As the demand for video content increases and clients look for cost-cutting strategies, solo filmmakers are now blessed with incredible opportunities. Nevertheless, it is an immensely competitive industry, and only those who implement a winning strategy will succeed.
Here are 10 top tips to help you produce better quality video content and ultimately earn more money.
#1. Build a strong network
Solo filmmakers take great pride in working in a streamlined fashion. Nonetheless, there will be times when a little support is necessary. Partnering with a video production company in certain situations may enable you to take on larger projects or achieve results that you could not with one pair of hands. Many hands make light work, but it could also be key to keeping shoots shorter. Given that time is money, this will make a huge difference.
It is a mutually beneficial agreement that may land you some freelance work in return.
#2. Know your niche
As a solo filmmaker, you will get the chance to showcase your creativity on a range of projects for a range of clients. However, a focus on a niche like branded videos, documentaries, or creative videos may be immensely helpful. It will allow you to create an impressive portfolio far sooner while also climbing the SEO rankings far sooner. Getting noticed is an essential step towards winning more contracts.
Besides, increased experience in one niche will help develop specialist skills and knowledge.
#3. Master your equipment
Even the most creative filmmakers will struggle to shoot great videos when using inferior equipment. If this is your business, you must treat it accordingly with investments in quality filming equipment and audio setups. Crucially, you must also spend time learning how to use your equipment. The ability to pull focus, get the right exposure, and get great audio will take production values to the next level.
Most people can frame a shot, but these attributes are what make you stand out as a pro.
#4. Shoot three-shot sequences
An increasing number of content creators shoot single-shot sequences. Unfortunately, it can leave edits looking quite boring, especially when shooting corporate videos. Therefore, it is essential that you start to shoot three-shot sequences that include a tight shot, medium shot, and wide shot. It will make the post-production process far simpler to get right while keeping viewers engaged even when the content is fairly mundane.
It is also the most time-efficient way to get multiple shots when you are short of time.
#5. Learn camera movements
In addition to using a range of tight, medium, and wide shots, you should look to incorporate movements. Smooth tracking movements will make a noticeable improvement to videos, leading to happier clients and viewers. Apps can now be used to track a subject, which is great if you need to appear in the shot yourself. However, traditional tacking facilities and shoulder rigs are great additions.
Tracking shots are seen in creative videos, documentaries, and company videos. Embrace it.
#6. Pay attention to pre-production
Pre-production isn’t only vital for major movie productions. Depending on the project type, it may be necessary to consider location scouting. Meanwhile, storyboarding and shortlisting will give you the best chance to confirm that your vision aligns with the client’s brief. It serves as your guidance, too, meaning that you’ll capture all necessary shots. Likewise, you’ll be better positioned to choose your equipment.
If nothing else, this will allow you to work efficiently and confidently during the shoot.
#7. Get good at directing
As a solo filmmaker, you will be tasked with taking on several job roles on the shoot. Directing is arguably the most important, not least, when working with inexperienced on-screen talent, such as workers from within the client’s organisation. Putting talent at ease through friendly communication will help. Meanwhile, clear and concise action-based instructions should keep all parties on the same wavelength.
For branded content like testimonials and explainer videos, encouraging authenticity is vital.
#8. Become organised
Time is money, especially when it comes to the shooting day. Venues, equipment, on-screen talent, and any assistant needed for production will cost money. Becoming more organised is the only way to ensure maximised efficiency on the day of your shoot. Camera and equipment carts will make life a lot easier. Meanwhile, you must pack enough batteries and media for the entire day. Wasting time on charging or uploading is a major downfall.
A more organised filmmaker will get through more projects, thus earning more money.
#9. Understand the format
When working for clients, the success of your project is ultimately defined by their satisfaction and the video’s ability to achieve the desired outcomes, such as building awareness or corporate communication. Video marketing is now valued at $176bn and is rapidly evolving. As a filmmaker, you need to consider the devices that people watch videos on, as well as issues like watching on silent.
This can alter everything from the orientation to the duration.
#10. Place more focus on editing
Editing is the key to taking branded content to the next level. High production values are redundant without clean edits that keep audiences entertained, educated, and engaged. The audio levels, transitions, overlays, and other attributes will go a long way to dictating whether a viewer watches until the end. Whether it’s an ad or documentary on behalf of a business, completion rates also boost the hopes of the user taking the intended next steps.
Filming covers many aspects, but great editing will make clients happier about calling a pro.