Lights! Camera! Action! Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of video content? If you’re trying to be seen on social media, it’s pretty much essential (even if you’re not on TikTok!) At Banter Group, we’re still seeing engagement skew towards video content, on all digital platforms, including web pages. And making videos can be a really fun way to tell your story - whether it’s about your business, your product or even your own personal brand.
A great video that grabs your audience’s attention has a few key elements. Ready to take your videos from ordinary to extraordinary? Well, take out your smartphone and let’s roll!
How to create video content
Whether you're a budding filmmaker, a content creator or simply someone who wants to capture some fun behind-the-scenes content to boost your personal brand, this blog post will equip you with some of the knowledge and techniques you’ll need, including basic production methods in the area of composition, audio and lighting.
1. Pre-production
Talia’s top tip:
“Always start with a plan.”
Before you press record, it's essential to have a plan in place. Outline your video's purpose, target audience and the message you want to convey. Professionals will create a storyboard, or a shot list, to visualise every single frame and ensure every take turns out just right. You might not be at that level, and that’s ok. But I promise you: having a clear plan about what you want to achieve and how you’re going to do it will help you stay organised and make the whole production process much more efficient.
Whether it’s a full-colour storyboard or a hand-written list: lay the foundation for a successful video shoot, before you pick up your camera.
2. Composition is key
Framing the perfect shot for your video content
Composition is the key to capturing visually stunning videos. Keep the rule of thirds in mind, dividing your frame into nine equal parts and placing your subject along the intersections. Experiment with different angles, perspectives and camera movements to add depth and visual interest to your shots. Remember, a well-composed frame can make a world of difference!
The “rule of thirds” works by splitting an image into thirds, so you end up with nine equal sections. It’s most effective when your main subject is placed where the lines intersect.
3. Audio: the unsung hero
Crystal clear audio is often underestimated. However, it plays a crucial role in the overall quality of the video content you create for your social media profile or your website. (Or wherever else you might want to embed it, for that matter. Adding video to your email newsletter is an engaging way to get even more out of the marketing channel that continues to deliver one of the highest returns on investment around.)
Invest in a good external microphone to capture high-quality sound. Pay attention to background noise and ensure your subject's voice is audible. If you're shooting in a noisy environment, consider using a lavalier microphone to get clean audio directly from your subject.
Before you get too absorbed in your work, do a quick soundcheck. Recording brilliant footage with unusable sound is heartbreaking - and expensive, too.
4. Lighting: set the stage
Talia’s top tip:
“Lighting can make or break your video.”
When you’re creating video content, remember: no-one can see what you do in the shadows. At least, not in a way that’s helpful or professional.
For any video project, natural light is your best friend - so, wherever possible, shoot outdoors or near windows to take full advantage. If you’re shooting indoors, invest in a reflector and basic lighting kit or use everyday household lights strategically.
Remember to balance the light and shadows to create a visually pleasing atmosphere.
Experiment with different lighting setups to achieve the desired mood for your video.
5. Camera movements: bring your shots to life
Static shots can get monotonous. Add dynamism to your videos by putting your camera in motion. Experiment with pans, tilts, dollies and even handheld shots to add energy and visual interest. While the authentic feel of hand-held video has its place, you’ll find that smooth camera movements can greatly enhance the viewing experience and keep your audience engaged.
Here’s a great example of a dolly being used effectively for a super-smooth, top-class experience that’s not difficult to achieve with the right gear.
6. Editing: the magic touch
Once you've captured all the footage, it's time to put on your editing hat. Use video editing software to trim and arrange your clips, add transitions, text and music, and enhance the overall visual appeal. Our social media team at Banter Group also recommends CapCut, which even has built-in templates you can use to structure your work of art.
When you’re reviewing your progress, it’s important to maintain a good pace, to keep your video concise and engaging. Be creative and experiment with different effects to make your video stand out.
7. Post-production: polish and finalise
Talia’s top tip:
“Take your time. If you can, walk away and come back to your creation with fresh eyes.”
After the editing process, it's time to add the finishing touches. Pay attention to colour correction and colour grading to ensure a consistent and professional look throughout your video. Enhance the audio quality, adjusting levels and adding music or animation where appropriate. Take the time to review your video multiple times, making any necessary tweaks until you're satisfied with the final result.
Launching your video content
Congratulations! You're now equipped with the key elements and techniques to shoot outstanding digital videos. From pre-production planning to composition, audio, lighting, camera movements, editing and post-production, every step plays a role in creating a visually captivating video.
So, go out there, unleash your creativity, and create videos that leave a lasting impression on your viewers.
Lights, camera, action—your video masterpiece awaits!
