Avoid 5 common mistakes when making your next video
Ready to spend your marketing dollars on video but feeling overwhelmed? After 100's of videos, these are the biggest pitfalls we've seen between success and failure.
You have looked online and seen the pages of production companies, all showing amazing footage. All promising your video will be the next best thing.
But where do you start? How can you assure they are the right fit for you? How do you know YOU are a right fit for them? With a little knowledge, you can be rest assured you are making a great decision for a successful video campaign.
1 PRE-PRODUCTION
Every great ending, starts with an exceptionally great beginning. Laying the foundation to the video is key. Begin early on by establishing great communication between both parties. This should include:
Determining ( in writing) an overall scope of work.
Setting realistic expectations and time frame of work
Thinking through all the variables of the video shoot a script or even an outline will save you time and money
Pre-Production ensures that there are little to no surprises and expectations are met or exceeded.
2 EQUIPMENT
Gear should never be a substitute for a lack of skill.
This is always a big debate and question in production companies and freelancers. And while having 20 year old cameras in today's digital age is unacceptable, how much does gear matter to your video?
A few thoughts to ask:
Will additional equipment help tell our story or convey our message? (EG. Drones, sliders, an additional camera for interviews, a teleprompter)
Do I need to have 4K or will High Definition work (ask yourself the last time you watched 4K content) and what about loading 4K on your website?
We have seen some of the greatest marketing videos shot with a DSLR, and some of the worst videos shot with $100,000 worth of cameras and production equipment.
3 EXPERIENCE
FILM STUDENT OR SEASONED PRO?
Longevity doesn't always mean the best .
Should you always go with the most seasoned or save money with less experience? What 's the difference?
This is very tough but a few thoughts and questions should help clear it up:
"Sometimes" less experienced comes up with fresh ideas
Enough real-world experience so that they have experienced "mistakes" BEFORE you are paying for it - If not, expect or demand a deep discount
If it is " too good of a deal" , that is often times a flag of little or no experience. This is fine, as long as you have a plan/ budget if things are not satisfactory to you.
4 AUDIO
THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ANY VIDEO
Audio is often neglected because of the misconception that the success of a video depends upon the quality of video.
This is one place that you should NEVER be cheap. If the audio is bad or the voice is not clear, your audience will tune out .
Make sure audio is the utmost of importance for your video:
Interviews should ALWAYS have two sources of audio to capture if possible
Professional audio equipment is a must
If it is camera audio only, RUN! ! Run away fast
5 WHAT TO DO WITH THE VIDEO
HAVING A MARKETING PARTNER IS MONEY WELL SPENT
It's not just about creating pretty pictures. It is the intention of what the video is suppose to accomplish.
Make sure you have a marketing partner helping you get the most out of the video. Often times we see great videos with no direction and become a boat anchor to the company.
Here are a few things to think about :
What is the ROI for the video?
What does a "win" look like and can we track that win?
What is the purpose of the video?
How will we actually use the video?
Asking these quest ions from the beginning will ensure everyone is happy with the video.
Having a partner to navigate these and other obstacles before, during and after a video campaign is a key ingredient for success. At White Lens Productions we want to always make sure you have success, even if you do not use us. Feel free to cont act us with any questions.
White Lens Productions helps with video production solutions, content creation and post production services in Austin, TX Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown and all of Central Texas.
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