If you own or run a business, you’ve probably thought about creating video content to promote your services. However, creating videos can be intimidating, especially if you need help with what to say or how to deliver it effectively.
Business owners, particularly those in the marketing realm, need to understand the basics of video production to take advantage of its benefits and save time and money. So, if you plan on filming your videos or hiring someone else, read on to learn more!
What Is Video Production?
Video production is the process of capturing moving images on video. The camera can be a DSLR, an iPhone, or any device that captures video. This content can be edited in post-production using professional software like Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, and Avid Media Composer.
The power of video lies in its ability to captivate a viewer. A well-produced video will grab the attention of your viewers and keep them glued to their screens.
The Different Types of Video Production
Video production is a broad term that encompasses many things. Videos can be created for a business depending on their needs. However, the most common types of video production are typically used for marketing purposes.
When it comes down to it, there are only two types of video productions needed for a business owner or marketer to get the job done:
- Live-streamed
- Pre-recorded
When looking at what type of video to produce for your business, it’s essential to consider how you want your content delivered and how much time you have.
The Key Elements of Video Production
Regardless of the type of video production you’re looking for, it all starts with a script. A script is typically written by professionals who know how to plan out scenes and how they fit into the overall story arc.
A script should have a clear beginning, middle, and end; be focused on the product or service being marketed. Speak directly to the viewer, be relevant to the target market, and offer a call-to-action (CTA) at the end of the video that allows viewers to purchase or sign up for your service/product if they like what they see in the video.
Once you’ve written your script, your video needs to be cast. The actors will perform each line according to how you want it said in the final video.
Next, consider how much time and effort should go into producing the video. Stop-motion animations work best for you if you only have a short time. If you have more time, 3D animation or live-action videos might be best for your goal.
The Benefits of Video Production
Video production can be incredibly valuable to business owners in many industries. With a little time and effort, they can harness the power of video marketing. Here are some of the benefits of video production to keep in mind:
- Boosts website traffic
- Increases conversion rates
- Builds brand awareness
- Improves customer engagement
- Creates goodwill for your company
- Helps build relationships with customers
How to Make Videos
Don’t let the jargon intimidate you. Video production is as easy as deciding what you want your video to do and then finding a way to get it done. There are many ways of making videos, but here are some general steps to help you get started.
- First, decide on your goals for the video. What will this video accomplish for you?
- Next, identify the message or content that needs to be conveyed. What do you want the video to say?
- Finally, outline how the information will be presented in text and visuals. In other words: how will you tell your story?
Once all this is figured out, it’s time to start filming! If you’re shooting on location, prepare by picking up any extra supplies like ladders, chairs, tripods, etc. Also, remember to have someone who knows how to operate the camera equipment.
Tips for Successful Video Production
Marketers need to know how to make videos to help them reach more people and establish themselves as experts in the industry. Below are some tips for a successful shoot:
Make sure there is plenty of light.
You want your subject’s face to be visible, so don’t use the flash on your camera unless you try to make a special effect. If you are indoors, turn off all lights and open the windows or doors for natural lighting.
If you are outdoors, find a shaded area in which there is no direct sunlight. Avoid using wide-angle lenses, as these distort subjects’ faces and make them appear fatter than they are.
Use a clean background.
This rule is particularly important if you display your video in a PowerPoint presentation or marketing brochure.
You want it to look as professional and slick as possible. Clean backgrounds and fonts always attract more attention than amateurish ones. However, having a clean background does not mean you need a studio!
Choose an effective video editing program.
The first step towards making a good video is to choose an editing program that will work well with your computer.
Adobe Premier Pro and Final Cut Express are popular programs with simple interfaces but still give you access to advanced tools like green screen effects, motion tracking, etc. Make sure the software you choose can export high-quality videos before purchasing it.
Keep your editing simple.
Once you’ve chosen an editing program, ensure it takes only a little time to render your videos. If it takes up to 15 minutes per minute of video footage, then its rendering time might not suit the needs of your business.
It should also be easy for a novice user to understand how to use it without much training.
Videos with a good call to action result in higher click rates because they let viewers know what to do next after watching the video. You need to remember this because there are times when it may not be obvious what the viewer needs to do next, so having a clearly defined call to action is critical.
Final Thoughts
Video production is a difficult, time-consuming process requiring many people and equipment. But for marketers, it’s worth the investment because the video is one of the most powerful ways to convey your message.
The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. There are many resources available to help guide you on your journey from conception to execution. And we hope this guide proved helpful!
