31 October 2023 Video production tips and best practices

Beware the Video Production Boogeymen: Tips on Surviving Bad Content

Even the most seasoned marketers can hear the whispers of dread that accompany video production. But fear not, for I bring you a grimoire of wisdom to banish these fiends. Happy Halloween!

Marketers face their own set of nightmares when it comes to video production. It's a realm where high stakes meet tight deadlines, and where the frights lie not in shadows but in the glare of the production lights. The tricks and treats of Halloween pale in comparison to the chills down the spine of a marketer staring into the abyss of a project gone awry.

Let's light our jack-o'-lanterns and navigate through the misty moors of marketing mishaps. We'll uncover the creeping horrors that can turn a promising video campaign into a ghoulish fiasco—and how to fend them off.

Whether it's the ghastly glare of a budget blowout or the sinister silence of a failed audio track, fear not: for every marketing nightmare, there is a charm to keep the darkness at bay.

Ready your wits and your resources, and let's turn these video production nightmares into a marketer's dream.

The Phantom of Poor Planning

Every marketer knows the chill of the Phantom of Poor Planning, whose curse can unravel even the tightest campaign. To exorcise this ghost, harness the power of a robust strategy. Know your audience, your message, and your objectives like the back of your hand. A well-researched plan and a detailed storyboard are your silver bullets.

The Poltergeist of Perilous Permissions

For the marketer, the Poltergeist of Perilous Permissions can be particularly petrifying. This fiend feeds on overlooked copyrights and unsecured brand permissions. Keep your campaign above the grave by securing all rights to assets, and if you’re in doubt, seek counsel lest you find your campaign entombed in legal woes.

The Goblin of Gear Mishaps

The Goblin of Gear Mishaps delights in disrupting your narrative with a flicker or a buzz. Defend your brand’s story by ensuring your gear is up to the task. Conduct rigorous tests and have backups at the ready. Remember, in the world of marketing, quality production reflects the calibre of your brand.

The Werewolf of Waning Light

Even the most enchanting of adverts can fall prey to the Werewolf of Waning Light, which preys on shoots plagued by poor illumination. Keep this beast at bay with professional lighting solutions that cast your product in the most bewitching light.

The Vampire of Vanishing Budget

The most bloodthirsty of all is the Vampire of Vanishing Budget, lurking in the spreadsheets, ready to drain your funds. Protect your project’s lifeblood with a budget that includes a buffer for unforeseen frights. Keep a close watch on expenditures, and don't let this vampire bleed you dry.

The Mummy of Monotonous Content

In the crypt of the commonplace, the Mummy of Monotonous Content lies in wait, ready to ensnare your audience in a tomb of tedium. To avoid this fate, weave creativity into your brand’s narrative. Use captivating visuals and storytelling to keep your audience spellbound.

The Banshee of Bad Audio

In the realm of marketing, nothing heralds doom like the Banshee of Bad Audio. This malevolent spirit can overshadow the strongest of sales pitches. Arm yourself with top-notch microphones and soundproofing to ensure your message is heard loud and clear, free from the banshee’s cry.

The Zombie of Zzz Editing

Lumbering into your campaign comes the Zombie of Zzz Editing, dooming videos to the land of the lost (interest). Revive your content with editing that enchants—think tight cuts, engaging transitions, and a pace that pulses with the heartbeat of your target demographic.

Conquering the Creatures of Chaos

Armed with these strategies, marketers can march confidently into the mist, turning potential video production nightmares into dream campaigns. With careful planning, attention to detail, and a sprinkle of marketing magic, your videos will cast a spell of engagement this Halloween and beyond. Let your creativity haunt your audience in the best way possible, leaving them bewitched by your brand’s prowess.

Take our video marketing scorecard to see if your video marketing is ready for the new year

Emily Malone

Written by Emily Malone Marketing Manager for Venture — a full-service video production agency that specialises in producing creative videos & campaigns that get real results.

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