10 Must-Know Things About Video Production: Your Essential Guide

1. Planning is Paramount: Don’t Hit Record Without a Roadmap

Before diving headfirst into filming, take a step back and solidify your plan. Here’s what pre-production entails:

• Define Your Goals: What do you want your video to achieve? Increase brand awareness, boost sales, or educate your audience? Having a clear purpose will guide your entire production process.
• Know Your Audience: Tailor your video content to resonate with your target audience. Consider their demographics, interests, and online behaviour.
• Craft a Compelling Script: A well-written script acts as your blueprint, ensuring your video flows smoothly and delivers your message effectively.
• Storyboarding Sets the Stage: Storyboards are a series of illustrations that visually depict each scene in your video. This helps visualise the flow and identify any potential pacing issues before filming.

2. Embrace the Power of Concept & Collaboration

Developing a strong creative concept is crucial for captivating viewers. Here’s where collaboration shines:

• Brainstorming Bonanza: Bounce ideas off trusted colleagues or a video production company. Fresh perspectives can spark innovative concepts and ensure your video stands out.
• Understanding Your Style: Do you envision a polished, cinematic approach or a more casual, documentary-style video? Knowing your desired style helps guide creative decisions throughout the process.

3. Gearing Up: Essential Equipment for Video Production

While fancy equipment can enhance your production, you don’t need a Hollywood budget to get started:

• Camera: Your smartphone camera can be a surprisingly powerful tool! Consider investing in a mirrorless camera for greater versatility and control over settings if you plan to create more professional content.
• Lighting: Lighting is crucial for professional-looking videos. Explore natural light sources whenever possible. For indoor filming, consider affordable options like softboxes or strategically placed desk lamps.
• Audio Matters: Crystal-clear audio is essential. Most modern cameras have decent built-in microphones, but consider an external microphone for enhanced quality.
• Tripod for Stability: Shaky footage is distracting and unprofessional. A tripod ensures smooth, polished shots.

4. Location, Location, Location!

Choosing the right filming location can significantly impact your video’s aesthetic and message:

• Consider the Backdrop: Does your video require a specific setting, like a bustling city street or a serene nature scene? Choose a location that complements your video’s content and tone.
• Mind the Background Noise: Ensure your audio is clear and distraction-free. Avoid locations with excessive background noise like traffic or construction zones.

5. Lights, Camera, Action! Filming Fundamentals

Now that you’re prepped, let’s talk filming:

• The Rule of Thirds: Imagine dividing your camera’s viewfinder into a 9-square grid. Position your subject at one of the intersecting points for a more visually appealing composition.
• Stable Footage: Use a tripod or handheld stabiliser to minimise camera shake and ensure smooth visuals.
• Capture B-Roll Footage: B-roll refers to supplemental shots (like close-ups or establishing shots) that enhance your story’s flow during editing.
• Vary Your Shot Sizes: Utilise a mix of wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups to maintain viewer interest and add depth to your video.

6. Editing Magic: Transforming Footage into a Cohesive Story

Video editing software allows you to weave your filmed footage into a polished final product:

• Popular Editing Options: User-friendly editing software like iMovie (Mac), DaVinci Resolve (Free & Paid Versions), or online editing platforms are readily available for beginners.
• Basic Editing Techniques: Learn essential skills like trimming unnecessary footage, adding transitions between scenes, and incorporating sound effects or music.

7. Sound Design: The Unsung Hero of Captivating Videos

Sound design plays a crucial role in elevating your video’s overall impact:

• Invest in Quality Audio: Ensure your dialogue and voiceover recordings are clear and crisp.
• Music Sets the Mood: Choose royalty-free music that complements your video’s style and emotional tone.
• Sound Effects Add Impact: Incorporate subtle sound effects to enhance specific scenes

8. Embrace the Power of Analytics: Measure Your Video’s Success

Once your video is live, your work isn’t done! Analytics tools like YouTube Analytics or social media insights platforms provide valuable data about your video’s performance:

• Track Key Metrics: Monitor metrics like views, watch time, audience demographics, and engagement (likes, comments, shares).
• Learn from the Data: Analyse the data to see what resonates with your audience and identify areas for improvement in future videos.

9. Promote, Promote, Promote! Don’t Let Your Video Gather Dust

Creating a great video is only half the battle. The other half lies in effectively promoting it:

• Leverage Social Media: Share your video on your social media platforms and encourage interaction through contests or polls.
• Optimise for Search Engines: Include relevant keywords in your video title and description to improve search engine ranking.
• Consider Paid Advertising: Strategic paid advertising campaigns on YouTube or social media platforms can help you reach a wider audience.

10. Keep Learning and Evolving: The Video Production Journey Never Ends

The world of video production is constantly evolving. Here are some tips to stay ahead of the curve:

• Embrace New Technologies: Explore new trends in video production, such as animation, drone footage, or 360-degree video.
• Stay Inspired: Watch award-winning video content and attend industry events to spark your creativity.
• Never Stop Learning: Take online courses or workshops to hone your video production skills and stay up-to-date on the latest techniques.

By following these 10 must-know things, you’ll be well on your way to creating engaging and impactful video content that elevates your brand and connects with your audience. Remember, video production is a journey, not a destination. By continuously learning and refining your skills, you can unlock the vast potential of video marketing and achieve your business goals.

If you want to talk about video production for your organisation, contact our team of video experts today.