Smartphone Superstars: 10 Tips to Upscale Your Non-Pro Video Productions

The text read:"Call me right now!"

When you run your own PR and content creation firm every moment needs to be planned for creative and strategic purposes.

I will never forget my gut feeling on a Saturday afternoon as I relaxed at home. The feeling pushed me to return to the office and charge camera batteries, which I did despite feeling bone tired. Being ready often pays dividends.

Once back in bed, I had a feeling my phone was going to ring with an assignment.

Half an hour later, I got a text from a colleague that I worked with at a TV station 25 years earlier.

I called the number and the voice on the other end barked:"How quickly can you get to the governor's house?"

I had a general idea where the governor lived and said,"Give me an hour and a half."

Back to the office for the gear and fresh batteries and then I was off to capture comments from the governor about a key political endorsement. After arriving on location I gave my driver's license to a state trooper and went in side to find a location to shoot.

I was called into duty, because of a track record of capturing content and delivering on deadline. My start in video production began in 1985 (yikes, 39 years ago) as a freelance multimedia journalist (MMJ).

These days, I frequently see video produced by marketers, realtors, publishers, manufacturers whose message and mission are compromised by some of the basics of video production: steady shot, good lighting and good sound.

Perhaps its the same as English teachers who yearn for traditional writing and communication as social media has led to the short-handing of words like ur, lol, ttyl.

The truth is, the smartphone revolution has democratized video creation, empowering everyone from interns to the CEO to become content creators.

While the quality of phone cameras continues to improve to include high-end codecs like 苹果 's Pro Res, simply pointing and shooting won't guarantee impactful videos. This is where creativity eclipses camera size, and the true test of video prowess lies in the hands behind the lens, not the lens itself.

Case and point: The camera used on this shoot is a LUMIX FZ-1000 which shoots 4K video and 20 megapixel stills. The camera sells for about $700.

Fear not, aspiring video and content creators! Even without years of experience, you can elevate your productions and captivate audiences with these ten key tips:

1. Plan. Don't Panic.

Before hitting record, take a breath and craft a clear message. What story do you want to tell? Who is your target audience? Scribble a simple storyboard to visualize your shots and avoid aimless filming.

2. Story First, Tech Second.

Focus on compelling content, not fancy gadgets. Engage your viewers with a strong narrative, genuine personalities, and relevant information. Let the story dictate the tech, not the other way around.

3. Good Sound is Essential...

Crystal-clear audio is crucial. Invest in a budget-friendly external microphone to banish noisy environments and improve listening experience. There is nothing worse than audio with echoes. The brain wants to absorb the sound and words that are connected to body and facial expressions to make determinations about integrity and intention.

You can find a $15 lapel microphone on Amazon or buy the new DJI wireless mic system that can feed wireless audio into your smartphone. This is mission critical.

4. Lighting Matters, Literally.

Natural light is your best friend. Shoot outdoors or near windows whenever possible. If indoors, avoid harsh overhead lights and use lamps or diffusers to create soft, even illumination.

Never, put an interview subject in front of bright window. All cameras will see the bright light and close down the iris to control the incoming light. What does that do? It makes the focal point--the person you are interviewing--look like they are hiding in the shadows. If the goal is to hide the person as if they were in the witness protection plan--great. If not, you will have to bring in artificial light sources to add warmth to the face.

5. Keep it Steady.

Shaky footage induces seasickness. Utilize tripods, phone stands, or even stacked books for stable shots. For handheld filming, brace your elbows against your body and avoid jerky movements. I often think when I am behind the camera that the person watching the video needs to feel like they are on a magic carpet ride--so smooth that they feel like the are drawn into the video.

If there was one thing that separates poor video from great video--a tripod or gimbal that stabilizes the video from shakes and bumps.

6. Frame it Right.

The rule of thirds is your guide. Imagine dividing your screen into a tic-tac-toe grid. Position your subject at the intersections for visually pleasing compositions. There is always the question if the subject of the interview is looking directly at the camera--as if delivering a one-to-one message--or slightly off camera a technique used in documentary-style shoots. Sometimes, the video benefits from framing and movement that gives the production as sense of emotion or forward movement. All of this should be pre-planned and not left up to chance.

7. Keep it Moving (But Not Too Much).

Static shots are snooze-inducing. Vary your angles, zoom in for close-ups, and incorporate slow pans or smooth tilts to keep viewers engaged. Avoid excessive zooming and shaky handheld movements.

8. Edit Your Best Clips.

Less is often more. ruthlessly trim unnecessary footage and focus on impactful moments. Tight editing keeps viewers hooked and avoids information overload.

9. Embrace Imperfections.

Authenticity trumps polish. Don't strive for Hollywood perfection. Let your brand personality shine through with genuine interactions and a touch of humor. However, don't let your CEO or other team members appear on camera with a tie that is not straight, clothes with thin stripes that cause a moire pattern, too much jewelry or a chair that moves during the interview.

10. Learn, Experiment, Evolve.

The best way to improve is to practice, watch, and learn. Analyze successful videos, experiment with different styles, and seek feedback from trusted sources.

Remember, the "creativity chasm" between seasoned professionals and enthusiastic newcomers is bridgeable. By prioritizing good storytelling, focusing on core video principles, and embracing continuous learning, anyone can create smartphone video content that resonates with audiences, regardless of the camera size or years of experience. So, go forth, unleash your creativity, and transform your brand from smartphone snapshot to social media superstar!

Bonus Tips: Find free or affordable editing apps to add music, text overlays, and basic transitions, further enhancing your video's professionalism.

• But, be careful not to over use any aspect of the razzle dazzle. Some of us remember what video was like when the Amiga Video Toaster came out.
• When you are shooting in the field if you get a nagging feeling in your gut that something is not right--it probably isn't.
• Think to yourself when you are back editing what would you have wished you had captured or changed during taping.

Back at the governor's home, after we cracked the code to the wifi password, I uploaded the prepared statement where it was played back to a large audience and mentioned in The New York Times the next day.

If you need help, don't hesitate to call me right away. I will have charged batteries and will be ready to help with any aspect of production from content to completion.