Competition video - Background is all washed out

[capel]

So I made a video with my 170 a few days ago, and it's all done now and submitted.
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzE6GQNBYqo

Even though it's too late to fix anything, you'll notice that the background is all washed out. Apart from closing the blinds, what could I have done to prevent this with the camera itself?

Is there some magical setting that reduces the back light? Thanks for any help. This will be great to know for future projects. Oh, and let me know what you think of the video as well. Thanks!

-Chris

[PSA1]

More light on your subject to even out the foreground and background.

[PerroneFord]

Is there some magical setting that reduces the back light?

Yes, it's called light control and understanding exposure. If your background is 3-4 stops hotter than your actors, you will get the results you just got.

If you'd really like to improve what you're doing, I'd suggest signing up for a basic photography course. It will teach you about all these things and really improve what you're doing.

[capel]

That's great advice, PerroneFord. I'll look into taking a photography course.

What did you guys think of the video?

[Collink]

The clip was funny, interesting, and short
Great costumes, funny acting, average set, obviously the lighting needed help but overall I rate it a 6.

CK