
There is a lot that goes into making a video. From planning and storyboarding to hiring actors and acquiring equipment, there is a lot to think about before shooting.
Video production projects help students learn and grow. Here are 10 inspiring ideas for students to make videos that they can be proud of.
1. Create a Storyboard
When creating a video, having a storyboard is essential to avoid mistakes during production and post-production. This allows you to visualize your entire video before stepping onto the set, saving time and money.
A storyboard is a sequence of thumbnail sketches or drawings that illustrate the action of your video. It can be as detailed or as simple as you like, but should reflect the essence of each scene in your script.
Oftentimes, storyboards are created by hand rather than using a computer program and can be as rough or detailed as you need them to be. You can even sketch them on a notepad or use free storyboard templates online. It’s also helpful to share your storyboard with others involved in the video production process, to get their feedback and make any revisions needed. This will help you make a better video that achieves your goal.
2. Create a Budget
No matter the type of video you’re making, creating a budget for your project is critical. This will help you set realistic expectations for the cost of your video production and avoid overspending.
The cost of video production can vary widely depending on the style and length of the video you’re shooting. For example, longer videos typically require more time to shoot and edit, so they can be more expensive than shorter videos.
It’s also important to consider the cost of hiring talent. For example, if you’re planning to use actors or professional athletes in your video, these costs will add up quickly. In addition, don’t forget to factor in the cost of post-production. This can include editing, grading, color correction, titles and motion graphics. All of these costs can quickly add up and push your budget past your comfort zone.
3. Create a Script
The video script is an important part of any production, as it helps everyone stay on the same page and makes your message more persuasive. But it’s not always easy to write a script, especially for beginners or people unfamiliar with video.
A script is where the abstract idea formulated by your strategy starts to take shape. It’s also where you determine what kind of talent to use (whether professional actors, employees, or customers) and create a script that will be easily readable for them.
Once you have a finished script, it’s time to perform a tech scout and draft a production schedule. This will help you keep track of all the different shots you’ll need to get and when they should be filmed. It will also help you identify any potential problems that need to be addressed before filming starts.
4. Hire a Crew
Before you hire a crew, make sure that they have the experience needed to execute your project. Ask them about their experience in script writing, branding, and filming. They should also be able to communicate effectively with you and your team about the project’s goals and challenges.
Remember that a great concept for a video is worth nothing if it’s poorly executed. Be wary of working with a production team that over-promises and under-delivers.
When you’re ready to start hiring a crew, ask for references from past clients. Be honest about your budget, and be clear about what you’re looking for from the start. You should also pay crew members promptly and fairly. This will ensure that everyone has a positive experience working on the project. It will also help prevent disputes down the road.
5. Plan a Shoot
Once the script and storyboard are complete, it’s time to begin planning the actual shoot. This includes scouting locations, scheduling the actors and crew for each day of shooting, and procuring all equipment needed to capture the footage.
This is also when you can add extra effects to your video that plain filming just can’t accomplish — things like animated graphs, mockups of products, and screen-recorded motion graphics. These can really help elevate the video and achieve the results you’re looking for. For example, in a Fashion Video Coverage, there must be a structure to make sure that the items being shown are highlighted with the theme in place.
Once the production sequence is over, it’s time for editing. This is where all the magic happens. Editing takes a while, so it’s important to be organized and plan ahead to avoid missing deadlines. Keeping all of your assets and timelines in one place makes this process much easier.
6. Record a Voiceover
Adding a voice over is a great way to add context and depth to the video you’re making. Thankfully, with affordable microphones and all-in-one video making apps, recording your voice over has never been easier.
Recording a voiceover may require you to hire professional actors or voiceover artists, depending on your budget. Regardless, make sure you have someone in mind that can deliver the core message of your video and convey a natural tone.
You’ll also want to review your script for pacing and style, as well as any audio clips or music you plan to use. This helps ensure that your video meets marketing and SEO goals and can effectively grab viewers’ attention.
7. Shoot a Behind-the-Scenes Video
When you shoot a behind-the-scenes video, you can show your audience what goes into the making of your video. This is a great way to build engagement with your audience and can also help you stand out from competitors.
Before you start shooting, you should create a storyboard to plan out the different shots that will make up your video. This will help you avoid any surprises when you’re creating your final video and can save you time and money in the long run. You should also spend some time location scouting and preparing any props you may need for the video. Having a clear list of items to bring with you will ensure that you don’t forget anything on the day of your shoot. This will reduce your stress levels and help you create a better video.
8. Create a Music Video
Music videos are a great way to showcase your unique aesthetic as an artist. Plus, they’re more shareable than audio alone and can help you reach a wider audience.
When creating a music video, it’s important to plan out the entire shoot. This can include creating a storyboard and scouting locations. This will ensure that everything goes smoothly during filming.
Also, make sure to use wide-angle shots to show the full scene and close-up shots to convey emotion. Finally, don’t forget to add a soundtrack. Music can really evoke emotions and encourage viewers to take action. In this video from Rescue Chocolate, the music reflects the urgency of the cause and encourages viewers to share.
9. Create a GIF
Get students to enliven their passions by having them create a video that promotes an idea they strongly believe in. This type of video can also help students develop their persuasive skills while building their opinions and becoming more action-oriented.
Using the trendy before-and-after video style, students can make an engaging video to share with others that shows off their creativity and helps them understand the importance of learning through trial and error. This video project will help students learn the importance of patience, practice, and consistency.
Creating video projects for students at college level can be more beneficial than at school because this is the stage where students are more focused on improving their career-related skills. They can use video to show off their skills in an exciting way, grabbing the attention of potential employers.
10. Create a Social Media Post
Whether you’re using YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or other social media platforms, creating a video post is an effective way to promote your brand. It can also improve engagement and click-through rates.
Use memes and GIFs to add a fun spin to your posts, especially on Twitter and Facebook. You can even use infographics to show a step-by-step process or share statistics in a fun way.
Try to replicate the types of posts that perform well for your competitors, but make sure you’re incorporating your own unique style and voice. Remember that your followers may see posts that are too similar as inauthentic or irrelevant, leading to a drop in engagement. You should also be aware of new and trending content formats. For example, live videos have become increasingly popular and perform well on all platforms. They can create an authentic feel and help build trust with your audience.