F-CUT Best Practices

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.