PRE-PRODUCTION & PLANNING
We know social video is often an afterthought. It can be a pain, which is why we created this in the first place! But, thinking about it ahead of time (even just a little) goes a long way.
- Pick a Style: Find a reference video or determine the type of video you’re envisioning. i.e. A behind the scenes video is shot much differently than a lighting tutorial.
- Visualize key moments: Think about what sequences, locations, or transitions will tell a clean, compelling 15-second story.
- Plan extra time: Even 10 minutes for b-roll or behind-the-scenes can give us gold.
- Get Help: It doesn’t have to be all on you! A friend or assistant can shoot extra footage.
SHOOTING VIDEO
Note: These are best practices, not rules. Your creative vision comes first. If breaking a rule makes the shot better, go for it.
- Distribution: Where are sharing the video and what is the aspect ratio?
- Your Style: Shorter clips are easier, but some shots need to be long and epic.
- Stabilize the shot: If possible, use a tripod, gimbal, or stable surface. If handheld, keep movements smooth and purposeful.
- Camera Movement: Limit panning and zooming. Let the action unfold naturally.
- In & Out: After hitting record, wait 2 seconds before action. Pause 5 seconds at the end.
- Think in sequences: Plan how your shots connect. Random clips don’t tell a story.
- Think like an editor: What shots help tell a story?
- Film transitions: entering/exiting locations, gear setups, handoffs, walking shots, etc.
- Shoot More Than You Think You Need: Especially for b-roll, our editors love options. Capture details like hands, gear, close-ups, environmental textures, etc.
- Vary Your Angles: This helps with pacing and makes the final edit more dynamic.
RECORDING AUDIO (If you’re recording sound)
- Use a mic if possible. Built-in camera/phone audio is rarely clean.
- Shoot in quiet locations. Eliminate background noise.
- Avoid touching or brushing the mic (hair, clothing, wind).
- If there’s a sudden loud noise, retake the shot.
UPLOADING THE GOODS
Note: Your uploads are your voice. Send us the clips that speak loudest.
To get the best results and the fastest turnaround, upload only your best footage.
- Better Edits: If you upload clips you wouldn’t want to see in the final video, there’s a chance they still get used. Keep the quality high by sending only what you’re proud of.
- Faster Uploads: Especially important if you're in a remote location with slow internet. Save time by skipping anything you know won’t make the cut.
- Quicker Turnaround: Our editors can dive right in without sorting through hours of unusable content. That means your video gets to you faster.
- HD is fine. Don’t worry about massive 4K files, most viewers are watching on phones. Prioritize quality, not file size.
- Organize before upload. If possible, group clips by scene, moment, or location. It’s not a requirement, but it helps tell a cohesive story and speeds things up for everyone.
