JCM

The color, texture, and fabric of clothing are as important as the vibrant personality and visual cues your persona provides on camera. Looking your best under the bright lights is only a few tips away. We will not make fun of the ruffled powdered blue tuxedo or puffy paisley pirate shirt, however there are a few things to keep in mind before stepping into your next video engagement.
 
The level of fashion should match the concept of your project and communicate the theme to the audience. If you are participating in a surfing commercial, it is more important that you bring swimsuits, tee shirts, or towels rather than business attire. Always ask questions about theme to know the exact articles of clothing to bring and be prepared with extra outfits and accessories.
 
It is important that you are not only comfortable in your outfit but also that you are able to move around; comfortably. Take some time trying on the garments as a fluctuation in size could cause a very uncomfortable presentation.  If the fit is correct, then check out the fabric and patterns of your attire.
 
The camera captures information on light and tight shiny patterns could process as a “strobe” effect. Which means the pattern constantly shifts and changes creating a distracting movement on your attire.  This could distract the audience away from your face and on to your clothes. Other patterns that cause this effect are checks, tight or very close stripes, herringbones, tweeds, and loud plaids.
 
Below you will find helpful hints for on-camera attire and some examples of what not to wear on camera.
 
Business Attire:
Professional Business Attire means a business suit and tie. Bring more than one tie that matches your suite. Look for a tie fabric that does not shine and has a loose pattern. The suit and dress shirt should be a medium color of blue, brown, or graphite. We do not recommend button down collars because the buttons show up on camera. However, be sure that your collar is heavy starched straight. It is also best not to wear bright white or yellow colors that could process to vivid on camera.  
 
Business Casual:
In contrast to professional business attire, there is no generally accepted definition of business casual attire. It seems to be the middle area between a casual Saturday and business formal wear.  Pending the image you would like to present for video purposes, this generally means a collared shirt, cotton trousers, belt, and loafers with socks. However, this could also mean jeans and a sports coat with a polo shirt underneath. As with all fashion this is up to your interpretation, therefore it is best to bring extra outfits to check on camera.
 
Accessories could be the tipping point in exuding your style relating to the concept of the project but not all accessories are equal. According to Frida Gucci in an Esquire article “The first thing I notice about a man are his shoes, then a quick glance at his watch.” Ms. Gucci is a style icon and we should take her real life advice and add it to your video preparation guide.
 
·   Ensure that your shoes are free of scratches and scuffs by either shining them yourself or taking them to a professional. Also, check your other leather goods like your belt or watchband for the same items.
 
 · A briefcase could act as a nice prop, but do not get to attached to the idea because the Director will make the final decision about including it.
 
· Hats: Please check with the Director before packing a bunch of hats but use your best judgment on how the Hat style relates to the project concept.
 
· Unless you are part of a Barber Shop Quartet, Fire Department, Clown, or looking for a zany way to spice up your look, please think twice before committing to Suspenders.
 
 
Keep in mind that fashion and the style of dress is a combination of your perceptions, the Directors vision and the overall concept of the video.  If you have questions please ask them and we will give you a good sense of the dress code. Otherwise, be prepared with several options and flexible to the Directors vision.