Camera angles for corporate videos and when to use them

Behind the scenes of a 20EVO corporate video shoot

Many corporate video producers are confused about what the best camera angle is for their corporate videos. It's not as simple as picking one and sticking with it. There are many factors that go into deciding which of these angles to use, such as the type of corporate video you're shooting (sales, training), your audience (international or domestic) and even how much time you have to shoot.

In this blog post, we will outline the five main types of corporate video production camera angles:

• high-angle shots

• low-angle shots

• bird’s eye view shots

• tilt-up/down shots; and profile views

We'll discuss when each of these should be used based on your corporate video objectives.

Eye Level

The eye level angle is usually the most flattering for corporate video subjects. That's why it is the most popular angle in corporate video production, because it shows your audience exactly what they would see if you were talking to them face-to-face. Best used for interviews. When using this angle for b-roll try and incorporate some movement to the shot.

In this photo from behind the camera you can see how we setup an eye level shot

High Angle Shots

The high camera angle shot makes people or objects look powerful and gives a sense of authority. This works well for corporate videos that need a more epic feel as opposed to natural and conversational feeling corporate videos. Using the high angle shot for B-roll has a similar effect on products. Try not to go too high when conducting an interview but feel free to set the camera as high as you want when shooting objects. Try not to shoot any shots with your subject looking up at anything - it will make them look less dominant.

In this video we used a slightly elevated angle during an interview

Hint: If you have an interviewee who's seated in front of their desk or table, try filming them from above so that they appear taller than they actually are.

Low Angle Shots

For this shoot 20EVO used two angles to capture the subject. "A" camera is set at eye level so "B" camera can explore various angles

You may not think to use low-angle shots in corporate videos but they can be useful in certain circumstances that need a more down-to-earth feel. Using this angle can give your corporate video an approachable and friendly feeling.

Low angles are often used to create intimacy between the subject and the viewer, as well as vulnerability for your subject. For this reason, be careful when using this angle for interviews, if you're going to experiment with your interview angles it's always a good idea to have an "A" camera set at eye level for your talent to speak to.

This will serve as a safety for your shoot and still allow you to get creative. A slightly low angle from a distance with a telephoto lens can draw the audience into emotional testimonies.

Bird’s Eye View Shots

Bhushan sets a UAV off into the sky from a moving sailboat

Also known as bird's-eye view, and more recently in some circles as "the drone" shot, this angle is great for corporate videos that need to show a lot of information at once or just want to cover a large area.

It can be used in corporate video production when audience members require an overview before they dive into the details, and can give a sense of scale to the audience.

With the technological advances of UAV's commonly called drones, corporate video producers are able to get shots that were previously not possible, at a fraction of the cost.

Make sure you have an FAA certified pilot conducting your aerial shots to avoid potential fines.

Tilt-up/down Shots

The tilt up or down shot is great for corporate videos where you want to show something growing in size before your eyes (such as an expanding business). Using this technique can also draw your viewer into the video as the subject is revealed through the shot. This angle can also be used when transitioning between scenes. For example, a corporate video that is shot entirely on eye level could use this angle to transition from one scene to the next.

Profile Shots

The profile shot or three-quarter view of your corporate video subject can be used in corporate videos where you want viewers to see all aspects of what's going on and provides an opportunity for corporate video producers to show multiple subjects in one shot.

Using a three quarter angle from a distance can offer a new level of intimacy for your corporate video

This angle can also be used in interviews as an alternative angle. A skilled editor can use multiple angles to keep the viewer engaged.

Summary

Do you want to create more effective content for your company?

Using a variety of camera angles in your corporate films and videos offers a simple way that can help you make a big impact on your audience and increase conversions. It’s easy to understand why this works – when people watch videos with multiple camera angles, they feel like they are there experiencing everything first-hand. They get excited by what they see and hear because it feels real instead of staged or scripted. And that excitement translates into action.

In corporate video production, different camera angles serve different purposes. Hopefully this brief overview of the five corporate video production camera angles and when they should be used has given you some ideas in your corporate film / video projects. If you're in need of a corporate video for your organization we would love to help. Schedule a call with us today.