How to record a video avatar?

Here is a set of do's and dont's and best practices on recording your video replica and getting your perfect video avatar.

A Quick list of Do's and Dont's when recording your video avatar

Do's ✅

✅ Set up your HD camera or recording software

✅ If using a smartphone, film in landscape

✅ Make sure your face & upper body are in focus

✅ Ensure the recording space is quiet and well-lit

✅ Speak naturally, we'll capture tone & emotion

Dont's ❌

❌ Avoid clothes that blend into the background

❌ Avoid accessories that block your head & face like hats, earrings, or thick glasses.

❌ Don't turn your head away from the camera

❌ Avoid backgrounds that are busy or moving

❌ Don't move around too much or exaggerate movements, like waving your hands

Best Practices & Examples

​Set Up: Environment

​🌞 Lighting

Ensure your face is evenly lit with no shadows.

• Example: If a window casts shadows on your face, change your orientation or use a ring light to even it out.

• A large diffuse light will work best, providing consistent even, and neutral lighting for the entire face.

• This helps Phoenix to properly map your face, resulting in a better-looking video overall.

​🔊 Noise

Your space should be silent or almost silent.

• Avoid noise from air conditioning, construction, traffic, refrigerators, and conversations.

• Choose rooms with minimal reverb to prevent sound amplification.

• Clean audio, free from background noises, will produce the best audio output for your replica.

​🌆 Background

Keep your background clear.

• Remove moving objects.

• Ensure no other people are visible in the video.

​Set Up: Equipment

​📷 Camera & Placement

Use a high-quality camera with at least 2K pixels.

• Examples: DSLR, newer laptops, iPhones, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel.

• Frames per second: Optimal FPS is 30, but 24-60 FPS is acceptable.

• Distance: Maintain a distance of 3ft-6ft (or 0.9m-1.8m) from the camera.

• Level: The camera should be at eye level.

• Lens: Ensure the camera lens is clean of smudges.

​🎙️ Microphone

Start with your phone or computer’s microphone.

• A high-quality mic can mitigate background noise/echo.

• For external USB or XLR mics:

  • Place the mic 1ft (0.3m) from your mouth, not exceeding 2-3ft (0.5-0.9m).

  • Position the mic at least 1 inch below your chin to avoid blocking your mouth.

• Wireless earbuds, like Apple AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds, are not recommended due to poor mic quality.

​👾 Software

Disable any software-based audio enhancements.

• Turn off compressors, equalizers, noise suppression, etc., as we perform our own sound processing post-recording.

​Set Up: Yourself

​👀 Gaze

Maintain eye level with the camera and act naturally.

​🗣️ Speaking Vibe & Pace

Be yourself and relax.

• Pace: Take your time, don’t rush.

• Pausing: Close your lips during pauses (the script will remind you).

• Tone: Aim for an upbeat tone to keep content positive and engaging. Keep continuous eye contact with the camera. Be animated in your mouth, eyes, and cheeks.

• Gestures: Keep hand gestures to a minimum and avoid blocking your face.

• Mistakes: If you stumble, continue speaking. Perfection isn’t necessary.

​🎅 Accessories & Beards

If possible, avoid beards, glasses, and accessories.

• Our model is still being refined to process these elements better.

This comprehensive guide ensures you capture the highest quality footage for your replica, leading to a more authentic and engaging digital representation.