With 20 years of experience in the video production industry, I get asked a lot of questions about how to make a video. I’ve done everything from non-profit awareness videos, television commercials, network series and corporate videos, in all kinds of roles starting out as a Production Assistant and working my way up through Production Coordinator, Production Manager, Editor, Director, and Producer.

I’ve created this blog to be your online video guide on everything from pre-production, production and post-production to compressing, and uploading your finished video to the world wide web. If you have any questions on creating your video, please leave me a comment and I will answer it for you, or find an answer for you if I don’t have it. I hope you enjoy this blog and it becomes a valuable resource for you in all your video making adventures. Daniela Testolini

 

Why is this a good time to learn how to make a video? Here are 5 of the best reasons I know; (after making videos for 20 years).

1. Making videos has never been easier.

The digital age has given us camcorders that fit in the palms of our hands, yet can perform everything we used to need eight pieces and 300 pounds of equipment to do.

2. Making videos has never been cheaper.

The cost of digital video recording, lighting, sound, and editing equipment has been cut to a tenth of what you had to spend in 1980, and the prices will go down as the technology improves.

3. Video is the future.

Getting an education in how to make a video is key if you’re doing anything online. Video sharing, streaming, and podcasts will become the way to promote business or encourage non-profit donations. Before long, those without video will be left behind.

4. Opportunity is exploding.

Across the U.S., people now spend an average of 15 minutes per day watching YouTube, and that number is growing at the rate of 40% per year. And the younger generation will only escalate those statistics—our youth spend upwards of 30 hours per week online! Imagine how many people you can reach using video share alone.

5. Anyone can make a video.

When first exploring your options on how to make a video it can be overwhelming to say the least. Keep in mind that making videos is not a God-given talent, it’s just a skill. That anyone can learn. Including you!

When I went to my first yoga class (years ago, but don’t ask how many), I strolled into the studio a couple minutes late. Immediately I discovered I was wearing the wrong clothes (a T-shirt that wouldn’t stay put in some of those upside down poses), the wrong shoes (no shoes needed), and the wrong attitude (arrogance – ‘this was going to be easy’). The ensuing hour proceeded to humble me considerably, since I had little to no flexibility, and apparently no muscular endurance.

Now that experience easily could’ve put me off yoga for life. But as it was, I’d seen what could be done (my own glaring deficiencies aside), and I was hooked. I really, really, really wanted to be able to do this.

So I waited for my sore muscles to heal, and shopped around for options. Finally I ended up in a beginners yoga course at the local community center (dressed appropriately this time). There I learned the fundamental lingo, a few principles, and a few moves, and before the course was over, I began to feel successful. I wasn’t graceful …but I could do it. A little bit.

The point I’m trying to make is that you don’t need to know everything, especially when you’re first learning how to make a video. A few rules, a crash course in the jargon, a bit of knowledge, and a huge amount of experimentation, practice, and rehearsal: that’s what you need to start making good video. And that’s the foundation this blog will give you. You’ve taken the first step in Video Production 101.

Now let’s go out and learn how to make a video!