Video production is a field where you can create many different types of content. Vlogs, films, and live speeches are just a few of the diverse videography fields out there. No matter which niche you’re working in, there are simple but frustrating mistakes worth avoiding. To help you make the professional content you’re striving for, the guide below showcases the top mistakes to avoid in video production.
Unnecessary Shaky Cam
Movies in the found footage genre have deliberately shaky camera work. Although it works sometimes, this style doesn’t work in every single video production category. Suffice it to say, if you’re live streaming a church service, having stable, clean footage will help the viewers focus.
On the other hand, if the camera is constantly bouncing around, it can quickly distract the audience. Later in this list, we’ll discuss high-quality equipment. However, one type of video equipment that requires its own section is camera support.
Accessories such as tripods and monopods are an excellent platform for setting your camera down to get a clear image while still having the ability to move the camera when necessary. Camera cages with handgrips offer similar control and stability with more flexibility in how you can handle the camera. In other words, no matter your shooting style, there is an accessory out there capable of helping you capture coherent footage on set.
Awkward Editing
Editing comes in many forms. For example, editing occurs in the post-production phase when shooting a film. That said, if you’re shooting a live show with multiple cameras, editing happens on the set in real-time. No matter how you’re editing, it’s crucial to ensure each cut is deliberate and cohesive.
Strong editing provides your viewership with a clear picture of the video. When you’re making a short film, cutting to a character’s reaction after a specific line makes the moment more than that initial line; it’s a window into their emotional state.
This is especially helpful if you want to focus on the speaker at first, and on the other character’s reaction second. Simply put, there is a logic to the editing of the sequence. Take this principle with you across any video project, from documentaries to live speeches. If every cut has a deliberate purpose, it will help your audience engage with the content instead of tuning it out.
Using Low-Quality Gear
From filmmaking to streaming church services, there is a wide range of applications for video productions. One aspect that rings true across each of these applications is that you need equipment that will help you get your point across.
Thus, if you’re shooting a short film, you should use high-quality gear instead of a cellphone if you want a professional-grade product. The same principle goes for sound; if people can’t hear what the person in-camera is saying, you’ll lose your message and the audience’s interest.
If your goal is to create professional-grade content, then you’ll need the gear to match. For this reason, Ikan carries professional video monitors with sharp picture quality, accurate color, and advanced features that give you ample control over the final product. For example, suppose there is a continuity error in your shot. In that case, the vibrant image of a professional video monitor will help you notice the issue, creating the chance to fix it before post-production.
In addition, always consider the best video equipment for your specific application. After all, you don’t need an IMAX camera to shoot a short film, but you should have something capable of capturing crisp, colorful images if you want to produce high-quality content.
Lacking Personality and Purpose
One of the most unfortunate video production issues to come across is a set with all the proper equipment, but that lacks a cohesive vision. More simply, why is the audience watching your content? What sets your projects apart from others available? Not everything you make needs to be jaw-dropping, but it needs a distinct personality to stick out.
Even if you’re making a simple slice-of-life film, there should still be something that pulls the audience into the events, whether it’s the strong character arcs or stylish visual storytelling. Further, if your video production doesn’t adhere to traditional storytelling, it can still have a unique personality.
A news broadcast doesn’t rely on strong character arcs, but still needs quality equipment and hosts to create something worth watching. Remember—working within a video production niche doesn’t mean there aren’t other creators out there trying to do the exact same thing.
Not Experimenting
Finding your identity is always important as a creator. As mentioned above, personality and vision can strongly elevate content, helping it stand out amongst the rest as doing something innovative or interesting. Thus, find opportunities in your free time to play with your editing software, camera gear, lights, and other areas of your production. Of course, when we say, “play with,” we don’t mean you shouldn’t treat the gear professionally.
However, this can be a time to play because it gives you the chance to try new things to see if they work. Consistency is excellent, but falling back on the same style too much can become monotonous. This doesn’t mean you should completely change the content you make one or two years after starting. Don’t worry; you can experiment within your niche. At the end of the day, this professional playtime will help you become more in-tune with your craft.
Ignoring Feedback
It’s easy to chalk up bad feedback to someone not understanding your vision or being an internet troll. Sometimes, you will find yourself in such situations. That said, it’s still important to look at all the feedback and focus on the relevant responses that come from a place of industry knowledge and passion. Just because you might perceive something as negative doesn’t mean it isn’t constructive in some way, hence “constructive criticism.”
Positive feedback is always fulfilling, but critiques are an excellent opportunity to expand your abilities. For instance, your experimentation time can include trying out some tips you heard from audience feedback. Maybe it doesn’t work, or perhaps you discover an invaluable new technique on set. Plus, when it comes to video production, the top mistakes to avoid are issues you can start working towards preventing today.
