Here are a few steps that you should follow when undertaking making a video:

Pre-Production

• Plan your video with a production brief.
• Write a script with a script template.
• Create storyboards.
• Decide on questions if it's interview based.
• Contact all locations and seek permission if required.
• Visit any locations and check for any lighting or sound issues.
• Get all actors or interviewees to sign a legal release form.

Production

• Become confident with the equipment by practising. Advice for filming on a mobile device.
• Use the available light to your advantage.
• Place your subject facing towards the light.
• Avoid having the main light directly behind your subject.
• Avoid dark locations as all cameras perform less well in low light.

• Compose your shot so there's nothing distracting in the frame.
• Make sure the mobile device is landscape, unless there's a valid reason for it to be portrait.
• Have the camera on eye level to your subject.
• Using the rule of thirds is a great way to compose a shot.
• Avoid moving the camera once you've got it set up.
• Use a tripod if possible or steady the camera as best you can.

• Use a mic, if possible, when interviewing.
• Otherwise get as close as possible to the subject.
• Choose a location with little background noise, as this will be distracting to the viewer.
• Always do a test recording of the audio to check the levels.
• If it is not clear move to a quieter location.

Post-Production

• Look over all your footage to decide what you'd like to be included and where, this is the best time to look back at your planning documents.
• Back up your footage.
• Create a project and name it.
• Add the clips to the timeline in the order you want.
• Once you have a rough cut of the video, keep looking over it again and again till you're happy with it.
• Add in titles, effects and sounds where they are needed.
• Remember to keep saving your project so you don't lose anything.
• Export the final video at the highest quality, then compress it if it's needed for upload.

Video Essays

Videos are also a great way to showcase your skills. Learning on Screen has created a guide that will assist you with creating this style of video from start to finish.