Video production can be a lot of fun, but it’s also not without its share of challenges. Many potential pitfalls could lead to disaster, whether you’re shooting in your backyard or on location at an exotic destination. The good news is that with the proper preparation, you can avoid these common mistakes and make sure your video turns out exactly how you want it!
7 Tips to Avoid Video Production Disasters
1) Set a Production Schedule and Stick to It
Stick to your pre-planned dates, times, locations, etc., to ensure everything runs smoothly. This goes double if it involves multiple people in the shooting process – make sure everyone is always on the same page.
2) Know Your Equipment and Its Limitations
You don’t want to find out halfway through a shoot that you can’t use a certain piece of equipment or only have half the battery power left for something important.
3) Make Sure You Have Enough Light, Power, and Storage Space
This is especially important if you’re shooting on location – pack extra batteries, cords, and storage cards to ensure you don’t run out of anything while filming.
4) Monitor the Weather Forecast
If there’s harsh weather coming in, reschedule or limit outdoor shoots! It doesn’t matter how good your equipment is; weather and equipment don’t always mix.
5) Review Your Script Before Filming to Make Sure Everything Is Clear and Concise
This may seem like overkill, but it’s better than having half the cast confused about what you want them to do. Take a few minutes beforehand (or during pre-production) to reread everything carefully; this will save everyone time in post-production by ensuring the finished product comes out precisely as intended.
6) Don’t Forget About Audio
The sound quality can make or break a video; use superior quality microphones when possible (or at least close-ups). If you’re filming with DSLRs, for example, be sure to take advantage of the microphone input jack – this will dramatically improve the sound quality.
7) Be Meticulous About Editing
If you’re editing your video yourself, be sure to watch it on a variety of different devices (computer, phone, tablet, etc.) to make sure the playback looks and sounds good on all of them. This is especially important if you plan to publish your video online.
With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure your video production goes smoothly. Just to recap: Reviewing scripts before filming them will keep things on track; be mindful about light sources (natural or artificial); don’t forget to film close-ups for audio clarity and take time editing footage with care. A few simple precautions like these will go a long way in making sure that what you’re shooting looks great. If you’re in Colorado, there are a lot of exceptional companies out there that can help you. In Denver video production isn’t just a job; it’s a passion.
