Blog

Next in our series of tips for creating videos quickly, the idea that you should build your own studio. This notion may seem unfeasible for certain small businesses, solopreneurs, or organizations operating on razor-thin budgets. Setting up your own studio can be costly in terms of monetary, time, and labor investments. On top of that, you might be weighing certain opportunity costs of having other people produce your videos while you handle other priorities.

Your space won’t be built instantaneously (unless you really want it to, more power to you!). Gather resources at whatever pace is most prudent for your business. Here, you’re able to develop, assess, and improve your video marketing strategy as new variables (e.g. tools, locations) are added to the mix.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Main camera

• Stabilizing device (e.g. tripod)

• External microphone

• Light(s)

A tripod or stabilizing device is extremely important for your audience’s viewing experience. Yes, certain editing programs have stabilizing features meant to improve shaky content. However, be proactive and remove those concerns beforehand. The last thing you need is viewers leaving your videos due to motion sickness.

Clear, noise-free audio must be communicated to your audiences. If they can’t hear what you’re saying, why would they stay? External microphones are relatively inexpensive but vital pillars of your production toolkit that greatly enhance the quality of your video content. Plenty exist in the market and your research analysis will reveal which option makes most sense for you.

Many organizations underestimate the importance of tasteful lighting when creating video content. In this perspective (due to time or cost convenience), the overhead bulbs or natural lighting through the windows are enough. In some cases, they might be. Instead, aim for a high quality look and feel to your videos possible through consistent light sources.

Check out the tutorials from Full Sail University, FilmRiot, and James Wedmore regarding inexpensive, DIY lighting arrangements/backdrops that may fit your budget. In addition, browsing YouTube and Vimeo will further educate you on low-cost solutions (e.g. DIY projects, product reviews, tips/advice) for your burgeoning studio.

Remember, your viewers probably aren’t watching your videos for the lighting or the sound or your sweet backdrop. Ideally, these details would go unnoticed due to their smooth integration. Rather, these elements are combined to fashion a comfortable context for you to communicate.

This is just a bare-bones, basic list. Surveying other video professionals on tech essentials will land you different opinions and perspectives. Please do!

Benefits of Creating Your Own Studio: Full Control

+ More efficient workflow

+ Easier coordination

+ Controlled atmosphere

Your workflow efficiency improves when you adeptly centralize your operations. Timeframes may be expedited and bottlenecks alleviated when you aren’t reliant on outside forces dictating your production’s pacing. You’ll be waiting less on others and more on yourself.

Coordinating projects with greater ease also results from the careful centralization of operations. Unnecessary steps may be eliminated, barriers removed, and frustration reduced. Keep in mind that new challenges may appear when your team adjusts to a new process.

Filming in a controlled atmosphere means you have the most authority to work under your exact specifications. You hold the most responsibility in realizing your vision for each video you make. Your team will have full dexterity to employ the lighting, sound, production design, and whatever other elements you desire. In other words, you determine the look and feel of every moment.

Cost Savings

+ Renting other places

+ Outsourcing production

What if your company has some production tools but no space? Maybe you’ve got a camera but no real lighting kits or audio equipment. What if you’re constantly in need of a missing piece? Well, you’re probably spending a good deal of time and money looking for open locations and renting stuff. Remember, a “studio” can exist in almost any location.

However, be warned that not every place is suitable. If you’re near consistent noise or disruptions (e.g. airplanes, sirens, etc.), your best course of action involves finding another destination. Make sure your new setup flows well with your regular business operations. Establish a video command center away from the main arteries of your workplace to minimize distractions and interruptions.

What if your company says, “Screw this. I don’t have time for that,” and outsources video production entirely to somebody else? Launching your own set brings projects in-house which keeps expenses down. You won’t have to spend resources to identify, negotiate, and use a location (often under a finite timeline).

Forming your own studio space allows to you produce under your own direction, remove extraneous intermediaries, and save money.