-professional talent can seem intimidating, but with the right approach, you can make sure that you end up with a great video or commercial. There are a few tips that come in really useful when working with non-professional talent in your video studio.
- One of the most important aspects of working successfully with non-professional talent is communication. You will want to explain in detail what you will be doing and what is expected of them prior to filming even if it seems redundant. Make sure they know where to stand, when to move and how long you plan on recording for. It is also wise to make certain that any discussion about pay is settled prior to the shoot so that any surprise costs don’t occur during filming. Be patient with your talent and let them experiment, providing feedback as needed so they can best perform their role within the video or commercial.
- Another tip when working with non-professional talent is comfortability. Consider their rehearsal time as an opportunity where they can settle into their roles and feel more secure going into shooting day. Establishing rapport before filming goes a long way! Setting up a friendly production environment without heavy stress helps everyone perform better during the filmmaking process and through post-production editing stages too.
- Finally, it’s important to ensure accuracy within the script if possible! This means that if your client wants an exact phrase used during shooting make sure it’s incorporated accurately into rehearsals beforehand so there are no surprises on set or further along in post-production efforts!

Equipment and Software Needed for Commercial Video Studio Recording and Editing
Once you have determined the type of commercial videos you’d like to create and the software and hardware devices you will use, it is important to understand what equipment and software are needed for commercial video studio recording and editing with non-professional talent. Here is a brief overview of the essential items needed for a successful commercial video project.
Hardware:
- Camera: Whether filming with a DSLR or point-and-shoot camera, be sure to purchase an appropriate model that will work in collaboration with your specific video format.
- Computer: A powerful computer system is essential for post-production, editing, and rendering. Depending on the software utilized and complexity of the project, you should determine if a desktop or laptop system is best suited for your needs.
- Microphones: Mics can range from simple lavaliers to boom mics that pick up audio details unobtainable using other methods such as high fidelity audio capture capabilities. It is important to decide which will be most effective before shopping around.
Software:
- Recording Software: Utilizing the right recording software can be critical for capturing pristine audio tracks. Be sure to research samples of varied applications before settling on one for final production purposes.
- Video Editing Software: Professional editors use variety of packages depending on the type work in which they specialize or reflect their own personal aesthetic preferences such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X. Different tools will produce different results so understanding features within offered package options prior purchase can save time avoid program learning curve delays later within post production stages.
- Graphics & Animation Programs: If specific graphics integration within show segments desired more advanced user graphic animation applications such as Adobe After Effects must consider usage case scenarios prior selection costs fees. Specialized set backgrounds titles end slides need consider implementation planned timeline based upon budget dictations contracts timelines detailed clearly ensure proper deadlines met avoid any problems later during playback distribution manners.
Best Practices for Working with Non-Professional Talent
When recording and editing video with non-professional actors and personalities, it is important to keep in mind that not everyone is going to be a professional performer. It is important to be organized, patient and understanding, so the production process runs smoothly for all involved. Here are some tips for working with nonprofessional talent in a commercial video studio:
- Manage Expectations: Before production begins, explain what you need from the talent and let them know exactly what to expect. Give clear instructions on how to act and where to look when on camera, as well as providing direction during practice runs.
- Keep it Engaging: While prepping your talent for their part in filming, it’s important to make the process engaging. Take extra time while blocking and rehearsing the scene, provide cues throughout that create natural pauses or breaks in action that can help keep energy levels up throughout filming.
- Use Visuals Before Words: When communicating how something should be done or how you want your talent to act/react/pose on camera don’t rely solely on verbal communication – instead use visuals such as hand gestures or mimicry of scenes/slides/staging so they can really understand what’s required of them before doing a take.
- Be Flexible: Last minute changes are typical when it comes to video recording with non professionals – remain flexible by coming up with alternate solutions that still achieves the desired goal ie rephrasing dialogues or incorporating different acting styles if needed. Make sure that everyone feels heard within the creative process so none of them feel left out in this shared experience because having an emotional connection can help instill confidence beforehand as well during post production.
Conclusively, there is no single optimal approach to recording and editing a video project in a commercial video studio for working with non-professional talent. Each project will have its own unique requirements based on the particular context and goals of the project. However, it is possible to identify some common principles that can help guide the process, such as:
- Keeping color levels consistent
- Establishing clear communication between collaborators
- Maintaining adequate separation between microphones
When working with non-professional talent, it is also important to ensure that everyone involved feels comfortable and confident in their respective roles throughout the recording process. Following these core principles can help ensure that the end result is a successful video production.
Rob Haller 314-604-6544
stlouisvideostudio@gmail.com