Want to make videos but don’t know how to start? Put your concerns on hold and record your aspirations, because we’re going to take a detailed look at the greatest video production lessons that will teach you the fundamentals of creating an excellent video.
Navigating the video production process is difficult, and the sheer amount of information available can be daunting. We compiled this tutorial list for you so you don’t have to figure it out on your own. In conclusion, you’ll have a good grasp of how to create outstanding videos on your own.
Table of Contents
1. Basic video terminology
You can’t undertake video production unless you understand the jargon. Begin studying all of the vocabulary, crew members, and production duties so you can save time by knowing who to ask for what you want and how to ask for it.
In just eight minutes, here’s a brief tutorial video production with all the technical jargon you’ll need to know from the site!
2. Production Preparation
a). Planning
Set sail without a map, and produce a video without a plan. A Pre-Production (or Pre-Pro) Book is a large three-ring binder having sections for personnel, script, storyboards, actors, locations, art reference, calendar, crew, and post-production.
Your “book” can be physical or digital, but create one and distribute it to your team’s essential members. Because everyone knows where they’re going and how to get there, you’ll have to do less micromanaging.
b). Scheduling
We’re dead in the ocean if we don’t arrive at our destination before our supplies run out. Literally. In video production, deviating from the timeline could mean the end of your project.
Use a calendar to keep track of when your video production begins and concludes, as well as when you want to release it on your distribution channels. This also provides everyone with a clear picture of their own and others’ deadlines.
c). Putting together a team
Your crew consists of the individuals who have been hired (or appointed, or who have volunteered) to carry out the video production. If a crew member is truly required, hire them. If not, then don’t. Less really is more. Smaller and speedier workers can often get the task done just fine if the correct method is used.
If you work with a production company, they may try to convince you that you need extra crew members.
d). Scriptwriting
A script is the written text that describes the dialogue, action, and setting of a video. Scripts do not always require conversation (for example, many cookery videos merely present live action with music), but they do define what happens. A successful script first develops an emotional image for your audience, then hits them with the information they need to know. Investing in a strong script might even save money. You can build a fantastic video with only stick figures and a voice-over, believe it or not.
e). Storyboarding
Because video is a visual medium, having a script is insufficient. Every shot in your film should ideally be represented by a storyboard, which is a sketch inside a box that represents the camera frame. Consider it a comic book version of your video. It’s excellent for explaining your concept to team members at all phases of production, and you can check them off as you shoot them.
Determine where your film will be distributed so that you may determine the shape (aspect ratio) of your storyboard. A square is the most common shape for social media frames (1:1). Instagram stories are arranged in a vertical rectangle (9:16). Horizontal rectangles are used in TV and web videos (16:9).
Begin by naming your shots before you begin storyboarding so you don’t get confused or sidetracked by other ideas.
f). Casting and actors
Is your actor, like your company’s founder, a charismatic spokesperson? Will you use real staff or customers?
Or will you employ a more traditional sales approach, focusing solely on your product or service?
The process of deciding the type and number of actors for your video is known as casting. As you begin casting, there are numerous factors to consider, such as how to handle the audition process and who will have ultimate approval. As you go through this process, keep a careful record of all of your talent, including contact information, availability, and dimensions for any costumes or clothes.
g). Locations
Each live-action video is shot in a specific location. It could be a studio, or it could be a public or private environment.
If you can afford a studio, you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble with logistics. Consider employing or appointing a Location Manager to deal with permits, logistics, and irate neighbors for public and private locations.
Make certain that your crew can park (legally—no one likes to pay for a crew member’s parking penalty).
You could also require power for your equipment. A word of advice: be friendly to everyone. Locals who are dissatisfied with the production can easily disrupt it by blasting loud music while you’re filming. Prepare to bribe them (food or swag works well!)
If your squad is small and quick enough—iPhones work excellent for this—you can get in and out of tight spots “guerrilla-style.” But you didn’t get it from us… Savvy?
h). Rehearsal
Everyone understands that practice makes perfect. Rehearsals ensure that your production is flawless.
Do you require rehearsals? Probably if you have actors. When performers know what is anticipated from their performances, how to play off of other actors, and where to stand for the cameras, they save important time and energy on the day of shooting. Rehearsals also allow the camera and sound team to plan their choreography with the actors and with one another.
3. Manufacturing
a). General advice
Every video shot is unique. However, here’s a terrific lesson with five tips for making better videos. Even if you’re employing a production company, this information is useful so you can tell them what you want to see.
b). Timetable for shooting
At this stage, you should know how quickly your team can shoot, move, and communicate, how long it will take to shoot the video, and how to prepare for it. So, it’s time to plan your video shoot.
Making a shooting schedule is critical since it motivates your crew. People normally take the amount of time that you give them. A schedule tells them how much time they have to complete their tasks.
c). Camera
Now that you have a strategy, know your crew and what they do, and have practiced, it’s time to SHOOT! SHOOT! SHOOT!
d). Camera angles and shots
Using precise views and angles might help you improve your storytelling.
e). Photographing using a smartphone
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t have access to camera rentals, it’s time to put your make-it-happen attitude to work. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and reach into your pocket for a solution that most of us have but don’t use: your smartphone.
