If you’re reading this post, chances are you’re thinking about producing a video for your business, product, or service. If so, you’re in luck because, in this article, we will offer you a handful of video-making tips to keep you from overspending on production. As we all know, video production can be a serious investment. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart. However, by the shock on many clients’ faces when they hear how much video production costs, we have realized more information is needed for the community.
At Indie Film Factory, we acknowledge the importance of delivering high-quality content while being mindful of budgets. We also understand that clients sometimes need to do things themselves. But ultimately, people need to know that production is expensive, regardless of whether you’re hiring a company like ours or doing things on your own. It requires lots of people, safety, insurance, and high-tech equipment. Much like remodeling a home, video production requires specialized craftspeople and gear, which comes at a cost.
That said, several methods can be used to lower costs and keep things manageable. Most of the time, clients overspend because they don’t know how the process works. Moreover, companies can overreach with their video demands, which can come at a hefty cost. In today’s post, we’ve rounded up seven video-making tips to help you save those precious pennies without compromising quality.
Let’s roll!
Video-Making Tips to Plan Like a Pro
Before you even think about hitting that record button, take the time to plan out your video strategy. Outline your goals, target audience, and critical messages. A solid plan will prevent costly re-shoots, wasted time, and overages and ensure every frame serves a purpose. The other thing to point out is that if your budget is slim, you must manage your expectations. If you’re looking to produce cinematic-grade video, your budget must reflect that. You can still achieve superb results for most basic productions without the flare of a giant production footprint. However, planning like a pro means knowing what you need to produce your video and nothing more.
Location, Location, Location
Aside from our humble 1300 sqft production studio in Las Vegas, production facilities within the United States can cost you a fortune. If you’re thinking of shooting on an LED stage or volume, forget it. Those studios will cost you tens of thousands of dollars from the start!
If you’re not lucky enough to be near the Indie Film Factory, try to find unique and visually appealing locations that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Whether it’s your office space decked with funky décor or a picturesque outdoor setting, get creative with your surroundings to add production value. Another thing to consider is pulling a film permit and gaining access to a public space like a park, quaint street setting, or town market square if you have one.
Check with your local film commission for more information on locations, insurance requirements, and permitting. It’s always advisable to have a permit when filming in public spaces.
Lights, Camera, Natural Light!
Regarding lighting, nature can be your best friend or worst enemy, depending on where you live and the time of the day. With smaller budgets, it’s always wise to film interior settings when possible. If you’re lucky to live in a tempered weather environment, take advantage of the sun’s free rays to illuminate your scenes beautifully.
Position your subjects in areas that allow natural lighting to support your image. Supplemental lighting will be required in most cases, but working with the sun could save you from bringing in an extensive lighting package. Sometimes, you only need an additional light or two to help shape your scene. Ambient lighting from windows can help keep rooms from being underexposed.
Gaffers and lighting technicians also come prepared to defuse the sun’s light with reflectors and silks, which can enhance your image tenfold. Check with a lighting technician and ask for estimates based on your location.
Video-Making Gear Up Tips
One of our best video-making tips is to invest in renting equipment as opposed to purchasing it. Obviously, if you’re shooting video regularly, it makes sense to buy stuff, but for the occasional video shoot, simply rent. Rental houses are equipped with most brands and can save you a ton. You can get gear fast and easy. Focus on essentials and consider renting or borrowing gear for specific projects.
Technological advancements have allowed us to capture stunning footage using smaller DSLR cameras such as the Panasonic S5, Blackmagic Pocket Cine 6K, and the Sony FX3. Sometimes, we’ve even used our smartphones to shoot things like broll and product images. It’s all about working smarter, not more complicated, and your camera requirements should match your end distribution channel.
So, for example, a professional-grade video camera is the best choice if you are releasing your video on broadcast TV. If you’re releasing videos for TikTok, your iPhone may suffice.
DIY Props and Sets
Who says you need a Hollywood budget to create jaw-dropping sets? Get crafty and repurpose everyday items as props to enhance your storytelling. Is a trip to Ikea in order?
Creativity can add production value to your videos without breaking the budget. Look for things you already have first, whether it’s colorful fabrics, quirky decorations, or furniture. Try adding location value by creating texture and contrast within your background images. This could be as simple as adding pillows to a couch or stacking books in the corner of a window seal.
Edit Like a Pro… on a Budget
The days of giant editing suites are over, except for the guys selling large expense editing suites…
Okay, I digress.
There are plenty of affordable ways for the rest of us to edit videos. Most PCs and Macbooks have some type of built-in editing software. Whether it’s iMovie or Windows Video Editor, you can likely start cutting video within hours after filming your video. Additionally, mobile apps for editing are plentiful. Check your app store to find the best software for your device. Take the time to learn the ins and outs of these programs, and you’ll be cutting and stitching your footage like a seasoned pro in no time.
These Video-Making Tips are Worthless without Marketing
Despite offering these tips to help you produce your video, your video-making efforts will be in vain if you don’t have a marketing strategy.
Once your masterpiece is ready to hit the screens, it’s time to spread the word without splurging on expensive marketing campaigns. Leverage social media platforms, email newsletters, and your company website to share your video far and wide. Encourage your audience to like, share, and engage with your content to maximize its reach organically.
Be sure to run the keyword analysis for your business before producing your ad, and try to implement them into your video organically. This will help with organic search and maximize engagement.
Well, there you have it; a handful of pretty straightforward video-making tips to help your business get started. I’d be remiss if I didn’t encourage you to check in with Indie Film Factory before starting your shoot. We’d be happy to advise you further. We can even help you produce your video at a reasonable cost.
The big thing to remember is that it’s not always about how much you spend but how creatively you can make every dollar count.
That’s all we have for you today! Thanks for reading.
-Kelly