What makes a good video

What makes a good video depends on various factors. The use and purpose of the video also play a major role. For example, it is quite possible to cut different videos from the same video material, more formal and structured clips and less formal, looser clips.

Social media in particular requires less structure; what counts here is the entertainment character and the first few seconds should grab the user in such a way that they want to watch the entire video.

On a website, on the other hand, e.g. in the case of testimonial videos, attention is paid much more to the corporate design and a uniform structure. As a rule - but not necessarily - such videos consist ofIntro - Main part - Outro.

Properties Intro:

Usually corresponds to the corporate design.
The viewer learns what the video is about in just a few seconds.
Written title, spoken intro or compilation of individual short sequences from the main part.
The logo is usually displayed prominently.
Emotions should already be triggered here, especially in the area of social media.

Features main part:

Should contain what the intro promises.
Ideally conveys emotional content as well as information.

Features Outro:

Ideally contains a call to action.
Draws viewers' attention to further content, e.g. website, contact etc.
The logo is usually displayed prominently.

Practical tips for a good video:

Clothing and make-up

Actors and interviewees should pay attention to the following when dressing:

Avoid fine patterns such as pinstripes and bright, colorful clothing.
Pastel shades flatter the face.
Wear comfortable clothing that is not too warm.
Discreet make-up is recommended.
Transparent powder against skin shine should always be to hand.

Change of perspective

If several cameras are available, it makes sense to film a person speaking from different angles at the same time. In this way, different perspectives can be edited together during video editing and the sequences can be made more varied. It is also possible to take detailed shots with one camera, e.g. of the speaker's gesticulating hands.

Moving images

Variety is the be-all and end-all. When a person speaks into the camera, e.g. in testimonials, it is particularly important to shoot moving images that can be superimposed over the spoken content. In this way, cuts or unfavorable moments can be concealed.

Transitions

Video editing programs always offer a huge selection of different transitions: Wipe, fade, mosaic, circular, swirl, rotate and many more. In professional video editing, you should insert hard, fast cuts wherever possible. Cuts in the intro/outro can be an exception.

Sound

Believe it or not, sound is more important than picture quality when it comes to videos. If there are picture problems, you can still follow the video if the sound quality is good. If there are sound problems (dropouts, distortion, reverberation, etc.), it becomes very difficult to follow the content. Investing in a solid microphone is therefore a very worthwhile decision. It is also important to shoot in a quiet, undisturbed environment.

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Lavalier / clip-on microphone

For static recordings with a speaker, a small clip-on microphone is recommended, which can be connected to the camera via cable or wirelessly. Areas of application are voice recordings of actors and interviews. The lavalier is attached inconspicuously to clothing.

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Directional microphone

Directional microphones are usually elongated and focus on a sound source while filtering out ambient noise surprisingly well. They are suitable for almost all situations.

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Audio Recorder

The handy digital "dictation machines" are well suited as a recording medium on shoots. They have good built-in microphones and can therefore be used as a backup for the sound. On the other hand, depending on the model, one or more external microphones can be connected to the audio recorder. The sound is then saved separately on an SD card and placed under the image recordings during video editing

Accessories

Tone bar:The boom pole is a pole with an attachment for the directional microphone. It is held above the sound source. This allows the sound source to be tracked, which is particularly helpful when recording group situations or moving images with sound.

Deadcat:Even a slight breeze can destroy an entire turn. A foam basket covering the microphone is supplied as standard with practically all microphones. The fur windscreen is not always included.

Light

If possible, natural light works best. However, this is only sufficient in exceptional cases. Therefore, at least one artificial light source should be purchased to illuminate the face or the scene. Softbox sets with a mobile battery station, spotlights, mobile LED lighting and reflectors are recommended here. A diffuser can be used to avoid harsh light, extreme contrasts and shadows, as these are diffused.

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Avoid at all costs:

Backlight or hard ceiling light.
Fluorescent tubes and neon lights (video flicker).
Keep sufficient distance from walls to avoid shadows.

Image and camera position

If a person is speaking directly into the camera, it should be as close to eye level as possible.

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Pay attention to the two-thirds rule:

The image is divided into three equally sized horizontal and vertical areas. Everything that is meaningful for the presentation or information must be covered by two of the three areas.

Subtitle

Subtitles in a video make the production accessible and videos can also be played without sound. It makes the most sense to create subtitles when the videos are used on YouTube, Vimeo or in social media. The platforms offer various transcription options here.

Subtitles are indispensable, especially for search engine optimization.

Don't have any videos yet?

Our experienced video team with Linda and Denise has already produced over 100 videos for schools and will be happy to support you.

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