5 Key Factors That Make or Break Your Video Production
1. Audio
This list is not any particular order, however, I feel like audio does need to be at the top for a reason. A video with bad audio is unbearable. That’s really the bottom line. I don’t care if you are using an iPhone to shoot video or hiring a video production company like Focal Point, great audio MUST be a top priority. There’s nothing that will make someone abandon watching a video faster than poor audio. Do whatever you need to do to get this right. The investment is worth it and anyone with a video production background will tell you the same.
2. Lighting
Every type of video production will involve some sort of lighting. You can make a video without sound, without camera movements, but you can’t make one without light. This means getting the lighting right is critical. When it comes to products, correct lighting techniques are extremely important to capture the features. When it comes to shapes and textures, proper lighting can be used to create just the right mood for the video production. Knowing how to correctly light a scene takes practice and certain skill set. If not done properly, bad lighting can mean more time in the video editing room and more cost to the client.
3. Storytelling
In order for your video marketing efforts to be effective, a story must be told. Instead of thinking about how the “sell” is going to happen, start with a plan for the story that needs to be told. Often times, the most memorable video marketing pieces barely mention or show the product. Certainly if you want your video to be one people will share, the story must be compelling and well thought out. Outline the story first and if you get that right, the rest will fall into place naturally.
4. Pacing
Video pacing and rhythm can have an incredible impact on the audience. The pace of a video typically falls on the shoulders of the editor. The same shots can come together a different way and give the video an entirely different feel. Consider questions like – should the video production have a quick pace to evoke a sense of excitement and action? Or does it make more sense for a more relaxed, slower piece with longer shots? Answer these questions and make sure the video editor or video production company knows exactly the feel you’re looking for.
5. Shot Composition
Understanding the right type of shot for the right situation is a very important aspect of any video production. Should a close up or medium shot be used? How should the person or product be framed? If you’ve spent any time around video, you might have heard of the rule of thirds. This is a method for creating shots and one that takes times to understand and perfect. Knowing all of the shots that must be captured and getting it all right the first time is huge. No one likes to do a retake, especially the clients.
When It All Comes Together
When everything comes together, the result is a very powerful video production that captures the audience, tells a story and compels some time of action. Once piece that I am particular proud of that the Focal Point team produced is this video for Shiel Sexton telling the story of the construction process for the Palladium in Carmel, Indiana. Now that we’ve covered the 5 key ingredients, notice the audio, lighting, storytelling, pacing and shot composition used to make things come together. This is an absolutely beautiful building and I hope you’ll agree that we captured that beauty along with a compelling story in this video.
Palladium from Focal Point on Vimeo.
Contact Us for Video Production in Indianapolis
On of Focal Point’s core services is video production. We’ve been able to work with some great clients in the Indianapolis area and beyond. Take a look at some of our videos on Vimeo here to get a feel for the quality of work we’re able to achieve. Let us know if we can help you plan and product your next video production by contacting us here.
