The People's Cookbook
Making a recipe video
So you've dusted off your camcorder, tidied the kitchen and donning your best pinny, you're just about ready to press record. But before filming commences try taking a look at our handy hints for getting the best out of your video.
Shooting a cooking sequence is not as straight forward as you may think, there are a few considerations like close-ups, timings and running commentary that you should keep in mind when filming. Follow our top tips for creating a cookery video you can be proud of, lights, camera, action...
Submit your recipe
Submit your recipe
Submit your recipe
Rope in a friend
You’re the one doing the cooking so it makes sense to have someone else holding the camera. You could try setting up a tripod and filming yourself, but you may find it a tad difficult kneading bread and filming at the same time.
Ready steady cook
Try to hold the camera as steady as possible, shaky camera work is only acceptable on Ricky Gervais comedy shows, or the first series of the Naked Chef. When making close-ups try to hold the shot for at least 5 seconds.
Recipe commentary
Clear audio obviously is very important - try and get an external microphone fitted to your camcorder, or even better hook up a small personal mic to your clothing. Be aware of background noise, sizzling sounds are great, boiling kettles are not, and may very well drown out your commentary.
Check the lighting
Filming directly in front of a window will cause you to be in shadow. However, hold the camera with your back to the window and you will be lit beautifully. You may find that turning the light on in your kitchen helps!
No music
Please don’t use music in your video, you may be used to chopping and bopping at the same time, but that means your video will be subject to copyright law and we won’t be able to include it on our site.
Don’t zoom
You might think it’s appropriate to zoom in on that money shot of béchamel sauce as its starts simmering, but you’ll leave your viewers with a queasy feeling as the camera makes a sudden jolt. If you notice, cookery programmes rarely if ever use zooms, they cut to shot – and so should you.
Decide how you want to shoot the recipe
Are you going for a Delia Smith-style behind worktop setup or a free-form Jamie Oliver roam? If you are a little more camera shy - try filming a close-up of your hands assembling the dish and then overlaying an audio commentary of the recipe at a later stage.
Presentation
Think of your presentation, colourful plates and garnishes can really add to the finished dish. Finally relax and enjoy the experience, you never know there could be a future TV career in the making!Submit your recipe
