The right equipment can make or break your TV show. If the topic of your show is exciting, but the quality isn’t good, people won’t watch it. Here are the tools that you need to create a TV show.
1. High-Quality Camera
The visual quality plays a crucial role in the success of a TV show. Invest in high-quality digital cinema cameras like Panasonic HC-X1 4K Ultra HD or Canon XC10 4K to ensure your show looks visually appealing. Besides selecting the right camera, choosing the right stabilizer, tripod, and lighting equipment is also essential.
2. High-Quality Audio Equipment
Sound quality is often overlooked but plays a vital role in the overall viewer experience. Invest in professional-grade microphones (Blue Yeti X or Rode NT1), audio recorders, and boom poles.
3. Lighting Equipment
Lighting determines the quality of your video and plays a significant role in creating a visual mood and atmosphere. Lighting kits manufactured by Aputure or Godox are among the best in the industry.
Lighting kits come in different types. You can choose one depending on your needs.
4. Video Editing Software
Raw videos need editing to fix errors and create a story. Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro (for Mac) are some of the best video editing tools.
Video editing software comes loaded with various features, such as:
- Cut, trim, and split video and audio
- Transition
- Effects
- Color grading
- Stabilization
- Audio effects
Adobe Audition and Audacity are dedicated audio editing tools. If you want to edit video and audio in one place, use Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro.
Pro tip: Tools like Adobe After Effects or Blender can help you add special effects and animations to your video, which helps increase the video quality.
5. Powerful Computer
Video editing is a CPU- and GPU-intensive task that requires a powerful desktop or laptop.
If you use Windows, here are the recommended specs for video editing.
- Processor: Intel Core-i7 10750H or higher; AMD Ryzen 7 4800H or higher
- RAM: 32 GB or higher
- Graphics: RTX 2060 or higher
- Display: 2560×1440 pixels or higher
If you use a Mac, here are the recommended specs for video editing.
- Processor: M1 Pro or higher
- RAM: 32 GB or higher
- Graphics: M1 Pro or higher
- Display: 2560×1440 pixels or higher
6. Teleprompter
A teleprompter is a device used in video production to display a script or text in front of a presenter. It helps present the information smoothly by maintaining eye contact with the camera lens. The screen attached is visible to the presenter but not to the audience.
7. Storage Solutions
Creating a TV show involves significant data, including raw footage, edited files, graphics, and more. So, it’s necessary to have a reliable storage solution to protect your work.
There are three ways you can store your work:
- Computer storage: You can store video files on your computer. But you’ll have limitations because most computers don’t have more than 1 TB storage capacity.
- External hard drives: Invest in a high-capacity hard disk (more than 10 TB) to store your video files.
- Cloud storage: Use cloud storage services like Google Drive and Amazon Cloud to store your video files. They provide remote access and an extra layer of security.
Don’t forget to take a backup of the files so you don’t lose data in case of equipment failure.
8. Distribution and Marketing
You can distribute your show on traditional broadcast networks like cable channels or newer online platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
Here are some tips to promote your show:
- Publishing content on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram is a great way to promote your show. Create engaging trailers and teasers to generate interest.
- Create a website using a CMS like WordPress or Wix and publish blogs.
- Email marketing is a great way to attract audiences. You can use tools like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or Sendinblue for building and managing your email list.
9. Contracts and Agreement
DocuSign and Adobe Sign can help you manage your cast and crew contracts.
Conclusion
Creating a good TV show requires creativity and technical expertise. The tools mentioned in this article can help you bring your creative ideas to life and produce a high-quality TV show.
If you need help choosing the right tools for your TV show, get on a call with Ken.
Ken D Foster is an author, keynote speaker, and success coach dedicated to helping individuals unlock their full potential. With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Ken has helped numerous aspiring TV personalities achieve their dreams.