Whether it’s an internal corporate video, tradeshow presentation, YouTube short or educational piece, video can be utilized as a valuable creative outlet. Here are a few golden rules that we live by when it comes to making great videos.

1. Make a storyboard or a shot list.
Creating a visual outline for your video is essential for both the filming and editing process. A storyboard will allow you to flesh out all ideas and plan your piece accordingly. Loose sketching and/or photography along with precise written descriptions are what make up a functional storyboard. Try to be as detailed as possible in determining your direction and conceptual ideas so you will get all of the footage you need. When filming something such as a party or conference, making a shot list will be more appropriate than a storyboard because of the unpredictable nature of the event. Study the environment and subject that you will be shooting, and make a list of all the footage you require to use as reference while filming.

2. Be Spontaneous.
This may seem like the opposite of Tip #1, but trust me on this one. After you’ve completed some solid strategic planning, it is still important to create dynamic scenes and situations while filming. This is something to remember especially when filming an event or documentary. On-the-spot interviews will turn out to be some of your best footage. When conducting these interviews, ask smart questions to get the answers that you want. Don’t be afraid to put people on the spot in a playful way – this helps to create real and honest moments. At a recent Silverscape event, we asked some of our favorite clients “Why did you hire us?” It was a very simple and genuine question that prompted some very candid and valuable responses.

3. B-roll. C, D and E Roll!
Shoot lots and lots of b-roll. Remember, not all of it has to be used. Building yourself a diverse library of “extra” footage, you help to support your main story. The plus side of shooting what may seem boring at the time is that you will end up getting some great footage you might have overlooked in the planning stage – which in turn helps you tell the whole story better. You will most definitely use B-roll for intros and outros, as well.

4. Sound can make all the difference
The right music will set the tone for the video and will help viewers make an emotional connection right away. It can be crucial in complementing your visuals and keeping the rhythm of the video moving at the right pace.

5. Keep it short and sweet.
When editing, keep in mind that video on the short side, will ensure that viewers stay engaged, especially web viewers. Have you ever watched anything on YouTube for longer than 5 minutes? Many people will be viewing your video on a mobile device, so upload through the proper channels. Take advantage of sites like YouTube that will help your video reach the masses.

If you’d like to learn more about some other creative ways to incorporate video into your website, check out my last blog entry. The Art of Video on the Web.

If you are interested in building your corporate YouTube page, or have a more complex video project in mind, don’t hesitate to give us a call.