How to jump in front of the Camera with confidence and Go Live! [Techniques and Equipment]

Welcome!

If you are here, it means that you are an entrepreneur or a business owner who understands that the best way to connect with your audience and reach your ideal clients is through Video and presence.

You are in the right place.

In this blog post you will read about useful tips that will help you with your presence and confidence on camera,

I have also gathered all the link to equipment you might need to make your videos the best possible experience for your audience.

My name is Theodora.

I am the creator and founder of the TVP Foundation which operates through two main venues: The International Theatre in English and The Los Angeles Method.

I have been a director, actress, producer, coach for more than 20 years. I have worked with actors all over the world, directed and produced sold out performances in central big theatres in major cities like Rome, Amsterdam, New York, Athens.

Now I want to help you, the Entrepreneur of today, to unleash the STAR you have within you, to connect with your audience and find your ideal clients through live streaming, video blogs, promotional videos. I want to support you to Show Up and Brand Up!

I want to support you so you can  

• CREATE VIDEOS THAT WILL HAVE YOU AUTHENTICALLY CONNECT WITH YOUR IDEAL CLIENTS

• BE CONFIDENT IN FRONT OF A CAMERA

• CREATE PRESENCE

• CREATE CONNECTION

• IMPROVE YOUR VISIBILITY

Tips:

- What is your message?

Before pressing "REC", you need to know what you will be talking about. What is the conclusion you want your audience to draw? What is the "arc" of your speech or presentation? Make sure you have mapped out your Introduction, Main Theme and Outro. What is the Call to Action you want them to take?

Please remember that preparation is key, but so is being in the NOW, following the flow. Use the map as a simple guideline. Do not confine yourself within it. If it is a Live video, maybe one of your audience members asks a question that was not in your "schedule". Do not ignore it. "Listen" to your audience and navigate the presentation accordingly.

- Talk to a loved one.

In Acting this is called "Substitution". Replace the wide audience of people you do not know with a familiar and loving face. Look into the camera and imagine you are talking to your husband, your girlfriend, your son or best friend. Your energy and vibration will instantly change and everyone will feel like their friend is talking to them, instead of a sales person or a stranger.

Personality is key. Think about the "Role" you want to play. Remember that Acting is not about pretending. 

Acting is about living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.

Who is the person talking? What is her or his objective? Values? 

- Study the greats.

Choose films you love, classical movies, film makers who have succeeded in telling great stories. Study them. Pay attention to how they use the camera. When the scene is about something emotional and important to the plot, do they use Close Ups or Wide Shots? How is the lighting? The sound? The surroundings?

- Speech.

Make sure to use your diaphragm. When you use your diaphragm, the breath- used for speech- passes through all your chakras (your energy centres in your body). Most importantly it passes through your heart, the centre of your emotions and your throat, the chakra of creation. This way your voice is infused with emotion and power. That is how people will be able to connect with you; when you will evoke emotions in them.

People might forget what you told them, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou

- Camera Position

Make sure your camera is on eye level or a little bit higher. Low angles are not very flattering.

Equipment

Your message and your energy are the most important aspects of your On Camera presence.

However it is important for us to be able to hear you and see you clearly.

You need to make the experience of your audience watching you, the smoothest and most enjoyable as possible.

As mentioned above, make sure the camera is on eye level or a little bit higher. 

Pay attention to the frame you are creating. What is the most important element of your frame? You of course!

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Join my Show Up and Stand Out Challenge!

Join the Facebook Group Here

We start Feb 23rd!

 

Here are some tools

you can use to make

the viewing experience better

for your audience.

If you are using your Smart Phone:

- Light

The LuMee Case is perfect for instant light solution when you are on the go.

If you want to create a small "Studio" in your office or home, a soft box is a great tool to have.

- Microphone

I use the Rode Microphones or my iPhone EarPods-they work as microphone as well.

- Mounting Gear

- Lenses

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me!

I would be very happy to help out.

Please share your videos to our Facebook group The Los Angeles Method. We would love to see what you created!

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If you liked what you read so far and found it useful, join me on February 28, 2017 online for our program Show Up | Brand Up.

I will walk you through on how to put  videos together that will have you Authentically connect with your ideal clients.

You will learn techniques on how to get rid of all the nerves and concentrate on your energy and  the energy of your brand that you want to put out in the world.

You will improve your visibility and your presence.

You will learn how to make people feel you relate to them, because you will learn how to create instant chemistry with your audience.

Read More

Looking forward to working with you and supporting create and grow.

Theodora.

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Testimonials | The Los Angeles Method

“Acting in Theodora Voutsa’s Oedipus Rex has made me a better person. First, rehearsing with Theodora and learning the Los Angeles Method has changed my relationship with myself. I now have a framework and vocabulary for how I experience emotion. Not only do I better understand what I am feeling, I also seek out new emotional experiences rather than avoiding them.

Perhaps more importantly though, the experience has changed how I interact with the world. I better understand not only my own objectives, but those of others around me, which makes me a better colleague, friend, and partner. 

Performing for a sold-out theatre also has some unique benefits. The most obvious of those is the boost in self-confidence that comes from having successfully rehearsed and performed an entire play alongside a talented cast. More subtle though, is that theatre puts the rest of life in perspective. The commitment, focus, and high stakes of putting on our show made it clear that things I had previously felt were huge problems are really only minor annoyances.

I wholeheartedly recommend this to others and can hardly wait to do it again myself.”

— BRIAN PAGAN

“I have had the privilege in working with Theodora Voutsa as an actress on my feature film “Gamilio Party”. Theodora’s professionalism and performance skills were of the highest expectations that one director could have. She has the ability to encourage actors around her to step into deeper levels of emotion while in character. She has a positive approach in story and a charismatic element that allows her self to shine.”

— CHRISTINE CROKOS | DIRECTOR | PRODUCER | LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA

The Los Angeles Method | photo by BalansLab

“I have already attended a workshop “Acting for personal and professional growth” given by Theodora Voutsa. And it was the most amazing workshop I have ever attended. Theodora is an excellent coach full of energy and passion for what she is doing. So I would like to highly recommend this training. I am more than sure that it will cause great reactions from the people who will attend.”

— SNEZANA ZIVCEVSKA- STALPERS | IBM

“he Los Angeles Method for me was a real eye-opener. Theodora, you are the first person I saw that I can say, with my whole heart, is an excellent trainer/lifecoach in personal development. I can recommend this workshop to everyone in the world, the methods and te excercises are very universal and can fit for everyone who believes he/she can change and he/she is 100% responsible for their own growth. You are the best trainer in my opinion I saw till now in my life, with the best working method in personal development. My motto is from now, YES YOU CAN CHANGE AND YOU ARE 100% RESPONSIBLE FOR IT!, Thank you, Theodora!”

— NAFIZE SENER | ENTREPRENEUR | NETHERLANDS

“My experience with the Los Angeles Method was very positive: it made me think about my habits, my convictions about myself and the world, about my reactiveness to my own patterns, and also that it is possible to look at them and learn to change, alone for that it was well worth it! Understanding the connection from those thoughts to what my reality is, made me become more aware and more alert to who to change my circumstances. It really lightened up my curiosity to self knowledge! It is still a work in progress and the tools I got from the course are indeed useful and insightful, I’d recommend this course to anyone who wants to get to understand himself or herself better. Theodora lead the course in a very kind, non judgmental way, hearing every one’s thoughts, words, fears, joys and opinions and addressing everyone in a joyful inspiring way, and inspiring everyone to take part in creating better experiences for themselves. Wonderful!”

— FRANCISCO | PORTUGAL

“Theodora worked seamlessly, providing a rich, experiential introduction to both coaching and acting, and how the two can be complementary. She also made it perfectly accessible for both Italian and English speakers, and created a safe, non judgmental and fun environment for those unfamiliar with coaching, acting or both. Coaching, and acting, ask us to dig deep, face our greatest fears, and live (or act) from a place of integrity. This isn’t easy; you have to be willing to be vulnerable and to do so in a group of strangers could be profoundly uncomfortable. Theodora created a safe and comfortable space for us to explore, work , play and grow together. I am a coach but even I was amazed at what she managed to create and inspire in each participant, and the growth that resulted, in just two days.”

— AMY GILESON | LIFE COACH | NY. USA

“These workshops have been a wonderful journey of releasing my inner blockages, and inspiriting a joyful approach to achieve my goals. As an actress, Theodora has empowered me to constructively work in the profession with a grounded yet joyful approach. The tools and techniques are simple, quick and effective in understanding your strengths and releasing your inhibitions. I highly recommend these seminars, if you are looking for success, happiness and peace in all areas of your life”

— VEEJAY KAUR | ACTRESS | LONDON. UK

“This Workshop is wonderful for all aspects of one’s life. It is really inspiring, manageable and teaches things that I will put to use immediately. The relationship between exercises, listening and noting the experience was really nice. I learned many new things. Thank you!”

— ANNA BUTTERWORTH, USA

“At first, a lot of strangers and chaos. We were a group of individuals who shared an atomic experience and, in the process, formed a cohesive unit. For many of us, it was a baptism by fire. But, like clay cups, we needed the fire to turn us into fine, strong porcelain. I was often left breathless with love – both given and received. We witnessed and supported each other’s breakthroughs and many tears were shed as we connected with parts of ourselves we didn’t know existed.

I learned that, whether you’re in a corporate career or an artistic one, a strong work ethic and an ability to communicate and co-operate with others is essential.

I learned the fine balance between trust and taking responsibility.

I learned that there is a time to speak and a time to stay silent, and that too many words swallow the meaning.

Theodora: Passionate, impatient, temperamental, with a heart as huge as her talent. Strong vision and drive, and a firm handle on both the bigger picture and every minute detail. No tolerance for bullshit, excuses or drama queens; a knack for understanding someone’s pain and knowing when to use it to break down barriers and when to comfort it to prevent creating them. A very tough task-master who only accepts the best from each of us. I discovered that if I let go of my defensiveness, just gave my very best and allowed myself to be taught, magic happened.

We created something exquisite – all of us together. I still feel tears of pride pricking my eyes when I look at the photos”

— SANDY TOPZAND

“I have always loved theatre and enjoyed watching the performances. I never acted before, never been on stage.

When I learned about Oedipus Rex, I thought “why not” and joined the first meeting in June 2014. I really wanted to join the cast but got scared to make a fool of myself as a non-actor. (I am an IT professional :)). I asked Theodora if she will be open with her feedback and if I have no talent not to let me go on stage. She laughed and said there will be something to do for everyone and she will never allow anyone of us to fail as “Oedipus Rex” must succeed.

The only condition was to give our commitment, our time and energy during the process. I decided to join. As I was very excited from the first moment onwards; I did bring a very close friend to join the cast and do this together.

I did have a unique and wonderful experience from day 1 onwards. Acting means putting yourself forward, getting away from your fears and embracing yourself. I opened up, met myself in a very different way; I started to dare, let my emotions show, and not be inhibited by my fears. ” I am worthy” has been our motto; I now understand what it means.

In the process we connected with all our fellow actors; anticipating their mood, movements, understanding their needs and emotions; getting to know them both as friends and also actors.

We did many exercises during each rehearsal; started with warm ups, did team building exercises, acting, singing, …

I discovered my capabilities I would never be aware of. This has been very fulfilling for me; also created a new energy and drive for my day to day life. Suddenly the routine of my life changed. I was looking forward to Saturday’s and the rehearsals.

Being part of the Oedipus Rex cast gave me additional strength to deal with the difficult situations at work and in my personal life. I am a stronger person now; more open for change and with more self-confidence. If I can be successful on stage, in front of many people and get their applause, I can do anything I put my mind and energy into.

The performances were also unique experiences for me. Technical week, preparations, getting into character, being present and connecting with the audience in such a way to let them live through the story and emotions with us. I really enjoyed every moment of it.

This experience and what I learned during the process is also very useful for me during my work. It is all about people, connecting and communicating. Also embracing change. These are qualities that can be applicable to my job, actually any job, as we all work with people. The best achievements are done via a good and efficient teamwork.

I am already recommending this experience to friends as I believe anybody who will put their commitment and energy into this process will go though a life changing experience and will benefit from it.

I started to feel young, energetic, happy and capable again … What more could I want ?”

— HALE PARLAYAN | NETHERLNDS/TURKEY

“My experience with the Oedipus “project” was in short amazing; a once in a life time experience. From the first day I participated , I was hooked. The presence of Theodora was so powerful, so embracing and encouraging that I decided to be part of this project from the first day; I didn’t know what I could do, or if i was up to the challenge but I decided to give a try. I found the whole process so challenging and very awarding at the personal level; it forced me and all others to get rid of all kind of emotional , physical barriers we all had in the beginning ; our “vulnerability “ led to a very special bond among all of us based on trust, care , and love and mutual drive.  

The next 6 months was working together, rehearsing, learning techniques, learning each other and learning more about yourself all in a very demanding, highly challenging , quite entertaining and competitive environment but never competing with others; always with yourself only to exceed what you have done so far. I felt growing stronger in presence but becoming selfless at the same time. It was amazing to observe and also experience how Theodora stimulates the group and individuals to go through different stages of emotions, that at the end brings everybody closer to each other and to own self.

The performances were a complete different experience: first of all only at that time I saw how those seemingly disparate and unrelated small things started to make sense and fell into their own place ; it made be comfortable and confident to realize how well all was actually thought, designed from early on: we were stirred to grow and fulfill the space designated.  

I already started to encourage many people I know, especially the young ones to go through a similar experience which will help them in their own personal development as well as in their current or future carrier aspirations. I was very privileged to go thru this journey under the guidance of Theodora.”

— MUGE ERGECEN | NETHERLANDS

“With all sincerity it has been a long time since I have used time so well. Theodora is just fantastic! She talks with so much power and love at the same time, creating a unique environment! I will certainly use what I have learned here. It is hard to describe how great I feel after the Workshop. Thank you so much!”

— JORGE FONSECA | COSTA RICA

“It was a unique experience. In my opinion it was a well organized Workshop, with a variety of different exercises, that were very helpful. Helpful in order to understand better ourselves, our needs and the others’ needs and characters. What remains after the Workshop is a feeling of calmness and openess that can lead to a better connection with ourselves and everyone around us.”

— ZOE FRAGOULOPOULOU | GREECE

“I loved the practical exercises. Theodora is very welcoming and warm. This put me at ease to be myself. I liked the emphasis on mutual help at the end. I am really glad I came. I learned a lot of things. Thank you very much Theodora!”

— GREGORY BERGE | FRANCE

“The content of the Workshop was not new to me, but the way Theodora expressed these principles made me hear and understand things in a new way. I can use these principles to create the relationship I desire from and with my life”

— SHANA CORDON | USA

“I think we did a great amount of work. Theodora was focused, loving and productive and her open mentality allowed for a really safe atmosphere for people to explore and grow. I enjoyed all of teh activities. I am impressed by the structure and balance of work.”

— MOLLY ZIMMELMAN | USA

“I think the Workshop was very clear. Learned techniques that are useful to me and my craft. I was very happy I was here. Thank you!”

— FRANCESCA MCKAY | ITALY

“It was very direct (no bullshit or small talk), very professional and to the point advice”

— MICHAEL | AMSTERDAM

“I liked the fact that this method’s approach can be adopted to all our relationships. It is a kind of mirror, you come so close to yourself and inner feelings. You peel your layers till you become yourself, that is what I have liked mostly.”

— PELIN | NETHERLANDS

“The concept, exercises and most of all Theodora’s charisma as a coach, actor; this is high level material explained in a motivational and workable format to use in your every day life.”

— NICOS | AMSTERDAM

"The hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine". [The Artist's Way]

To succeed in life, you need to find the Artist within you. You need to come in contact with that part of yourself that creates. Whether you work in Business, Finance, Marketing, Health, Arts, Culture- whether you do not work at all- to live and experience the life that you want and deserve, you need to unleash your creative powers!

You have creative powers, because you were born an Artist.

Why do some people find it easy to be creative and come up with brilliant and unique ideas and others don't? 

Is it just their type or is it just a matter of behaviour and attitude? Are creative people programmed in a different way?

NO!

The good news are that we are all programmed to create.

We all have the series of cognitive processes required for our ability to conceive complex ideas and realise them.  

The difference between an Artist, someone who creates their circumstances instead of just reacting to them, and someone who does not believe they are an Artist- and just reacts to the circumstances that Life brings his or her way- is just a THOUGHT.

That thought is called a Confining Conviction, a Limiting Belief, a False Program you downloaded along the way of becoming you.

More good news! You can reprogram these Confining Convictions. You can reprogram them using  the tools provided by The Los Angeles Method, or if you can find another method- with that too. The only prerequisite is that you will WANT to make the change.

You need to want to make the shift. No one can make it for you. It is your Life and you are 100% responsible for it.

What helped me make the shift, what helped me make the change and start creating the life I want to lead, to start designing my life- is ART. Embracing the Artist within me helped me unleash my creative powers. This is why I created The Los Angeles Method- the feeling was too good not to share it with others.

Feeling self confident, powerful, standing on my own two feet, not being afraid to express my self, creating what gave me pleasure and helped me expand and grow, becoming strong to be able to help others rise with me are only a few of the benefits I gained along the way of becoming an Artist.

Art helps you release, unblock your emotions, get in contact with the Authentic and True you. Art supports your critical thinking, grows your self confidence. Of course my suggestion is not to evacuate all the offices, or Universities, or markets and grab a brush, or jump on stage or grab a microphone.

My suggestion is to use the technique of the Artist, the knowledge in creativity, in our every day life.

"The hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Art opens your heart; from your heart you can create a stronger and more fulfilling reality.

Artists are entrepreneurs. They are willing to stake everything for the chance to go for it. Artists are drawn to money. The great historical centres of art such as Venice, Amsterdam, Paris, New York were also great centres for business. 

Rubens was a great artist and a brilliant businessman. His assistants would work in his studio- factory in Antwerp and he would travel to all the aristocratic houses selling his work.

Profit buys freedom, freedom buys time, time allows you to create what you want and need.

An enterprising view is necessary for success. 

Find the artist within you, the creator. As Leonardo Da Vinci observed:

" It has long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things."

That is the Artist's Way! To turn Nothings into Somethings.

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You are the Olive Tree.

Listen to the post here: The Los Angeles Method Podcast

Imagine you are a strong, rich, generous, beautiful and fruitful Olive Tree. olive Trees are loved trees because of the rich gifts they offer. They live for hundreds of years and offer food, shade, materials, life. Do not forget that the Olive Tree was the gift that Goddess Athena, the Goddess of wisdom, offered the Athenians as a symbol of life and abundance.

You are that Olive Tree. At first you are a small seed. No one can tell you are an Olive Tree, not even you. You are thinking "I am just a tiny dot. How can I offer food to so many people, olive oil and shade and protection for years to come? I will not make it! I am just a tiny seed!" And you get scared and overwhelmed with what lies ahead, all the responsibilities and demands. 

These are your limiting beliefs. These are your Confining Convictions, the false "programs you have downloaded" along your way.

The work we do with The Los Angeles Method reprograms all these Confining Convictions, these thoughts that you have accepted as facts, and liberates you from what weighs you down. 

That is how we plant the seed- You- into a rich and nourishing soil. Then we work on your values, anti values, habits and more- the nutrients that will help you rise strong and tall and rich. We work on releasing any unwanted elements that are weighing you down. 

Now that you have your "roots" well planted in a rich and supporting "soil", we work on your goals, in the most creative way- using a combination of Acting and Personal Development Techniques. 

We use Acting Techniques and games to give you the tools to create any "Role" you want to play in life and achieve any "scene objective" you want.