Looking the Part — Studio-Grade Setup for Studio-Grade Credibility

June 19, 2025

We all claim to be professionals. Experts. Studio owners who obsess over craft.But what does your video call setup say?It’s been 5 years since the pandemic shifted our world. Yet many founders still show up to high-stakes calls lit like a dentist’s office, framed like a mugshot, and sounding like they’re in a bathtub.In this roundtable, special guest Dave Waite, Partner + Creative Director at Zookeeper, pulls back the curtain on what it means to look and sound the part. From lens height to lighting layers, Dave will walk us through his studio-grade rig—and why that detail matters.Inspired by a member’s blunt observation:“We’re supposed to be experts, right?”We’ll swap tips, do some live critiques (if you’re game), and unpack the subtle ways presence shapes perception.What we’ll cover:

  • Camera and lighting setups that say “premium”
  • Audio gear that adds confidence to every word
  • Backgrounds, depth, and visual storytelling
  • Portable setups for travel or on-the-go calls
  • Common mistakes and easy fixes
  • Plus: early feedback on a new resource—the Ultimate Call Setup Guide curated by Forum

This is one of those rare, instantly-actionable sessions. Come curious, leave leveled-up.Also exploring the idea of a permanent Forum resource: the Ultimate Call Setup Guide with gear lists and tips from fellow members.