Video producers are under pressure to achieve more and more with the same (or fewer) resources to compete in today’s content-obsessed mediascape.
According to the Voices Trends Report respondents, finishing a video project now often entails producing many deliverables. This can range from making a series of shorter videos to creating other clip-sized content that can be used in various mediums, such as social media posts.
Working in today’s competitive market, video producer Adam Caplan, CEO of web.isod.es, has learned to maximize his production schedule to deliver the assets that his clients require at the end of the day.
At Every Stage of Production, You Can Take Advantage of Content Opportunities
- Take some time to analyze the message that your customer is seeking to express through the video before working on it. Have they discussed the possibility of distributing content across numerous platforms? Is video the best format for the message if they have?
- While you may have been employed as a video specialist, there’s no denying that you’re offering value by creating content that will help your clients achieve their end goal.
- Reflecting on how the equipment you have on set is collecting video and photo and audio content that your customer can repurpose can turn you and your organization into a valuable asset.
- Even though Adam may be on site with the intention of recording video, the other materials he may be able to capture may not be video-based at all, according to Adam.
- For example, it may be conceivable to use film to make Instagram stories and then take lines from the video and turn them into photo and video memes.
Here are some ideas about approaching all stages of production to make the most of the content creation potential.
Pre-Production: Make Sure You’re Prepared
Given the importance of your equipment in producing high-quality content, it helps to plan in this area. Examine whether you’re recording content in the best possible quality for the many ways you’ll use it.
You might be able to pick up audio that can be converted into podcast content by employing a taping technique to cover lavalier mics (which isn’t necessarily conventional practice). Even so, they must be well-secured to avoid recording any obtrusive garment or hair movement.
The cameras you’re employing might also be able to give the client stunning still photos for social media and the web – but only if you choose the proper camera and record at a high enough resolution.
And, if you’re going to play around with what you can catch, Adam suggests using a different camera.
“If we decide to attempt something new on a shoot, we’ll bring equipment dedicated just to the experiment,” Adam explains. “For example, if you want to try out a 360 camera to gain a unique perspective on a standard interview, make sure you have all of the other necessary material collected on other cameras.” If it goes well, you’ll have content that can subsequently be repurposed in video format.”
Make the most of every opportunity in production.
Even if you have all of the right equipment and have planned ahead of time to capture additional footage, Adam says it pays to keep an eye out for unexpected opportunities while you’re filming. Some of these moments are transient, and they might never be captured again.
““Video production may be high-risk and high-cost – not only do you have your hourly charges, but you also have the time and salary of the people that come from your client’s business or organization,” Adam adds. “For example, the CEO continues to get compensated while on the job.”
“Getting schedules lined up for interview subjects and shot sites takes a long time.” If something goes wrong, you might never be able to get all of the necessary people in the same room again. So, while you’re on location, you want to make sure you’re shooting the right images from a variety of perspectives, just in case one of them isn’t useful.”
Work Smarter, Not Harder in Post-Production
There are ways to save time and money by working through the post-production process.
For example, Adam offers this advice to individuals who pay a premium for transcription services in terms of both time and money.
“There are cheaper ways to do things.” We do lengthy interviews, submit them to YouTube as an unlisted file, and then download the transcription. We can skim through it and save a lot of money.”
