Making videos can take time. There are just a few more steps than posting on Facebook or taking a picture.
I am right there with you. However, videos are such a strong tool to grow your audience and make more money that you need to create them.
It doesn’t have to be hard, complicated or frustration. I want to make it easy for you.
I created a brief checklist to guide you through each step of the entire production. It’s very similar to our own checklist, and we answer as many questions as possible before picking up a camera. If you can’t answer at least 80 percent of them, you aren’t quite ready to create a video.
Interviews, locations and B-roll may change as the video is unfolding, but this will give you a sense of direction. It’s always best to make sure all videographers, editors and interviewees are on the same page.
Pre-Production:
1. Objective
- What is the purpose of the video? (e.g., raise awareness, promote an event)
- Who is the target audience, and what do you know about them? (e.g., donors, volunteers, beneficiaries)
2. Outline and Storyboard
- Have you created an outline of what the video should look like in the end, with key messages and visuals?
- Have you created a storyboard to visualize the sequence of scenes?
3. Location and Talent
- Where will you shoot the video?
- Who will be the videographer(s)?
- Do you have volunteers or staff who will appear in the video?
Production:
1. Equipment and Setup
- Do you have the necessary camera equipment (e.g., DSLR, smartphone)?
- Are you filming in well-lit areas that clearly show people on camera?
- Are you able to clearly hear interviewees on camera?
2. Filming Guidelines
- Are you capturing diverse perspectives to represent your organization truthfully / authentically?
- Will your B-roll footage be a diverse collection of shots that relate to the story?
3. Engaging Content
- Are you showcasing impactful stories and achievements?
- What will the call-to-action be?
Post-Production:
1. Video Editing Software
- Do you have access to video editing software? (e.g., iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro)
- Do you have the skills to edit the video, or do you know someone whoo does?
2. Branding and Graphics
- Have you added your organization’s logo, name and colors to your video?
- Does the video align with your organization’s values and messaging?
- Have you included accurate captions or subtitles for accessibility?
3. Music and Voiceover
- Will the video need background music to complements the video’s tone?
- Do you need a voiceover to narrate the video?
Distribution and Promotion:
1. Video Hosting Platform
- Where will you show the video?
- How do you plan to find the best headline, messaging and call to action? (Hint: 3 Reasons Why Your Marketing Videos Fail)
2. Social Media Strategy
- How and when will you share the video on social media?
- Are you encouraging supporters to share the video to reach a wider audience?
3. Website and Email Campaign
- Will you embed your video somewhere on your website?
- Will you send the video via email to your subscriber list?
If you’d like to make a video even easier, we’ve got your back. Just hop on my calendar.