FBP Recording Guide
Purpose
To help founders record authentic, cinematic videos that capture their story, energy, and presence — without complex equipment.
1. Setup Essentials
Equipment Checklist
| Category | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Camera | Mirrorless DSLR (Sony A7, Canon R series) or iPhone 15+ (Pro Mode) |
| iPhone Camera Setting | 4K 60FPS |
| Tripod | Stable, eye-level mount |
| Mic | Clip-on or shotgun mic |
| Mic Settings | Set Gain to 50% or Medium. Make sure not too loud. |
| Lighting | Softbox or natural light from a side window |
| Backdrop | Clean, minimal background with contrast from clothing |
| Extras | Reflector, backup battery, water, cloth for lens |
Goal: Simplicity over gear. A founder with good light and honest tone beats a complex setup.
2. Framing & Composition
Frame Rules
- •Eye-level camera — not too high or low
- •Center or ⅓ rule placement (founder slightly off-center)
- •Headroom: 10% of frame
- •Have enough space around subject to allow zoom ins and closeups in post production
- •Shoulders visible; crop mid-chest
- •Depth: 1–2 meters from background for blur
- •Make sure nothing comes between camera and face, if you using shotgun mic make sure to keep it lower than face and avoid getting too much mic in the frame
Think documentary-style, not selfie. Balanced, breathable framing.
3. Lighting Protocol
Natural Light
- • Face a window at ~45° angle
- • Avoid direct harsh sunlight
- • Use white curtains to diffuse
Artificial Light
- • 1 key light on one side of the face (softbox or LED)
- • 1 fill light or reflector on the opposite side
- • Optional hair/back light for separation
Goal: Even, soft light that adds depth.
4. Audio Protocol
Checklist
- • Record in a quiet room
- • Turn off fans, AC, notifications
- • Mic close to chest (clip mic 6 inches below chin)
- • Test sound before shooting
- • Record a few seconds of silence for background tone
Optional tip: Monitor with earphones.
Good audio = 50% of good storytelling.
5. Performance & Delivery
Energy Guide
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Talk to one person | Imagine speaking to a single friend, not a crowd |
| Smile with eyes | Natural, warm energy beats forced enthusiasm |
| Pause often | Silence creates gravity and cinematic rhythm |
| Avoid jargon | Speak human — your audience connects to simplicity |
| Multiple takes | Record 3–4 takes; best performances emerge later |
| Eye Contact | Avoid losing eye contact from the camera |
| Monologue | Try to speak in monologue of 10-15 seconds, complete sentences |
| Divide Script | Divide script of 60 mins in chunk of 4 and record each chunk without cuts. |
| No rush | Keep even tone and do not rush to complete the sentences |
Create Personality = Speak in a way people see your personality and remember you.
6. Scripting & Segments
Recommended Flow
- 1.Hook (5 sec) — "You know what most founders miss?"
- 2.Story (15–30 sec) — Share a personal or emotional truth
- 3.Insight (15 sec) — The "aha" or message takeaway
- 4.CTA (5 sec) — "If this resonates, follow for more founder stories."
Record each segment separately for easier editing.
7. Quick Pre-Record Checklist
- •Camera charged
- •Mic tested
- •Lighting balanced
- •Frame leveled
- •Background clean
- •Audio silent room
- •3–4 takes per segment
- •Save + backup footage immediately
8. Post-Record Handoff
Before sending to the editor:
- • Move footage to Drive folder
- • Include:
- • Raw footage
- • Script
- • Reference video
- • Style guide
- • Deadline + brief
Brand Reminder
"We don't chase viral videos.
We craft timeless stories that feel real."