How to Master Video Production Techniques

It's never a "quick" edit. Let's break down my process for creating a 2-minute video as an amateur: 1. Planning This involves meeting with everyone involved in the project (stakeholders, product teams, designers, etc.) to flush out the goals and purpose of the content. 2. Concepting Ideating and researching ways to bring the video to life. Depending on the platform, there are various nuances to consider beyond just the format. Sometimes, I spend hours just scrolling through different channels for inspiration. 3. Scripting This one is pretty straightforward but needs to be emphasized. Writing a script helps flush out the message so you're hitting all the points. Start with freewriting before making edits. Let the words fall out. 4. Storyboarding Before recording, I like to visualize the video's flow and structure. I've found that when I storyboard, especially when working with others, it's a lot easier to see if it makes sense for the overall project. You can do this using tools like Miro or even just a piece of paper to map out when things happen. 5. Recording Setting up the camera, lighting, and mics is just the beginning. Multiple takes are definitely required to capture the best footage. 6. Editing This is the most time consuming part. It involves more than just cutting and trimming footage. You need to spend time selecting the best takes, adding transitions, applying color correction (especially since iPhone cameras can be ugly af), and integrating audio (music, voiceovers, etc.). Every frame is carefully scrutinized to make sure the video flows smoothly, fits within 'safe zones,' and aligns with the overall goal and messaging. Then there are captions and graphics to consider. 7. Review This is the second most time consuming part because the more people involved in the approval stage, the tougher it becomes. Subjectivity plays a big role here—what one person likes might not align with someone else's preferences. This feedback loop can be tricky because there can be several rounds of feedback and adjustments, requiring you to jump back and forth between steps 6 and 7. 8. Export Finally, after all is approved, you need to go back and format and do a quality check, making sure everything fits correctly. Post-production tasks include exporting SRT files, creating thumbnails, and determining where the content will live after it's finalized. 📌 Just because a piece of content is lofi doesn't mean it's low effort. My tip for keeping the process smooth—and something I learned a little too late in the game—is that having a really clear brief at the beginning is the single most important aspect of any video project.

Things to consider when making “creator-style” videos: 1. Light. The most important thing. Many think you need a light right on you from the front but it depends on the natural light you have around you. If the light is strong on your right side, you need to balance on the left. Never shoot with light behind you unless you want a washed out glow effect. I always tell people to just trial and error when they’re getting started. It’s not like you’re wasting VHS tape! 😉😉 2. Sound. Acoustics of rooms can make things awful even in our caption-conscious world. Too many people hold the mic right up near their mouth (The “MC” effect) but then the needles are in the red and they have a hot mic. If you don’t hold a mic close enough you pick up background noise. Some swear by lapel mics but you may want a small directional condenser mic. Again, think of something you can use in a room by itself but also at an event where you have less control of crowd noise. I personally love the Shure MV88+ because you can set it up on a desk to do voiceovers when you’re traveling or on the go. 3. Imaging. Most videos are people on a camera with text overlays. But it rarely tells a visual story. Think of what your cutaways, split screens or picture-in-picture moments will be. Your jump cuts. This helps break up the monotony of what everybody else creates. Several services provide stock video you might want to check out like Envato, Pond 5 or Canva. 4. Script. “How do you deliver to the camera without any mistakes?” Well we all make mistakes but I suggest using a teleprompter app. You can load in the script and you’re looking directly at the camera. There’s another reason to use a teleprompter. It’s good to get used reading from one on camera. It’s an acquired skill worth developing Other tips? Please share.

The one thing video gurus won't tell you about creating video content... Even with AI, most creators can't explain what makes a shot look 'professional' Everyone's talking about how easy video is now: "Just use AI to create content!" "Anyone can be a creator!" "Video production is simple in 2024!" But here's the reality... 𝐽𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑚𝑒𝑑 𝑎 '𝑠𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒' 𝑘𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑠𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑒. 𝐻𝑒𝑟𝑒'𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑡𝑜𝑜𝑘: - First, killed all overhead lights (they were ruining the shot) - Brought a pro light outside to fake natural sunlight - Added second light bounced off ceiling - Used white cloth as diffuser for perfect soft lighting - Placed branches outside for natural shadow patterns - Added haze for that cinematic feel That's 6 technical decisions for ONE "simple" shot. Oh and there's the color grading aspect and exposure in camera. And here's what no one's talking about: You need this knowledge to even describe what you want. AI can't tell you which lights to use where. It can't explain why your shot looks "off". It won't teach you how to create mood. The truth about video in 2025: Quality still requires expertise Every shot needs multiple technical decisions There's no shortcut to understanding light AI is a tool, not a replacement for skill __________________________________________________________ Follow me for more behind-the-scenes insights into professional video production. How do you feel about AI tools for video creation? Let me know in the comments 👇