Planning The Video

Making Videos in Easy Steps

Step 1: Planning The Video

You really should have a video topic in mind at this stage, to introduce yourself or present, demonstrate or explain a service or product. Also you should be considering how you’re going to use internet video to deliver a quality message to your audience.

A video allows you several options for presenting your topic.

• Visually with images, people, and action.
• By audio using words, sounds, and music.
• Text scrolling or using tabs and bullet points.
• Links to additional internal or external internet resources.

It’s the combination of some or all of these elements that makes your internet videos different and even unique from all others.

You’ll want to break your topic into key points and subjects and think about which approach will create the best presentation of the subject matter.

Keep it simple to start with until you become more experienced. Your first video might be some introduction music, leading to you talking about your product or service then a little music to finish with. Only after you have mastered this should you be thinking about anything more sophisticated.

Progressing on, you might open with some introduction music leading again to your talking introduction, transition to a product visual with audio, and then move to an audio summary using scrolling bullet points and finish again with a little music.

Making a video is putting together a series of small steps. By planning each step you will soon be shooting good videos.

If the purpose of your video is to sell, introduce, or explain a product or service, then design it for and focus on, customers who are likely to buy the product. Don’t waste your time trying to make it appeal to everyone else because they aren’t going to watch no matter how good your video is.

Key Planning Points For Quality Internet Video.

• Tightly focused topic. Summarize key points and benefits.
• Plan the best presentation from options already mentioned.
• Create a script or storyboard laying out the shooting details
• Location for shooting, in your studio or on location.
• Lighting. Do you have sufficient lighting in your studio. Is it too bright on location.
• Background. Simple and uncluttered is always better.
• Audio. Be aware of any potential noise. Passing auto, distant construction noises. Where I live insect ‘chatter’ is a big problem.
• On screen subject. Will it be you or will you employ a talent.
• Props. Will yo need a sample of the product or packaging at hand to demonstrate.
• Equipment. Check your lights, microphones, video tape etc.
• Software. Post production software for video capture & editing. Video editing program. Flash encoding software.
• Help. Are you going to need any help from spouse, family, friends or paid.

Making a top quality video is a planned process. Putting your plan on paper will force you to think about the key issues that go into producing a video that your audience will enjoy and that delivers your message to an audience that wants to see it and hear about it.