Rules to Better Videos - Pre-Production - 10 Rules

Set your video up for success with these pre-production rules, covering topic selection, planning, and preparation before the camera starts rolling.

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#1
Do you choose video topics that matter to your audience?
To keep your video content relevant and aligned with your business goals, it's crucial to revisit your marketing strategy regularly.
One effective approach is to brainstorm new video topic ideas every three months based on your existing strategy. This helps ensure that your content stays fresh, targeted, and continues to engage your audience.
#2
Do you use different video types to promote a consultancy?
Producing video content for YouTube and TikTok can help you increase brand awareness, engage with potential clients, and showcase your expertise in the software industry. Here are some types of video that you might create:
#3
Pre-Production - Do you define the level of quality up front (Gold vs Silver)?
Aligning expectations with stakeholders is key to success, especially for creative content where the outcome is very variable. Make sure you define what kinds of videos need what quality level.
#4
Do you ask for a content check before posting a public video?
Recording a public video is time-consuming... scripting, filming, editing, and reviewing all take extra effort. The biggest waste happens when you record before verifying the accuracy of your content.
Before hitting record, a quick content check can save hours of rework and help you get it right the first time.
#5
Pre-Production - Do you test technical scripts properly?
If writing a technical script where you don't have the knowledge to make the final call, it is important to remember that different developers will sometimes have conflicting opinions.
#6
Do you have a space to easily record awesome videos?
Creating high-quality videos consistently requires more than just a great idea. You need a dedicated setup that allows you to focus.
The popular open plan office will commonly result in poor vocal audio, bad lighting, and an inconsistent background that detracts from your content. A streamlined, self contained recording space can help save time and ensure your videos look and sound professional without the technical burden.
#7
Do you set office backgrounds for filming?
It can be time-consuming to think and plan a shoot with the background in mind. It is much better to have a library of different office backgrounds to save time.
These will also act as approved office backgrounds from the Product Owner, giving the video team assurance and confidence in shooting the video. It also allows developers who are less creative or nervous about shooting to choose what background they would like.
#8
Production - Do you perform an equipment checklist?
Nothing is worse or more embarrassing than forgetting a vital piece of equipment in the office when you are set to record a presentation in a few moments, so making sure you use a checklist before going to the shooting location is vital in order to ensure the production goes smoothly.
Remember, it is key to make sure that the speaker is kept happy and willing, so do not keep them waiting for unnecessary periods of time. Running back to the office for the tripod plate will make you look unprofessional, and it affects your company's image.
#9
Presenting - Do you do a tech check before presenting?
When you are presenting, you should always do a tech check before you start. This will ensure that you are ready to go and that you don't have any technical issues during your presentation. Ideally, this happens the day before and on the day of the event. At a minimum, do one on the day of the event.
#10
Production - Do you set up the speaker prior to recording?
It is vital to have the speaker ready and equipped prior to recording. There are a number of things that need to be done to make sure the speaker is ready for recording.