Creating quality content on a tight budget and schedule can be challenging, but not impossible. With some planning, creativity, and resourcefulness, you can produce engaging and professional videos that meet your goals and audience expectations. Here are some tips to help you achieve more with less in field production.
Before you start filming, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, who you want to reach, and how you want to deliver your message. This will help you narrow down your options and prioritize your resources. For example, you may want to focus on a specific theme, genre, or format, such as a documentary, a tutorial, or a testimonial. You may also want to consider the length, tone, and style of your video, as well as the platform and distribution channels you will use.
I’ve always felt the most important thing is for EVERYONE on the crew to love what they’re doing. That way, you get a great effort and a great product. Don’t try to do everything yourself ( producing, camera, sound), a 3 person team may cost more, but you’ll get the quality you want. Remember, sometimes it’s better to get what you need shot and maybe be scolded, (play dumb and apologize) than to ask permission and be turned down.
Who is the audience and what do THEY want to do? Creating content to inform, entertain, educate or inspire an audience requires a vision toward what THEY want to take away, how it can move them toward their goals or dreams. Then be specific and make that within your budget. Trying to be All things to All people will cost too much and affect too few.
Some of us are passionate about technology, while others are drawn to storytelling. When it comes to producing exceptional video content, finding the right balance is crucial. However, in situations where time and budget constraints are at play, it's often wise to make strategic compromises. This might involve scaling back on technological features, advanced filming equipment, or elaborate locations in favor of enhancing the core content. Content is king, always. Another effective approach is to consider content creation as a series or grouped projects. By doing so, you can optimize your resources more efficiently, allowing you to generate multiple pieces of content from the same pool of resources.
The steps that I've found to be helpful when it come to creating quality content on a tight budget: 1.) (Mindset) is everything. Research the total price/cost for the project or event. And think rich. Grow rich. Your mindset has to match your goals. 2.) Come up with budget and stick to it as closely as possible. Control your decisions and maintain your business financial goals. 3.) Research and find the (best) company or private contractor for the project or event, and pay for services. (You get what you pay for) Quality is always better than quantity. 4.) Then there comes marketing. You have to invest in (marketing) no matter what. You can start off small and work your way up as you build more momentum and revenue.
Plan your shoot with your team, minimize cost by learning how to get somethings for free i.e, make deal with people by giving them free ads shot (using a free space that are meant to be paid for, you can create a 1mins advert shoot to pay back like I did filming my shot film) probes can also be gotten for free depend on director's confident to get is project done. On the post production work with editor you are close to, with that cost can be minimized, or if you also an editor/ colorist like me, you do not have to pay for Post-production aside sound design and score, depending on the type of project you working on.
Once you have defined your scope, you need to plan your shoot in detail. This includes choosing your location, equipment, crew, talent, and script. You should also create a shot list, a storyboard, and a schedule to guide your production process and avoid wasting time and money. You should also scout your location beforehand, check the weather and lighting conditions, and obtain any necessary permits or permissions. Planning your shoot will help you avoid surprises and problems that could compromise your quality.
Keep in mind: do not hesitate to inquire! Many individuals possessing knowledge are willing to offer assistance or provide explanations. In addition to this, numerous expert content creators are available on platforms such as YouTube for consultation!
Even with careful planning, you may encounter some challenges or changes that require you to adapt and improvise. For example, you may face technical issues, unexpected events, or feedback from your client or audience. Instead of panicking or giving up, you should be flexible and creative in finding solutions and alternatives. For example, you may use your smartphone as a backup camera, switch to a different location or angle, or edit your script or footage to fit your new situation.
Be open minded about the possibilities in front of you, be ready for brilliance to show itself and in turn be capable of improvising in the moment thus seeing the potential in happy accidents. In creation, some of the most beautiful things come from spontaneity. If you are so committed to the rigid plan or the "painting in your head" and lack pragmatism your project could fall flat missing the edge that is so essential for audiences.
Actually I think that secret of quality content is in crew of real professionals. But professionals with creativity views, who open for different experiments. But my team must live with idea of project. Everyone myst have some “pain”, some passion with this idea. U must go to sleep with idea of your project and wake up in the morning with new ideas, new creativity decisions.
Being prepared for the unexpected is key in this industry. I recall a time when we embarked on a shoot at a stunning outdoor location, meticulously planning dreamy shots, only to wake up the next morning to a torrential downpour. With some quick thinking, we swiftly located a beautiful indoor setting, acted promptly, and still managed to capture a stunning video. When we have challenges, we tend to be innovative if we focus on solution.
Always always have Plan B Plan C Plan D for EVERYTHING and on the other hand backup the files in all computers or disks you have.
One of the best ways to save money and time in field production is to use the resources that are already available to you. For example, you may borrow or rent equipment instead of buying it, use natural or existing light instead of artificial ones, or collaborate with local or amateur talent instead of hiring professionals. You may also use free or low-cost software and tools to edit and enhance your video, such as online platforms, apps, or plugins.
Be scrappy but you don't have to reveal that you are running your production with minimal tools. Even while using tiny budget, you can still make your output look high quality. You decide what the audience have to see.
Consider bringing in interns to provide assistance across various aspects of production, including makeup and costume, set design, continuity checks, prompter operation, and capturing behind-the-scenes footage. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspective can contribute to the production process. Additionally, utilize natural daylight, which often gives the best results. Shooting in outdoor locations offer abundant natural light and pretty settings. By choosing accessible and public spaces, you can reduce costs and simplify logistics. Lastly, consider maintaining a compact crew. A smaller team can streamline communication and ensure everyone wears multiple hats when necessary, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective production
If you can't afford a mega expensive camera, or lenses, renting goes a long way! In the long term, it's great to build a bank of your own equipment, so you don't have to spend money each time renting. But for your fist few projects (the ones that are going to make you money!) feel free to use equipment thats 'bigger than you can afford'. Use the profits from those shoots to buy stuff in the long run.
The most important element of any video is the story. No matter how limited your budget or schedule is, you should always focus on telling a compelling and relevant story that connects with your audience and delivers your message. You should also use the best techniques and practices to convey your story effectively, such as using clear audio, steady shots, smooth transitions, and engaging visuals. You should also review and refine your video before publishing it, and seek feedback from others to improve your quality.
There are no limits for writing a story, just let the mind fly and be as creative as you can, use reference and obviously always you can ask for profesional feedback!!
Drop your ego. Your relentless focus should be on moving the story. Just because you put in effort to shoot that shot, doesn't mean it should be present. Is it really helping to move the story? If not, cut it out. Be ruthless while editing. Higher attention is needed especially when you are playing multiple roles like director, actor and the editor.
Don't fret over minor technical hiccups; they happen to the best of us. When it comes to the technical aspects, avoid the temptation to overcrowd or dilute your content with an excessive array of effects, filters, and editing tricks. Instead, aim to maintain a clean and focused presentation. Keeping your content as clean as possible. By prioritizing clarity and simplicity, you allow the core message or story to shine through, ensuring that your audience can connect with and appreciate the essence of your work. Always question your motivation for using specific effects. Is it merely for the sake of being trendy and cool, or does it genuinely serve a purpose in advancing your storyline?
Finally, you can learn a lot from other field producers who have created quality content on a tight budget and schedule. You can watch their videos, read their blogs, listen to their podcasts, or follow their social media accounts to get inspired and informed. You can also join online communities, forums, or groups where you can exchange tips, advice, and feedback with other field producers. You can also attend workshops, webinars, or courses to update your skills and knowledge.
After your work is published. Do not expect it to perform well. That is audience's decision. Now that we presented our work to them, we have done our part. All we can do now is produce a better work tomorrow.
You improve with each new project, so avoid becoming too consumed by just one. Keep a flexible and open approach to your work
Do not overlook sound design. Audiences listen a lot more than they see. If you are tight on time or money. Invest in higher quality audio and sound production tools. Audience are far more forgiving about the color correction that you missed.
As a video editor, it's essential to have a flexible and creative mindset when approaching project editing. However, if you're consciously taking on tight-budget and tight-schedule projects as a professional, it's important to consider what you can accomplish within the budget and how far you're willing to go beyond the budget in terms of providing your services. While it's good to be able to create quality work at a lower cost, it's also essential to keep in mind what you can do to make the producer see the value in paying you more for the next project. Working with an eye toward future projects and the potential for higher compensation is crucial.