If you want to increase the quality of your videos, production values, and credibility this week, I want you to listen closely to the next word I say…background.

Ah, the importance of your background in your video. Yes, I know, it sounds about as exciting as a lecture on the history of rust; but bear with me because I've got a few tips to ensure your video background doesn't look like a scene from a bad daytime TV show. 

Let’s get real, your background is not just a wall, and it's not just a room - it's your credibility.

And let me tell you, if there's one thing I know about, it's credibility. I mean, I've been thinking about backgrounds and filming videos now for over a decade! That's longer than most cars (and Kardashian marriages) last these days. Talk about needing to rethink my life decisions. But I digress.

Let's talk about your video background. You see, when it comes to engaging your viewers, it's not just about what you say. It's about how you LOOK when you say it. And that means having a killer backdrop. I'm not talking about some flimsy sheet you hang behind you, no, no, no. I'm talking about designing and building your own set. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it sounds.

Take Notes From Cleopatra

Think about the making of Cleopatra, one of the greatest movies of all time. Do you think that movie would be what it is today if they shot it in a parking lot? I don't think so. What a film! It had everything: romance, betrayal, epic battles, and a budget that could rival the GDP of a small country. And that's precisely what we're going to talk about today - the making of 1963’s Cleopatra and how the vast sets and design created one of the greatest movies of all time.

First things first, let's talk about the budget. This movie had a budget of $44 million in 1963 - that's around $350 million in today's money. It was one of the most expensive movies ever made at the time, and you can see where that money went. The sets were absolutely massive - they built an entire Roman forum and an Egyptian palace, all to scale. It was like they took the phrase "go big or go home" and ran with it.

My god, the first scene is simply crawling with people from one end of the set to the other, and let's be honest, it did not make the acting any better. But it made me believe that we were really there. Those are not CGI horses in the background or cardboard cutouts of the ridges. These backgrounds, even if they are never noticed, create an air of sophistication and realism that draw the audience in through the pure seduction of the eyes. 

And let's not forget about the costumes. Elizabeth Taylor's wardrobe alone cost $194,800 - which is roughly the same amount I spend on cowboy hats in a year. Her headdress was made of solid gold and weighed 4.5 pounds. You could say that it was the real reason why her character was always lying down. Who could blame her, with a headpiece like that?

But here's the thing - all of that extravagance was worth it. Cleopatra was a masterpiece of design and architecture. It transported viewers to a different time and place, and that's what makes it such a classic. It was like they built a time machine and took us all back to ancient Egypt.

Now, I know what you're thinking - "But John, what about the acting?" Well, let me tell you, the acting was fine. But the sets and the design were the real stars of the show. You could put a sleep-deprived late-night Taco Bell Worker in front of those sets, and it would still look magnificent.

But since most of us do not have $400 million dollars stuffed under our sofa cushions, here's what you do. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Why on earth would anyone want to build a set in their own house? It's not like they're making a big-budget movie or anything." But let me tell you, my friends, there are a multitude of reasons why you might want to consider creating your own personal video studio.

You can film in the comfort of your own home, no matter what the conditions are outside. That's right, no more shivering in the rain, no more squinting in the sun, no more wiping away the sweat on a hot summer while you try to get the perfect selfie in your overpriced car. Your own personal video set will be a sanctuary from the elements.

Another advantage is that you'll be in control of the lighting. No more struggling to find the perfect location with the right amount of natural light, no more fiddling with your phone's flash to try and illuminate your subject. With your own set, you'll have complete control over the lighting and can create the perfect mood for your videos.

So, how do you go about building a set in your house? Well, it's not as difficult as you might think.

Brainstorm. First, you'll need to decide on the look and feel of your set. Do you want it to be a futuristic spaceship, a medieval castle, or a cozy living room? Once you've decided on the look, you can start gathering materials.

Make it yours. You'll need to get your hands on some cardboard boxes, some paint, some fabric, and some basic tools. With these materials, you can create the walls and ceiling of your set, and you can add some finishing touches like curtains, rugs, and furniture. Don't worry if you're not the handy type. With a little bit of creativity and a lot of determination, you can create a set that's truly unique and truly yours. And the best part is, you'll have fun doing it.

Location. Location. Location. Get yourself a nice big space, maybe a spare room or a garage. You want enough room to move around and really make the space your own. Then you start designing. What do you want your viewers to see? Maybe you're all about modern minimalism, or maybe you want to go for a cozy cottage feel. Whatever it is, make it your own, and it does not get you canceled, is a go. And don't be afraid to get creative. 

If a big space isn’t an option, pick one wall that will be your backdrop, and your job is halfway done!

Time for color. Now, I've always been a fan of the classic look: black and white. It's simple, it's elegant, and it's easy to remember. But if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, why not try a splash of red or blue? Just make sure it's not too garish, or you'll end up looking like you're hosting a children's birthday party.

Let's talk about props. Now, I'm not talking about a giant inflatable banana or a cardboard cut-out of your favorite celebrity. I'm talking about simple, tasteful props that will give your background a bit of personality. Maybe a few books, a plant, or a picture of your family. Just make sure they're not too distracting, or you'll end up looking like a contestant on a game show. Throw in some plants, some art, and some funky lighting. This is your chance to really shine, you little starlet you.

Speaking of stars, my favorite part - lighting. It's the difference between looking like you're broadcasting from a nuclear bunker and looking like a bona fide TV star. Lighting is key when it comes to making your background pop. Add colors that match your branding but also that make you look good so that you don't find yourself melting into the background like the first time you got drug into a fight between your ex and her parents. 

But here's the thing: lighting is about more than just illuminating your face. It's about creating depth and texture. You don't want to look like a flat, lifeless pancake. Leave that to the hordes of goths and vampires that troll the underbrush of the social webs. Position your lights strategically to create shadows and highlights that will make you stand out.

If you want to avoid harsh overhead lights and instead go for some soft, diffused lighting, we are not trying to recreate a black-and-white Dick Tracy film. Think about investing in some professional-grade lights to really take your video to the next level. Trust me, it's worth it. If nothing else, for the resale value when you give up filming yourself and decide this is not for you after the first three videos.

Create the right atmosphere. You want your viewers to feel like they're right there with you, not like they're watching from a distance. And that means you need to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, just like you would in your own home. Now, I know what you're thinking. "But John, I'm not made of money. I can't afford a fancy lighting rig." Fear not, my friends. You don't need to break the bank to achieve good lighting. In fact, with a few simple tricks, you can make your video look like a million bucks.

Natural light is your friend. Find a space in your home that gets plenty of natural light and set up there. But don't rely on sunlight alone. You'll want to invest in some soft, diffused lighting to really make your background pop. Trust me, it's worth it. And if you're really feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different colored lights to create a unique ambiance.

Finally, your branding.

Your background is a reflection of your brand, so make sure it's consistent with the rest of your marketing materials. There is nothing worse than watching a social media personality switch through every background scene of my little pony for their background. Use colors, fonts, and imagery that are consistent with your website, social media, and other branding efforts. This will help build trust with your viewers and make you look like a pro.

So there you have it. The importance of your background in your video. It's not just about looking good. It's about building your credibility and engaging your viewers. And remember, if you ever doubt the importance of a good background, just think about Cleopatra. That movie had more grand sets and intricate designs than you can shake a stick at, and look how well that turned out.

If you need help with your video creation needs, please check out our website or reach out to us at info@austinfilmcrew.com. 

Stay creative. 

Austin Film Crew