HOW TO PRODUCE YOUR OWN ONLINE VIDEO CONTENT

Video is everywhere. From films and documentaries to sales and marketing advertisements, video content can be used to educate, entertain and attract mass audiences. Initially, the option of video content was only available to those who could afford it. However, today, anyone can make videos with their smartphones. But before you dive into making your own video content, you need to understand that your videos must meet a specific criteria for them to make an impact.

To help you achieve this criterion, Kinetic Canvas wants to give you some helpful advice on how to produce your own online video content. Each tip below includes recommendations on how to best prepare and create your own online video content.

1. Know what you want to communicate to the viewer 

Before you begin, decide what you want the viewer to get from the video. Determine whether you are making a sales video, a testimonial video, a branding video, or something else. If it’s a sales video, you want your audience to know all the details of your product. If it’s a branding video, you want the viewer to come away with an understanding of the brand and your personal philosophy. Whatever the video is about, you want it to be focused so that the message you are communicating is clear. 

2. Make a pre-production plan

The most important part of video production is the pre-production and planning stage. The first part of pre-production is writing the script. Everything that follows is determined by that. Resist the urge to go with your first draft and take the time to craft a script that meets all your goals. Once the script is finalized, there is a laundry list of work to do, including finding a location, scouting talent, and arranging props. Pre-production also includes making a schedule for the shoot and making a list of all the equipment you will need. And don’t forget hair, make-up, and craft service. You want to make sure the on-camera talent looks good and the crew is fed.

3. Rent or obtain the right equipment

Everyone has a camera on their phone these days that shoots clear, high-definition video which makes filming easy. But if you shoot with your smartphone, invest in a mic that connects to the phone. Bad audio is a clear sign of poor production values, but is also easily fixed. A lavaliere mic is your best option and connects to the talent to capture a clean, strong audio signal. If you want to upgrade from your smartphone to more professional equipment, look for local rental houses in your area. You can find all the equipment you need from a well-stocked rental house including lights, cameras, lenses, c-stands, flags and audio equipment.

4. Prepare for any and every eventuality

As the saying goes; “plan for the best but prepare for the worst”. Ideally, your shoot will go off without a hitch. Unfortunately, sometimes things don’t go according to plan and you have to think fast on your feet. Meticulously plan the shoot during pre-production, so if something does go wrong, you can make adjustments without the whole production falling apart. If your shoot runs into some unforeseen obstacles, it’s important to be flexible, deal with the problems and move on. 

5. Shoot the best video possible

You can’t fix everything in editing. Too often a production fails because people think editing can magically fix all their production problems. It can’t. So if you have a problem during production, fix it in production. Make sure you end the day with everything you need to complete the video. 

6. Be open and prepared to make changes

Your pre-production vision of your video will likely change when you’re in the thick of editing. You might find it drags in spots, shots don’t line up or a joke doesn’t land as expected. Be prepared to make changes. If something isn’t working, fix it. Don’t be so committed to your original vision that you can’t make changes when you’re editing.

7. Adjust and equalize your audio

Keep in mind that audio quality is as important as picture quality when it comes to video production. Equalized audio means the audio levels are consistent throughout the video. The viewer shouldn’t have to adjust the volume controls on their device while watching your video. Before you finish, do at least three passes where you are looking only at the audio levels and making adjustments where they are needed.

8. Remember not to overcomplicate the video

Fancy transitions and effects are nice but generally unnecessary. Sometimes people feel the need to overcompensate by adding a bunch of unnecessary bells and whistles to their video. A video with clean cuts and simple graphics will always look more professional than something with star wipes and lens flares. A word to the wise; resist the urge to gild the Lilly.

To learn more about video production, please call or email us through our contact page here  . Our founder, Mark, is an award-winning independent producer with over twenty-five credits to his name. Since his first documentary, “Play On,” Mark has cultivated his skills to encompass all aspects of production, from writing and directing to cinematography and editing. Over the years, Mark has received three regional Emmys for writing, editing, and cultural documentary for his piece, “Clean Lines, Open Spaces.” Under his guidance, we offer video production services to clients across Tustin, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Fullerton, Yorba Linda, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and the surrounding areas.

For more information about the services we provide follow this link to our services page. If you have any questions about video production,