In the creation of a video, there are numerous stages to consider. This article aims to guide you through the comprehensive procedure of producing and publishing videos for your business. Prepare your camera and follow these instructions.
1. Video planning
Before setup, filming, or editing, initiate a discussion concerning the objective of your video. Why is this necessary? Every choice made throughout the video production process should align with its purpose and the desired action you wish your audience to take post-viewing.
Certainly, without a clear objective agreed upon by your team, you risk being ensnared in a cycle of filming, framing, editing, and subsequently wasting valuable time. It is imperative to address the following inquiries to ensure alignment with the correct direction:
- Who is your target audience?
- What is the objective?
- On which platforms will the video be displayed?
- What is the deadline for posting the video?
- What is the allocated budget?
- What are the creative requirements?
- What factors contribute to the success of a video?
2. Create a video script
The majority of videos incorporate a script, and neglecting this crucial step can result in excessive editing, prolonged video duration, and potential disengagement of your audience. Initiate the scriptwriting process by drafting an outline that delineates the primary aspects of the video and organizes them coherently. Ensure that viewers comprehend the video content from the outset until its conclusion. Adopt a relaxed, clear, and conversational tone in your video language. Refrain from employing intricate sentence structures and overly lengthy clauses. Instead, foster a connection with your audience by employing first-person narration and visual language. Maintain conciseness in language while avoiding the use of jargon and buzzwords.
The majority of video scripts tend to be concise, perhaps even shorter than anticipated. It is advisable to monitor the length of the text as you compose and revise it. For instance, a script comprising 350 words is equivalent to a video lasting approximately 2 minutes.
3. Grasp the functionality of your camera
Numerous businesses are hesitant and unsure about embracing Video Marketing. However, mastering video recording is not as challenging as it may seem. You can produce videos utilizing your own iPhone.
Taking photos with an iPhone
Before filming with your iPhone, ensure that your device possesses adequate storage capacity. Additionally, remember to activate the “Do Not Disturb” feature on your iPhone to mitigate the disruption caused by notifications during filming.
Upon opening the iPhone camera, orient your device horizontally to optimize the viewing experience. Subsequently, position yourself close enough to your subject to obviate the need for utilizing the zoom feature, as it frequently results in pixelation and blurriness in the final video.
While your iPhone camera may adeptly focus on your subject during photo capture, it tends to continually readjust as you navigate the scene during video recording. To remedy this issue, it is advisable to lock the exposure before recording. Simply hold your finger on the video’s subject until a yellow box appears, indicating “AE/AF Lock.”
Taking photos with Prosumer and Professional Camera
While the iPhone is a convenient tool for on-the-go filming or getting started with video production, you may eventually feel inclined to upgrade to a more advanced model. With the abundance of digital cameras available in the market, there are numerous options to consider. You can explore Prosumer models or delve into more professional equipment such as the Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 or GoPro HERO5.
Ranging from the most to the least expensive, noteworthy options include the Sony Alpha a7SII, Nikon D810, and Canon EOS 5D Mark III. For a more cost-effective alternative, one may explore options like the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 80D, Nikon D3300, or Canon EOS Rebel T6.
Grasp your camera’s manual settings
If you opt for a DSLR camera, it is essential to acquaint yourself with certain settings before capturing your initial test shot: aspect ratio, shutter speed, ISO, aperture, and color balance. It is advisable to have your camera readily available as you familiarize yourself with these settings, as they may appear abstract without practical experimentation. Additionally, always thoroughly read the instructions before usage.
4. Set up the studio
As you begin to establish a studio within your office, purchase transactions can accumulate rapidly. Beyond acquiring a camera, further research reveals the necessity of additional equipment such as tripods, lights, microphones,… However, it is possible to manage these expenses prudently with some tips.
Basic equipment
Consistently utilize a tripod when shooting. Employing a tripod guarantees stable footage and mitigates the risk of damaging valuable equipment. In addition to the tripod, ensure a supply of camera batteries and SD cards. The consumption of these resources is notably accelerated during video recording compared to photography.
Audio equipment
If you have tested the camera’s video function, you might have observed that it possesses an internal microphone for recording audio that you should not use.
If you set up your camera at an appropriate distance from your subject, you will soon realize that the internal microphone lacks the capability for full-fledged audio recording. Therefore, it is prudent to begin investing in high-quality audio equipment.
Lighting equipment
You have a camera and audio, and now let’s discuss lighting. The conventional method for lighting in video production is known as three-point lighting. As the name suggests, it involves strategically positioning three lights around the subject to illuminate them while creating captivating shadows on their faces. Firstly, you will require key lights. Position it at a 45-degree angle to the left or right of the subject. Elevate the lamp above your head and angle it downwards.
Next, position the fill light at a 45-degree angle on the opposite side and raise it to near or just above eye level. Finally, incorporate the backlight as the third component. Move your subject away from the background, raise the light above their head, and position it behind and to the side so that it remains outside the frame. This light should illuminate the back of their head, generating a subtle glow and providing separation from the background.
Get ready to showcase your skills.
If your company has experienced and confident actors, consider yourself fortunate as pre-video acting talent is a valuable asset. However, with some practice and a humor sense, you can empower your teammates to excel in front of the camera. Whether it’s their first video or their fiftieth, it’s important to acknowledge that being on camera can be intimidating. Allocate plenty of time and early scriptwriting but make it clear that memorization is not necessary.
Instead, position the laptop just below the camera’s line of sight. Divide the script into short segments and record each one until you have a clear grasp of each segment. Throughout the filming process, your responsibilities extend beyond merely capturing footage. Attention to detail is crucial, such as ensuring all microphones are operational or monitoring changes in lighting.
To be continued…