Video Production

Transform your video project with a few simple tips. 

Before you grab your camera gear and get out there to shoot, here are some really simple tips on how to make your video look the best it can be. 

Here you'll find videos we've put together, giving you some basic tips on video production. Learn how to compose a shot, pick your background and more in this short video series. 

Video Production Techniques

Plan it

Get organised and plan what it is you are filming, write a script, draw a storyboard. This will save you a lot of time when deciding what needs to be done next and help you in the edit!

Equipment

Use the right equipment, different shoots might require a different camera or even a different choice of microphone.

Audio is important

This is probably the most important thing to get right, you can't rely on fixing it in the edit, what you hear during recording will be what you hear in the edit!

GET IT RIGHT!!!

Rule of Thirds

The best way to frame someone or something is to use the rule of thirds. Line your subject up in 2 thirds of your shot. Watch the vid for more details.

Cutaways & Noddys

Think about what shots you can get that relate to what the presenter/interview is about. If they're talking about a thing go and film the thing if you can.

Different Shot Sizes

If you've got someone talking for a long time in your film, think about changing the shot size while filming, this will make it much more interesting to the viewer.

Zooming

Avoid zooming in or out while recording, if you do think about using a cutaway to cover up the zoom. 

Fill the Frame

Frame your subject right! Make sure they fill the full frame and aren't squashed into the corner of the camera. 

Watch the Screen

What the screen shows is what you will see in the edit/on your final film. Pay attention to whats going on. 

Camera Angle

Film at eye level unless you are deliberately going for a certain look. Filming down or up to someone will just look awful. 

Shoot a Sequence

From 1 action you should be able to film 5 different shots. Shoot with different sizes, angles etc. It makes it much more interesting to watch than just 1 camera angle/size. 

Take 2

If you can, film it more than once, you never know you might have missed something so filming it twice gives you the option of choice. 

Avoid Vertical Video Syndrome

SAY NO TO VERTIVAL VIDEOS!!! (Please)

Thinking about the background

Learn about how to frame your shot with a suitable background

Have you thought about audio?

Audio is probably the most important part of your project! If you can't hear what your media is about why is anyone going to watch it? How will they learn about your subject? Don't just plug it in and hope for the best... Find out more on audio here

Audio Tips- Which mic should I book - with correct subtitles.mp4

Microphone choice

Learn about choosing the right microphone for your film. This ideo looks at the use of the RODE Video Mic, Shotgun Mic & Wireless Microphone.

Equipment: Cameras

Cameras available from Creative Media vary in the ease of use and depend on what you are filming. Help is available for all our equipment. Booking equipment is available through the Resource Bookings webpage.

Equipment: Audio

Audio Equipment available from Creative Media vary in the ease of use and depend on what you are filming. Help is available for all our equipment. Booking equipment is available through the Resource Bookings webpage.