Take Control Of Your Videos

Screen shot 2013-01-21 at 9.38.58 PMYou can’t be wish-washy and be a video producer. You have to take charge. If something isn’t working, you have to speak up.

Take this video from @Properties. Can you spot the lack of control?

First off… I like the company. I have a friend who is a very successful agent for them. I subscribe to their newsletter and look forward to seeing the videos that accompany each edition. The videos aren’t anything special, but they typically have a professional feel.

This one… not so much. Some of the videography is sloppy, and my biggest irritation is watching one of the partners answer to someone off-camera while the other speaks into the camera.

I don’t blame them. They’re just answering the questions they’re being asked by the video’s producer. That’s who I blame. They’re making their clients look bad.

If you’re on a shoot and see something like this happening, you have to stop the whole thing, and explain what’s not working. Start from scratch if you have to.

It can be uncomfortable coaching a client. I get it, but you know what’s more uncomfortable? Handing over a video that makes the client look bad.

–Tony Gnau