How Do I Get Started in Video Marketing?

How Do I Get Started in Video Marketing?

By Carly Bartman, Content Marketing Associate

Quick Tips for Video Production, Part 1

So you’ve planned out your video, and everything seems to be in place, but now you need to make it happen.

Theoretically, you just point a camera at your subject, hit record, and all will go according to plan, right? Not necessarily. Here are a few tips that can help you produce your video and keep everything as on track as possible. It starts with the resources you established in your plan.

When Using an External Videographer

If you’ve chosen to use an external vendor to handle your video production, most of the headaches that come with video production are not yours to bear. Equipment set-up and troubleshooting fall to the hired vendor, and your main concern may be interviewing subjects, or just acting as a liaison for the videographers as they run alternative shots by you or need to ask questions. That being said, you’re not off the hook.

You are the project owner. 
You should be prepared with all the knowledge the videographer will need to do the job. You’ll have provided them your plan, complete with storyboards, scheduling, and anything else you have created for the project, but you’re still the one they’ll direct questions to as they arise.

You have all the details.
As the person who scheduled all the subjects, locations, and shots, you are the person who has to make sure everyone and everything is where it needs to be so the videographer can work. Even though you’re not working with the video equipment, any props, people, or location cleanup that needs to happen is all in your hands. Making sure all of the props and locations are ready days ahead of the videography will help streamline the shoot.

They are the experts.
Even though you’re the one paying for and planning the project, you must remember that you hired a vendor to produce your video. Go into the shoot prepared with what you need, and what they need from you, but keep an open mind. Your videographer may have ideas that can improve your video or solve issues in the shoot that you weren’t able to account for in planning. It’s as important to be open to new solutions or ideas during the shoot as it is to have a plan and storyboard ahead of time.

When Subjects are Filming Themselves

The video blog, or “vlog”, format is very popular, and can be done on a budget. The format is a bit loose in that cinematic or commercial quality is not expected or needed, which can make this a very appealing and informal medium. It also makes it easier to find subjects for your videos, as they don’t need to be in the same room with you to shoot their footage.

Because of this, it does take the footage quality out of your hands. To prepare your subjects to take footage of the highest quality possible, touch base with them topics before clearing them to shoot.

  • Have they ever used their computer or phone to shoot a video of themselves?
  • Do they know what file type you need to finish the project?
  • Is their background good and their lighting correct?
  • Do they have an appropriate outfit chosen?

Have them take a test shot as though they are shooting the real thing and send it to you. This can help you answer those questions, and guide your subject to the right tricks and techniques.

Use these resources to set up your own vlog shoot or send to a volunteer who is shooting for you.

Above all you should be ready to work with the subject and be flexible and patient. Working on projects like this remotely is difficult and it’s hard to guarantee a great outcome, but keeping a positive attitude and very open and consistent communication with the subject of your shoot is a great way to ensure a better product.

If you’re shooting the video on your own, there are a ton of considerations you must make when it comes to the day you shoot. Stay tuned to the AMC blog to learn more about in house production.

Previous AMC video series topics:
Why Video Content is Important for Your Association

How Do I Get Started in Video Production

How Do I Get Started in Video Production Part 2


Carly Bartman is a Content Marketing Associate in AMC’s Creative Media Services department, and the resident video editor. You can connect with her on Twitter or LinkedIn for more information and conversation about video marketing.