A high-quality video is an essential part of nearly any marketing strategy. In fact, a one minute video is twice as likely to capture the attention of a site visitor than a photo and video gets 38% more engagement than photos overall. Source. With so much data on the effectiveness of video available, it’s easy to see why it has become the most consumed content on the internet. In this blog we cover everything from equipment, to content, to post-production. So, whether you’re new to video or a veteran in the industry, we have the best tips for shooting great video.

Equipment

1. Use a tripod.

Not only will it help you pan smoothly, making your video look more professional, it also means that you won't strain your hands trying to hold the camera steady.

2. Get a good mic to capture quality sound.

Viewers will accept less-than-perfect video as long as the sound quality is good. So invest in a high quality microphone and mount it on a stand. You don't want to hold it, because you'll hear your hand movements on the recording. Also, make sure you’re aware of your surroundings, especially before you record narration. Sometimes there is background noise you didn't notice until you listened back to the recording. For example, the hum of an air conditioner can be very distracting during narration. Make sure to find a quiet place to record when you're narrating.

3. Light your shot.

You want to have steady unchanging light on your subject while the camera is rolling. You also want to make sure your light source is big enough so that it's not casting harsh shadows across your subject's face. If you're shooting outside, remember that the sun moves in the sky, and so does its shadow! So don't just set up and forget about it—keep an eye on the changing light throughout the shoot.

4. Get your frame right.

One of the most important parts of getting a great shot is making sure your subject is framed properly. All that means is that when you look through the viewfinder or on your monitor, you can't see anything in the picture that shouldn't be there.

Preparation

5. Plan your shoot.

Showing up and winging it will result in missed shots, lack of cohesion, and generally a bad video. Planning can be as simple as sketching out the storyboard for your video in advance, or as sophisticated as hiring a production company to do the work for you.

6. Plan your b-roll.

What images will tell the story without words? You will need shots to cover the edits in the interview so knowing what you have to use is critical before you start filming. You might need to create graphics if b-roll is not available.

7. Script your show.

Even if it is “unscripted”. Having questions prepared beforehand makes a big difference. But don't over script it! Non-actors will have a hard time sounding natural if they are reading off a teleprompter or reciting memorized lines. Instead, provide notes for each scene that include the basic facts you want covered or answered in the interview, but give them the freedom to use their own words and express their emotions however they see fit.

8. Give yourself more time.

A lot more time than you think. Planning a video shoot can be very complex and there are a lot of moving pieces to keep track of (think crew, equipment, talent etc).

Content

9. Ideas should be tested before they’re shared with the world.

When putting together content you want to generate ideas that draw attention, sell products, and boost your brand. The problem is you have to walk a fine line between what’s interesting and what’s offensive. Keep a close eye on the internet and popular culture and get your content reviewed by an outside party. You don’t want your video to come off as insensitive or tone deaf. At the end of the day, you’re still creating content for an audience.

10. Strive for authenticity.

Your content is a reflection of you, your brand, and the values that you hold. That's why you want the message to be genuine. You want people to feel connected to what they watch, not alienated by it. People will notice when something feels off or forced and may feel turned off by it.

Post Production

11. The music you choose for your video should match the story or plot of your video.

In other words, avoid overselling something with music. If a score is too happy or too hyped, it can feel disconnected from the visual content.

12. When editing your videos, avoid stock transitions.

They make the production quality feel amateur, and they're really easy to spot. Instead, try using a hard cut or a fade to black. This will help you go from one shot to the next without distracting your viewers with flashy effects.

13. Don’t rely too much on post production.

With the power of modern editing software, it can seem like anything is possible with video, but that doesn't mean it’s a good idea to skip any steps while shooting.

Closing

That's a wrap! We hope you found these tips useful. If you’re looking to outsource your videos, reach out to discuss how Olivine Films can help incorporate video into your brand! We handle the entire end-to-end process from creative direction, to scripting to film shoot and post production editing.

Olivine’s Top 13 Tips for Shooting Successful Video