In today’s digital age, the power of video content cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a content creator, a small business owner, or just someone looking to capture cherished moments, creating high-quality videos is now a must. But what if you’re operating on a tight budget? Does that mean you have to compromise on the quality of your videos? Absolutely not! There are a plethora of ways for you to create compelling, high-quality videos without breaking the bank. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating quality videos on a budget, focusing on utilizing movie makers for free to their fullest potential. Let’s embark on this cinematic journey together!
General tips & tricks
Good preparation
Successful video marketing often relies on a well-thought-out strategy. It’s crucial to consider this during the pre-production and planning phases.
Start by asking yourself these key questions:
- What action do you want your video to inspire?
- Do you aim to encourage viewers to make a purchase, provide them with product information, or enhance their understanding of your company’s mission?
- What resources do you have at your disposal?
- Are you equipped with a camera and other necessary equipment?
- Do you have a skilled team, including editors, animators, and cameramen?
Only after addressing these initial questions can you begin to determine the most suitable format for your video. The format choice should align with the desired impact and the available resources, allowing for the implementation of either a complex or simpler format.
Project flow of a video production
As soon as the preparation is complete, the implementation of the video can begin. First, the speaker text is formulated. The screenplay is then created based on the text to be spoken.
Once these two documents are finalized, the style for the video is determined. Then a so-called storyboard is created for an animated video. This is the sketched version of the screenplay. Once everything is set, the moving images and sound recordings are produced. In most cases, the selected speaker speaks the text first so that the video can be adapted to the length of the voiceover. The video is then refined with background music and sound effects. When everything is coordinated, the video is ready and can now be presented to the target group.
Presentation of the video
With the completion of the video – whether on your own or with a freelancer – the work is not quite done. The video must be made accessible to interested parties. The basis is the embedding of the video on your own homepage. Ideally directly on the home page, but at least easy to find. In order to spread the video as widely as possible, social networks such as YouTube, facebook and Google+ should be used. Well-made videos often quickly get a lot of likes and are shared with others. But your own video can not only be used online. It can also do persuasive work at trade fairs and presentations.
The Basics: What Makes a Successful Video?
The good news is that you don’t have to (immediately) invest in a studio with outrageously expensive equipment. When it comes to the purely technical side of good videos, these points are particularly important:
Sound
While it may initially seem counterintuitive, good audio quality holds more importance than a clear picture. Neglecting this aspect can quickly exhaust your viewers. The microphone itself does not solely determine sound quality; rather, it is influenced by the surrounding environment. For instance, if you record videos in a nearly empty room with a concrete floor and large glass surfaces, it becomes challenging for viewers to comprehend your message due to excessive reverberation. In such cases, instead of investing in an expensive specialized microphone, it is advisable to first optimize the room acoustics. Elements like pillows, blankets, sofas, curtains, and bookshelves can effectively reduce reverberation by either absorbing or scattering sound. A simple way to test reverberation is to clap your hands loudly and observe how it echoes back. For a clearer distinction, try this experiment in both the living room and the bathroom.
Image design
Nevertheless, the image is of course important. Typical errors here are:
- The subject is too far away from the camera or, conversely, too close to it
- The camera is positioned too high or too low
- The image section was selected incorrectly
Let’s delve deeper into these points. The size you should be in the image depends on the target platform and the video itself. If the clip is more likely to be viewed on smartphones, especially in portrait format, it’s generally better to have a larger presence in the frame. A good rule of thumb is to include the upper chest area along with the head. For optimal positioning, place the camera at eye level or slightly above. Filming yourself from below is generally unflattering. Another guideline to consider is the rule of thirds. Mentally divide the image into three horizontal and three vertical sections and pay attention to the placement of your eyes. They are ideally positioned on the border between the upper and middle thirds, not in the center or lower portion. Regarding horizontal positioning, if you prefer simplicity, positioning yourself in the middle of the frame always looks harmonious. However, if you want to showcase something next to you, being on the left or right side of the frame can be particularly effective, especially in explanatory videos.
Video background
The video background of your videos not only contributes to the look and is “kind of there”. It also conveys how you tick as a person and, above all, how you want to appear. Your chosen video background is therefore a subconscious co-decider on how you come across in your videos and whether what you see is perceived positively or negatively. You can position yourself in front of a wall to keep it as neutral as possible. However, you should not stand or sit directly in front of it, but keep a little distance. Alternatively, find something in your home or office that looks a little more interesting but doesn’t distract from you.
Light
When it comes to lighting, the first thing you should try is to avoid backlighting. So you must not have a bright light source like a window behind you. Otherwise, you will only appear as a dark outline in the image. In the next step, your goal is to illuminate yourself evenly, but not flatly. In other words: a few slight shadows are allowed. But the greater the contrast, the more dramatic the picture appears – until it eventually becomes distracting. What you should definitely not do: illuminate yourself from above or below. That almost always looks bad. Below I will go into the “three-point lighting” that is common in professional circles.
Armed with this knowledge, you can now watch other videos with greater mindfulness, extracting valuable lessons from the pros. Take note of the delivery of the content, your preferences, and areas for improvement. Assess the sound quality, observe the lighting design, and analyze the camera setup. Identify elements you can recreate and explore the methods to do so.
Video editing-software
Video editing software, including professional video editing software, is no longer a category of tools only available to videographers. It’s now available to almost anyone with a decent computer and an internet connection. The market is growing, largely thanks to the boom in the creative industries, with new video editing programs appearing every few months. This means that no matter your computer specifications or video editing skills, you can find the right software. For example, if you are looking for a lightweight yet full-featured solution, VSDC, Kdenlive, and Openshot are your best choices from this roundup. If you prefer to work in the browser, Kapwing and Clipchamp are great options for non-professional use. And if you need a tool to get you started with professional film production, consider Davinci Resolve, Avid, or Lightworks. Would you like to test other options? You can try Shotcut (open source), Hitfilm Express, Olive editor (open source) or VN video editor (MacOS). All four video editors are free and have no watermarks, so if you’re on a budget, these programs are definitely worth trying. If you only need to cut out a small fragment from your video, using one of the online video converters is a convenient option.
Conslusion
In conclusion, creating a high-quality video on a budget is a feasible task with the right approach and attention to detail. The essential factors to consider include prioritizing sound, crafting an engaging visual design, and setting up an appropriate and visually appealing background. Additionally, lighting plays a critical role in producing a visually pleasing video. Keep in mind that you do not need a high-end studio or expensive equipment to achieve good results. A well-thought-out placement of objects, careful usage of available light, and creative framing can help create an impactful video. Lastly, remember to use the video effectively for promotion across various platforms, both online and offline. This comprehensive guide should serve as a roadmap to assist you in creating compelling video content that resonates with your target audience, even on a shoestring budget.
Starting as an engineering expert, my journey has been marked by a ceaseless quest for knowledge and the acquisition of diverse skills. Currently, I work in the realm of technical support for a renowned video editing software provider and I possesses a wealth of expertise spanning virtually every aspect required for professional post-production work.