It’s no surprise that almost every marketer’s explored smart phone video production and mobile storytelling capabilities . This handy tool has eased some of the entry barriers to video production for small businesses and individual content creators. While it’s certainly possible to use your smart phone to film high quality video at a low cost, we understand smaller outfits and DIYers out there trying to get the most mileage out of their budgets as humanly possible.
Here are a few ways to get more value and utility from your phone beyond plain recording.
Finding that Perfect Spot & Making Sure Things Run On Time
Most shoots boil down to cost and convenience. Fanciful locations and elaborate production design have a much lower priority and realm of possibility when factoring in expertise, money, and turnaround time especially for small businesses. It doesn’t have to be that way. Apps like SceneScout help you manage pre-production tasks such as scheduling shoots and finding suitable places nearby. Here, you may be able to reach a deal that increases your production values without destroying your budget.
There’s a trove of free project management tools at your disposal to keep you on point. Tools like Trello offer a pretty in-depth system for managing timelines, major tasks and duties, and deliverables across a team of people who may be juggling tons of different responsibilities as part of a small production unit. Implement these systems from the first step of pre-production to the final step of summary analysis and you can quickly identify methods of improvement for your video production.
Storyboarding
Not great with graphic illustration? Use your smart phone as a rudimentary storyboarding tool! Take different angles of the relevant actions, movements, people, and locations featured in your upcoming video. This is especially useful for the small businesses and DIYers who plan on filming in their own offices or self-hosted locations.
If you’re a videography newbie, spend a few minutes educating yourself on shot composition and framing . There are numerous photography and cinematography resources online that can help guide you to fluency. On top of that, you can easily learn through critically viewing existing content. Check out the YouTube channels of major B2B and B2C brands to get an idea of their storytelling arcs and content marketing strategies.
Rehearse Lines On the Go
Remember, video intersects the strengths of sight and sound. Your smart phone has recording power beyond moving pictures. I’m talking about audio!
Please note that your phone is not a substitute for a professional quality microphone despite its remarkable versatility. If you’re looking to polish your process, check out this Wistia tutorial for recording audio. Several relatively inexpensive microphone and recorder options are out there which may be agreeable to your budget.
With that said, you can certainly utilize the audio capture function. For example, actors can record themselves running through lines to get a quick gauge of their intonation, diction, and cadence before you begin rolling. You can easily share these clips and solicit feedback for quick adjustments.
Content Creation Machine
The opportunity to create content is all around you. Look beyond the immediate world of what’s happening on camera. You’re able to capture behind-the-scenes footage and photos that can be packaged or re-purposed in a heap of different ways.
Need ideas? Consider:
- Set photos
- Cast photos
- Deleted scenes/ outtakes / bloopers
- Quick shoutouts
- Teasers
Before you enter a frenzy, consider your objectives and answer these questions:
- Would this extra material be valuable to your viewers?
- When and where would they like to see it?
- What does it add?
- Why would they bother clicking?
- What happens afterwards?
- Where are audiences supposed to go next?
Publishing exclusive content to your loyal audiences is a great idea. However, think of where you want them to go and what ultimate offers you have ready.
Extra Lighting
Riskier readers out there may consider using their mobile devices as supplemental light sources. Yes, we get your skepticism. It’s very hard to do well. Your light output and nuance control won’t be anywhere near the extent of a professional rig or setup. The color temperatures might be wildly inconsistent with the other lights at your disposal. Of course, there are relatively cheap add-ons and modifications that can be equipped to your phone for portable lighting. However, think of it as a challenge to spark your creativity and improvisation skills. You may be able to create some moody (and dare I say artsy) shots with smart phone lighting.
This may be born purely out of timing, budget, and necessity but do not fear the possibilities! Sometimes, simplicity may serve your story well.
An Editing Lifesaver
For many small businesses venturing into DIY video, the role of a script supervisor is entirely forgotten, naturally assumed by an upstanding citizen (commonly referred to as “da real mvp”), or shared among the team. These are the people who keep track of the little details during production to make sure the storytelling runs seamlessly. Consistency and continuity are their objectives.
They make sure the props and set dressing remains intact. They identify body positioning/movements, wardrobe, makeup choices, and technical placements (i.e. camera angle, production notes, equipment) from scene to scene. In short, these people are lifesavers. Their eagle eyes and attention to detail make sure what happens in scene A is translated flawlessly to scene B. They help demarcate the good from the bad and help differentiate moments. If you’re editing your own video in-house, you’ll come to appreciate their cues.
Smart phones (and anything with a camera function) can naturally help shoulder this responsibility. Take photos of your actor and the set. Take notes on positioning, movements, and other major happenings. Create a log for each scene (ideally, each take) for your team’s reference. Here, you’ll be able to see emerging themes and areas to improve for your next day of shooting and your next video. In addition, you’ll have a greater organizational foundation when it comes to piecing together your story in the editing room.
