6 Essential Video Production Techniques All Marketers Need To Know

Mobile technology has advanced a great deal in the last decade and everyone is motivated and empowered to create visual content. Likewise, companies, too have jumped on the video content trend and there are more and more marketing strategies that involve video content. If you are a marketer or simply a company that needs to up the game on its video content, here are a few tips and tricks to help you be more successful.

Lighting

Lighting for your shoot could make or break your video production. If the lighting is poor or fluorescent you could damage the video, its quality, and the overall atmosphere. Yes, some of it can be edited, but you should definitely opt for the best lighting on offer if you want to have premium footage. That is why you should make sure that your models/actors are facing the source of light and light up all the dark corners of your shooting area.

Sound

Besides lighting, you want to make sure your sound quality is top-notch in the video footage. Even if you do use some top-quality video kit, it is still advised to record the sound separately. The gear, no matter how good, can often scramble the sound and you don’t want a good video with poor sound. So, record the dialogues separately and simply synchronize them with the footage when editing. Alternatively, if you don’t have good enough gear, you can opt for videography services where you can record both video and sound in a soundproof space and with the help of professionals.

Write a Script

When you are promoting a company through a video, it is important the get the message across and reflect the brand image. However, going into production without a script may seem fun and creative, but it could miss the brand’s point and image and the video might end up less flattering. That is why it is utterly important to have a plan and a script to make sure you can deliver your message professionally, accurately, and on the note. But if you don’t want to sound plain and boring because you are reading the script, make sure to allow some freedom in the script and have bullet points about things and messages you want to send in the video.

Have a Storyboard, Rehearse and Perform

Not only should you have a plan for what you’re going to say in the video, but you should also have a plan on how you’re going to shoot it. This is where storyboarding can help you to make sure you are delivering the intended message. Plus, you can get some inspiration on what type of footage you can use.

After the storyboard is there, you should start rehearsing each shot. Find a location or set up the shooting set and let everyone rehearse their roles and the entire video. In the rehearsal, you will manage to fix any sound or lighting issues or even change the script if necessary.

And once you’ve rehearsed everything, you are ready to deliver a polished performance.

Always Have Backup Shots

When you have backup shots or B-roll clips, you can add some great complementary footage that will add more visual interest to the primary subject. For example, if you are shooting an interview, you could use a mid-shot of the interview subject speaking directly to the camera. Having B-roll footage can be used in videos to help break up the monotony of a single shot and provide some better angles and dynamics. These are also good for close-ups and other angles that will make your footage even more interesting.

Provide Smooth Soundtrack

If you are shooting a promotional video there isn’t much dialogue, it is important to have a good soundtrack. Before you start editing your footage, choose music that will be featured and use the beats of the music as the template to cut your footage against. Music helps you create the right atmosphere in your video, but if you do have a presenter and dialogue, make sure the music isn’t too loud so your presenters are not battling against inappropriate music. So, make sure to look for complementary music for the pace of the delivery. The wrong choice of music can ruin the energy of a video so be careful and test out different tracks.

When shooting a video for any marketing campaign, the quality of it and the message you’re delivering are the most important elements. The rest is just elements that help you get your message delivered and elements that will help you get the best possible quality of the video you are going to publish. Visual content is strong today in the marketing industry and to stand out from the crowd, you should be creative and make sure to stick to your brand’s goals and visions.