A Great Video Needs More Than Just a Great Story

There's more to creating great videos than owning an expensive camera. Here are a few things you should consider before you start shooting.

Video is visual

Great videos rely on great visuals and that usually means action, motion, someone doing something. 

If what you've planned to shoot is static (say, only an interview), you might want to consider a different medium to tell your story. Podcasting is a great option for stories with interesting sound and a written article with photos works for interviews.

With that being said, there are some things you can do to add visual elements to a story.

A compelling story

If your video is going to be an interview and only an interview, make sure the subject matter is interesting and your subject is willing and ready to open up to you. Interviews can feel boring if your viewers aren't captivated by what the person on the screen is saying.

To help with the visual element, use multiple cameras to capture different angles. Get a wide shot and close up — that way you can cut between the two to avoid having a single, long shot.

Get some B-roll

Try to think of footage you can shoot that relates to the story you're trying to tell. For instance, if you're interviewing a man who is making cameras out of coconuts, try to shoot him selecting the coconuts, making them into cameras and using them.

The most entertaining videos show people doing things — get your subject moving to make your video more compelling.

Post production is your friend

If b-roll isn't an option, still photos can be added to lend context and visual variety to the piece. Consider animating the images you include — slowly zoom in or out on a photo or have it move across the screen during the video.

Speaking of animation, simple animated sequences can be a great way to add interest to a static piece. 

If you have the resources, you may want to explore acquiring archival or stock footage that relates to your story.

Remember, video is visual! In order to make a really great one, you need more than just a great story!