The 10 rules of smartphone video production
If I want to start making videos with my mobile device, I have to follow 10 simple rules.
Before I can start breaking them 🙂
The 10 rules of smartphone video-making
It’s possible to break the rules of smartphone video production. However, I must first know them.
These 10 rules are common to any mobile video production.
Nonetheless, they inspire different approaches to shooting.
The first distinction I have to make is between technology and technique. It creates problems to solve and habits to adopt.
In general, I have to keep in mind that the more videos I make with my smartphone, the better my videos will be. On the condition, however, that I have the key coordinates of my marketing strategy in mind.
1. Horizontal, not vertical
Vertical (but also square) video is a reality, especially in the social sphere. In any case, I use a horizontal format at first: it will simplify the editing process.
2. Shaky films make people sick
I place the smartphone on the table against another object (a book, a lamp). I can find a couple of ideas here. The important thing is that my viewers don’t get seasick.
3. The sound sucks? The video will suck
My viewers have seen any sort of low quality image on the web by now. However, if the sound is disturbed, they will struggle to watch, not just listen.
4. No light? No video
Video is photography in motion and photography is light. For a smartphone, light is information. Without it, the image will be poorer and degraded.
5. Flight mode saves lives
When I film, I don’t want interference. Above all, I don’t want to miss a good shot just because my old aunt decided to phone me at that very moment.
6. Digital zoom is evil
Optical zoom uses lenses to magnify an object. A digital zoom merely enlarges the image, reducing its quality. I must NEVER use it.
7. Your question in their answer
If I’m filming an interview, I want my guest to incorporate my question into their answer, so I can cut my voice into the edit.
8. Good music? Poor learning
Music has the power to make trivial images pretty compelling. In the beginning, a good video-making exercise is to make a sound-off video intriguing.
9. Feedback makes better videos
When editing, I look at the same images hundreds of times. At that point, it becomes difficult to judge. Fortunately, I can ask a friend for an external opinion.
10. Shoot movies, not people
My goal is to produce a video, not to torture people. I have to keep it simple, I have to keep it short: a video only makes sense if people want to watch it.
MANUAL OF THE LITTLE SMARTPHONE VIDEOMAKER
We have created a little handbook for the little smartphone videomakers of the future. Join the Smart Video Marketing Academy to download it for free.