NYC is a metaphor for the digital world: it’s a place where you can find the best of everything, but there’s such a massive influx of information and stimulation it can be hard to break through it all.
More and more companies are using video content to differentiate themselves from competitors, increase SEO, and provide information in a way that drastically increases engagement and retention.
Whereas this practice was once rare, now almost every website I visit is using video – be it a company overview, product demo, or client testimonial – to accompany text or other visual content.
Perhaps you’ve decided to create video content for the first time; or, perhaps you’ve created video before, but now it’s time for some new video content and you need a little refresher. If you’ve haven’t so much as dipped your toes into the shallow-end of the video production pool before, it can feel like a very overwhelming endeavor.
Well, whether you’re a newbie or someone with experience, I’ve come up with a few tips to help you dive right in. Here are six things to do before you start your next video production:
1. Focus on a Central Message
Before you begin, it’s important to have a clear idea of what kind of video you want to produce and what message you wish to convey to your prospective audience. With limited attention spans and an ever-increasing amount of information being put out in the world, videos should be short and focused.
The sweet spot for most web videos tends to be 60-90 seconds, so knowing exactly what information you want to get across in that amount of time is imperative to the success of your video.
An NYC video production company that you choose to work with should be able to collaborate with you creatively on your video’s core message. Together, focusing on a central message can help ensure the success of your video!
2. Think about your Video’s End Use
Knowing how you intend to use your video is another important part of getting started. Will this video be living solely on your website, or will you be using it as a TV commercial too? How about social media outlets?
Perhaps your sales force will use this video in the field or at your next trade show. Knowing how your video will be distributed will help effectively get your message out to your intended audiences.
Having an idea of how you will use the video will essentially ensure that you get the most use out of it, and the most eyes on it. If you choose the right NYC video production company, they will be also able to help create the appropriate look and feel for your video once you let them now how you intend on using it.
3. Have a Budget Range in Mind
Before you get started, it is incredibly important to establish a range of budget for your video project. You may not know how much it costs to produce a video, and that’s OK!
If you’ve already identified the message and purpose of your video, you will be able to approach the prospective video production company or companies that you’re vetting and start gathering some information about pricing.
You might be tempted to play it “close to the vest” when it comes to budget, fearing that if you reveal your spend, the video production company will increase their prices to hit that number.
However, by having an idea of what you’re willing to invest and sharing that number in detailed discussions, you’ll start to learn what it actually costs to produce the kind of video you’re looking for.
4. Research Video Production Companies in NYC
One of the most important things to do before you start your next video production is to research the video production companies in NYC (or your local area) to decide which one you’d like to work with.
While you may want to comparison shop for the right pricing, it is even more important to do your research and find the company that will be the best fit for you in other ways: from quality to personality. While pricing is important, it is only one key factor to consider when choosing the video production company to work with.
5. Meet and Plan with your Production Team
Once you’ve established your message, purpose and budget, and have found the NYC video production company of your dreams, it is imperative that you meet with the producer of your next video to nail down all production details before filming.
This meeting is the time to really get down to the nitty gritty with your producer about the goals of your video, and together you’ll be hashing out details such as:
- film date
- location
- talent
- scripting or crafting shot lists
- roles of responsibility
- and more!
Confirming the details of what is needed from both parties will ensure that your final deliverable is exactly what you want. Being meticulously prepared will help ensure that your production will run as smoothly as possible. Now is the time to ask any questions that you may have, so don’t be shy! Ask as many questions as necessary to ensure that you understand the process in its entirety.
6. Practice Makes Perfect
Now that its almost time to film, it is important to be as prepared as possible ahead of time so that you can put your best foot forward once the cameras start rolling. If you plan to be speaking on camera, it’s best to familiarize yourself with your script beforehand. Heck, even professionals have to rehearse!
If you’re going to be filmed Q&A style, work with your producer so that you know what questions you’re going to be asked ahead of time.
You don’t need to memorize answers verbatim, but having a solid idea of how you’re going to answer each question will prevent you from feeling like a deer in the headlights once your producer calls “action!” Be prepared to include valuable statements in your on-camera dialogue.
If you or your hired talent are more comfortable using a teleprompter, there are a multitude of teleprompter apps that you can download and use on a tablet to practice ahead of time. Many of these apps offer free versions as well!
I hope these you find these tips helpful when its time to film to your next video production. If there are any final, bonus tips I can give you, it’s: get some rest the night before your shoot and HAVE FUN!
