What are the most common mistakes when telling a story through video?

Truly and accurately diving into the scope of the video is an important activity for the success of a video project. Without scoping you will not know the resources, time and budget that a project will take. Start by speaking to the stakeholders and noting down the end goal they have in mind. This will help identify: - the best story to tell to achieve the goal - the people who should be part of the video - the locations that need to be covered - the style of the video

Having a well-thought-out plan also allows you to anticipate potential challenges and address them proactively. It enables you to identify the necessary equipment, locations, and talent, ensuring a smoother production process. Additionally, a structured plan helps you stay on track and maintain focus during filming, reducing the chances of getting sidetracked or missing crucial shots. A clear plan is your roadmap to creating a video that not only tells a story but does so effectively, capturing your audience's attention and delivering your message with impact.

Audio is more important than video. Your audience will forgive poor video quality but never bad audio. This is the biggest give away to an unprofessional production. Invest in a good mic and professional audio editing. Depending on your location and capture objectives between studio and field settings, you will need to select your audio capture equipment carefully

Light isn’t just brightness; it’s a tool to shape and enhance the look of your video. For purposes of simplicity, your video needs to have enough light source that it does not look dark, not should it be over exposed. There are settings in almost all manual cameras to detect under and over exposure. Basic Three-Point Lighting: 1. Key Light: This is the main light source. Place it to one side of the subject, creating depth and dimension. 2. Fill Light: Situate this on the opposite side of the key light. It’s less intense and fills in shadows created by the key light. 3. Back Light: Positioned behind the subject, this light creates a soft glow around the edges, separating the subject from the background.

Bad lighting can diminish visibility, create a flat and uninspiring atmosphere, convey inappropriate moods, introduce visual distractions, hinder subtlety, and strain the audience's eyes. It's essential to use appropriate lighting to enhance the storytelling experience and engage the audience effectively.

Shooting Extra: Ensuring You Have What You Need It's a golden rule of filming: Always shoot more than needed. It's about safety nets and creativity, ensuring there's a backup and offering editing options. The Benefits of Extra Footage: 1. Mistakes Happen: Maybe someone blinked. Perhaps a bird flew into the frame. Extra shots provide alternate options. 2. Flexibility in Editing: Different angles or takes can add depth and richness during the editing process.

Feedback from your client and team is an essential part of the production process. I recommend engaging with the client on these occations: - Planning stage - After creating a storyboard and color board - After a rough cut - After the final cut for graphics, text and other minor but important approval