04
Have a natural conversation
Use social cues to make the 360-degree video more like face-to-face conversation
Since it is an immersive experience, viewers of 360-degree videos will find themselves as if with the presenter in the scene. Hence, they expect the presenter to "acknowledge" their existence. If the presenter does so, the viewers will feel a higher level of presence, and find the content more enjoyable. To achieve this, there are two shot types, namely the “look-at-this” shot and “look-over-there” shot, that can be very useful.
The "Look-at-this" shot
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When the presenter needs to introduce something small, rather than pull the camera close to the object, he may move the object closer to the camera (see Video 1). The viewer will feel like the presenter picks up the object and shows it closely so that the details can be examined clearly. Remember, this is the way you would probably do it if you were showing something to an actual person.
Video 1. Professor Rob Lindeman of HIT Lab NZ demonstrates the “look-at-this” shot.
Also notice tihs is a 360-degree video, so drag over the video with mouse to look around
The "Look-over-there" shot
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When the presenter needs to introduce an object nearby or at far, he or she may start by looking at the camera, then pointing at the object and looking in the same direction, then look back at the camera while still pointing at the object. These are typical movements we use in normal conversation in daily life (see Video 2). This helps the viewer to follow along with the narrative and notice the object smoothly.
Video 2. Professor Rob Lindeman of HIT Lab NZ demonstrates the “look-over-there” shot.
So, now you should have learned what 360-degree video is, how they are made, and how people will be viewing them. We have also discussed where this technology might be best used. When you are about to use 360-degree videos in your projects, remember to plan ahead and learn a lot about your scene and content. These tips for camera handling and scene management will also help you have a smooth and nice shooting day.