Video is here to stay, Catherine Baum, production coordinator for Double R Productions, told a NonProfit 2.0 audience recently.

So what can you do to make your video better?

Catherine along with Claudio Guglielmelli, production manager for Double R, shared many tips, starting with breaking the shoot into three parts: pre-production, production and post-production.

“There needs to be lots of planning before you even go to shoot,” Claudio said.

The planning should include deciding on your concept, what questions you will ask and what shots you need. “A script really helps with your editing,” Catherine said.

When it comes to the shoot, Claudio said –

1)      Hold each shot for at least 10 seconds (your hand will get steadier)

2)      Shoot a variety of shoots, including ones that will help move your story along

3)      Use a tripod or a table to steady the camera

4)      Keep a shot list so that when you go into the editing room you will know what you have.

If at all possible, they recommended having a field producer for the shoot. “This person keeps everything organized,” Catherine said.

Editing is the consuming part of the process. They both emphasized not putting everything you shot in the final video. “Shorter is better,” Catherine said.

Editing software choices include Adobe Premier, Final Cut Pro and iMovie.

Are you ready for the big screen?