First record what you want people to hear and then choose what you want them to see (based on what they’ll be listening to.)

What if…

I suggest this method of operation with one caveat; if you see something happening that is really compelling, get the shot, you can decide when and if you are going to use it later.

This is what I really mean:

When you have the dialog recorded first (and even better – edited for timing purposes), you can use that audio to decide what you need to shoot for coverage over it. This can be a lot better than trying to come up with dialog to cover what you have already shot and keep it all on topic.

How does this help?

This suggestion is to help keep your videos concise. Use the audio (this can be a talking head, although it does not have to be) as a roadmap for what you need to shoot as visual imagery that will help your viewers understand and remember what you are talking about. You can also write a script, if you are so inclined, it is just that talking off the cuff and then editing can have more of a natural feel to it, although it may be more difficult for some people to stay on target when speaking off the top of their heads.

So…after I have the audio locked in, then what?

Once you have the words together, you will find it is easier to decide what visual elements may best contribute to the viewers’ ingesting of your ideas. This is where you can get really creative and use a lot of different types of video to keep the viewer engaged with your content. Some presentations work best with a simple talking head, others are going to have much more impact with wild graphics, animations, titles and dramatic contrasts in the visual elements displayed. Whatever style you finish your videos with, it is usually a good practice to start with the audio and then tackle the video.

One more thing…

This also goes for setting up, get the audio working well and then figure out how you are going to light the scene or frame your shot. This may seem to be counterintuitive because you will need to have the camera up and running to confirm that the audio is being recorded well. Know that it is going to seriously destroy your momentum if you have to stop what you are doing to work out any sound recording issues after you have the shot set up and are ready to roll. Plus, you could lose your light, if you are relying on the sun to make your exposure just right, and then you’d have to change your visual set up anyway.

Who I am:

I’m Philip Quintas and I make it easier for customers to trust you before and after they buy from you by creating simple videos that help you help more people.

If you want one-to-one help with making better videos, I can answer your questions and even write, shoot, edit, upload and promote videos for you or any combination of these services.  Sign up using the Email Address* and First Name* form on this website to get direct access to me, my experience and offerings.