Quick tips for the social sector

Fundraising video bundle

A curated bundle of tips to elevate fundraising videos with impactful storytelling, emotional engagement, and professional techniques—ideal for nonprofits and fundraising teams aiming to maximize donations.

Historic preservation bundle

A curated bundle of basic-setup tips for capturing the beauty and integrity of historical sites and landmarks, with techniques designed specifically for preservationists and filmmakers.

Basic setup production tips

Use Simple, Direct Language

Use Simple, Direct Language

Avoid complex sentences and technical jargon in your script, especially for healthcare or nonprofit audiences, to maintain clarity and engagement.

For best results, use Hemingway App to simplify and streamline your script.

Start Small

Begin with a small project to understand the basics of video production. Focus on a 1-minute promo to test your team’s capabilities.

For best results, use your smartphone paired with a stabilizer like DJI Osmo Mobile. Free editing software like iMovie or DaVinci Resolve can help with post-production.

Optimize Video Length for Platform

Optimize Video Length for Platform

Adjust the length of your video depending on where it's being published. Shorten for social media and extend for platforms like YouTube or your website.

For best results, research platform-specific best practices and use tools like Vidyard or Wistia for length optimization.

Intermediate production tips

Repeat Key Messages

Repeat Key Messages

Reinforce important points by repeating key messages throughout the script to ensure the audience remembers them.

For best results, use cue cards or teleprompter apps like PromptSmart to guide speakers in emphasizing important points.

Match Script to Visuals

Match Script to Visuals

Ensure that the script aligns with what’s shown on screen to create a cohesive and engaging experience for the viewer.

For best results, use Celtx or StudioBinder for pre-visualizing how the script will work with your visuals.

Script with Natural Pacing

Script with Natural Pacing

Write your voiceover script with natural pauses to avoid rushed or unnatural delivery, ensuring clarity and emotional impact.

For best results, rehearse with voiceover talent using a teleprompter app like PromptSmart to match pacing.

Advanced production tips

Emotional Arcs

Script around emotional beats, ensuring that dialogue, narration, and pacing mirror the audience's emotional journey for maximum impact.

For best results, use mind-mapping tools like Miro to visualize emotional peaks and valleys alongside your script.

Split-Screen for Comparisons

Split-Screen for Comparisons

Use split-screen visuals to compare before-and-after results or show two perspectives simultaneously.

For best results, use split-screen editing to show the impact of donations or simultaneous event coverage.

Emotion-Driven Close-Ups

Emotion-Driven Close-Ups

Use close-up shots of faces during emotional moments to connect viewers to the cause on a personal level.

For best results, use a lens with a shallow depth of field to isolate the subject and capture emotion.

Expert production tips

Slow Motion Effect

Slow Motion Effect

Use slow motion to emphasize action or create a dramatic, emotional moment in your scene.

For best results, shoot at a high frame rate, like 120fps, and adjust the playback speed.

Dolly Zoom Effect

Camera Movement

Dolly Zoom Effect

Use a dolly zoom to create a surreal and disorienting effect by zooming while moving the camera.

For best results, use a dolly track and a zoom lens to execute this technique.

Split Diopter Technique

Split Diopter Technique

Use a split diopter lens to keep both foreground and background elements in sharp focus.

For best results, use a split diopter filter on your camera lens.

Related articles

Master video production with our easy-to-follow tips. Improve lighting, camera angles, sound, and more to create captivating marketing videos.

September 3, 2024

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