Have you ever been asked to make a video for your company and been disappointed in how it turned out? Or worse, your boss was less than thrilled with the results (and made sure you knew it)?
Unfortunately, it’s extraordinarily easy to make a bad video if you’re not prepared, even with all of today’s technological gadgets and AI assistance. But don’t give up too fast! It’s also pretty easy to internalize some tips to make sure your future videos will impress the higher-ups every time! Just keep these tips in mind on your next shoot!
Planning
Any video made for a professional reason deserves to have some time spent in the planning phase, even if it’s going to be a simple social media post. Whether you need to formulate interview questions, get permissions, or scout a good shooting location, make sure you’re not scrambling to do important things the day of the shoot that should’ve been done earlier. No one wants to wait for you or shoot it again later due to poor planning. High-quality videos rely on careful preparation, which is essential for effective video marketing and better content creation.
Camera
Have you ever heard the phrase, “The best camera is the one you know how to use”? This is partially true, but not entirely. Just because you have a fantastic camera doesn’t mean your video will have high-quality visuals if you don’t know how to use it. If you’re fiddling with controls that you don’t fully understand, that can negatively affect your video.
Conversely, don’t rely on outdated equipment just because you’re comfortable with it. Picture quality improves continuously, so consider using a new camera or a new phone—whatever you’re comfortable with—to ensure better video production and content creation results.
Focus
Relatedly, if you have a camera that allows a wide aperture, it means more light hits the sensor, but the depth of focus is smaller. A video shot out of focus is not ideal for high-quality video production, and in turn, not ideal for your company's content. Stick to a camera that has a wide focus range, or consider using a camera with reliable auto-focus features to ensure sharpness throughout your shot. Make sure you triple-check your focus before starting to ensure professional video creation.
Noise
Not everyone can or will bother with using microphones for the best sound quality, and we can accept that. But whether you do or don’t, you should think about the noises in the shooting environment. Don’t shoot somewhere with doors banging, phones ringing, or other people talking, as these can negatively impact the quality of your video. And if you do shoot with a lapel mic, make sure someone is monitoring the audio with headphones to listen for clothing interference, which is difficult to remove in post-production.
Light
So let’s say that you are shooting with a phone and no external microphone. I’m guessing that also means you don’t have lighting equipment. That’s fine, but you still need to consider where the light is coming from and how much there is, as proper lighting is also essential for high-quality videos. Too much light can blow out your subject and cause unfixable detail loss, while too little can result in noisy footage, negatively impacting your final video.
Further, did you know that different sources of light have different colors? Your eyes may not notice, but the camera definitely will! Don’t mix fluorescent with bulb lighting, or daylight with room lighting. Choose a location that allows your subject to face a window (never put them with their back to it) as long as the clouds aren’t coming and going. If it’s too sunny and you have curtains or thin blinds, that can work well too. If all you have are room lights, just keep the subject's face out of the shadows.
Stability
Shaky footage is the first thing to scream “amateur” about your video. Either that or “blockbuster action movie,” which I’m willing to bet you aren’t looking here for tips on how to make. To ensure your company's content looks polished and professional, use a tripod or a sturdy surface if you’re not able to manually hold your camera still. Video stability is key to maintaining the quality expected in your video marketing.
B-Roll
Capture additional footage to use as cutaways, also known as B-roll. B-roll is supplementary footage that can enhance your main video by providing visual context, illustrating points, and making transitions smoother. This extra footage helps cover up cuts and adds more supporting information to the message, making your video more dynamic and engaging.
Editing
There are many different editing styles out there, each suited for different types of video content. If you’re a non-editor putting this video together yourself, focus on keeping the editing snappy and straightforward. Avoid using unnecessary filters and editing gimmicks, which can distract from the message. Instead, concentrate on telling a compelling story that will keep your audience engaged from start to finish.
If you’re still new to creating videos, this list may seem like a lot, but it can become common sense to you if you make it a priority. Your videos deserve it!
Ready to elevate your video marketing strategy? Contact On-Site Studios today to learn how our professional video production services can help you create compelling, high-impact videos that drive results. Let's bring your vision to life and connect with your audience like never before.