So you want to get into video production but you don’t know where to start. To produce a successful video, there are actually 8 essential elements of video production that must be in place. In order to create a successful video, what exactly are these crucial elements of video production?
The 8 elements of video production include:
- Target audience
- Length
- Lighting
- Sound
- Channel
- Message
- Cast
- Editing
These 8 essential elements of video production are what you need if you want to produce a video that challenges your creativity and entertains your audience.
Read on to find out more about the elements of video production and how they can help your next video make an impact.
8 Elements of Video Production
As of 2023, 91% of users want to see more online video content from brands. This statistic shows that there is a huge demand for video production. Whether you are promoting your brand or the next hit song, you should be aware of the essential elements of video production. This will help you create a high-quality finished result that you are proud to use as a representation of yourself. Here are the 8 elements to consider.
Target audience
When you are brainstorming ideas for your next video production, start with having a very clear understanding of who your target audience is going to be. This will assist you in gathering the appropriate data to pinpoint your target As a result, you’ll know what to include and what to leave out of your video.
If you have created a new product or service, this doesn’t necessarily mean you should limit yourself to your existing customer/client base.
Building on this understanding can help set the tone and purpose of your video. Your target audience can also determine which platforms your video should be posted on, so find out which are most popular.
Length
Nowadays, most people don’t have hours of their time to spend watching videos, which means you should carefully limit your video length. If you can’t get everything you need to say in under 2 minutes, you are adding too much unnecessary content to your video. Bear in mind that different platforms have different time restrictions and user preferences but overall short-form content is becoming increasingly more popular.
For social media platforms, ads should be short and straight to the point, with posts allowing for a little more time. Videos that go into more detail about your brand, product, or service can afford to be longer to make sure all essential information is included. This type of content is more suited to YouTube or your own website, try to keep it to around 2 minutes to maintain viewer engagement.
Cinematography
Nowadays, high-quality graphics are everything to people and cinematography plays a huge factor in this. To get this right you need to ensure you have the correct camera, lenses and aspect ratio, which all contribute to better lighting. Finding the correct lighting setup for your video production can depend on the location and time of day. Live footage is best during the day using natural light from the windows or outside. Your subject should face the light to avoid harsh shadowing, this can be done with portable or studio lighting. Users won’t continue watching your video if the video is in the dark, and they can’t see the setting, cast, etc. The reason for this is that online videos tend to need to communicate a message quickly.
Sound
If you’re watching your favourite TV show on Netflix and the sound is inaudible and you can’t hear the cast, would you continue to watch? No. So, why would it be any different for video production? Sound is arguably the most potent element of film production.
There are two main types of sound: diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. These are what are used to create a film. See below for the differences between the two.
Diegetic sound
Diegetic sound is the type of sound in a film or story that originates from within the fictional world of the narrative and is audible to the characters within that world. Examples of diegetic sound include dialogue between characters, footsteps, objects being manipulated, and the natural sounds of the environment, such as birds chirping or cars honking.
Non-diegetic sound
Non-diegetic sound, also known as commentary or non-literal sound, refers to any sound in a movie that isn’t part of the movie’s world. In simpler terms, it’s the sound only we can hear, not the characters. Examples include background music, sound effects, and someone talking over the action.
Channel
Selecting the right platform for your film is crucial for reaching your desired audience. To make this decision wisely, it’s essential to understand your audience’s preferences and habits. Does your target audience primarily use mobile phones, watch content on YouTube, actively visit creator websites, or discover content on social media platforms? These factors are vital considerations when deciding where to showcase your film, as placing it on the wrong channel could undermine its potential even if it’s a great film.
Message
The overall message of the video is important, but you should also think about how you will persuade viewers to first click your video. You can thank TikTok for this as nearly 50% of users surveyed said videos over a minute long were stressful, so you need to ensure your audience is entertained quickly. Add a relevant title and description that briefly but accurately describes what viewers will gain from watching the video. Make sure to include any links to your website, social media or other platforms that are relevant to the context of the video. This will build your credibility and presence and can potentially lead to conversions. Don’t forget to also add a call to action in your video to encourage viewers to further engage with your brand.
Cast
Having relatable, friendly-looking faces can help your viewers feel more comfortable and connected to your services. They should appear comfortable and confident with the product or service you’re trying to promote without it coming across as false. If the video you are producing is about your personal brand, work on building your own confidence in front of a camera so you can appear more relaxed. The director of your video content should be able to help you or your actors feel comfortable before starting the shoot.
Editing
Editing is critical when it comes to the elements of film production. The primary role of a film editor is to assemble the shots in a way that ensures a seamless and engaging flow for the audience to follow the storyline as intended by the producers. Occasionally, editors may intentionally disrupt this smoothness if the producer wishes to do this intentionally. Editing is subjective but essential, and it’s rare to find films without it. This is an important element of video production, especially with the rise is the quality of editing used on social media these days.
