This was my first attempt at making an online video. Impressed? I thought so. Before I went to Mesh I brought my camera with big plans to create the most wonderful content. I thought that after the workshop (Making Online Videos) by the MGI crew I would have this awesome video. Well, truth be told a lot of work goes into making great online videos and I was missing some of the equipment. I did however learn a lot of tricks of the trade that I will be taking into consideration with the next video I make.Here are some of the tools you should have and why you need them (in order of importance):

Camera – yes, I had one. Not a fancy HD kind but they said that just having a camera is good enough for beginners.

Microphone – This is a must have if you want to have decent audio. They explained that a camera mic can pick up all that ambient noise and then you miss out on what the subject is saying. My original plan was to interview people but I switched it up because I didn’t have a mic.

Tripod – Dizzy much? I definitely will invest in one. Especially for those far away zoom in shots; it’s even harder to stay steady for those.

Bounce board – It’s one of those things that looks like you would use it to tan. I definitely could have used better lighting in some of those shots but I certainly would have looked awkward carrying it around. Their advice was to shoot in the sun when possible.

Why is video so important?

Just like with blogs, people are learning to become content producers and, in some cases, online video shows can look as professional as anything you might find on television. There is a lot of opportunity for organizations to reach out to these influencers. You can listen to what they say about your company or product, your company can even sponsor or advertise on their show. From the production aspect, video could be an alternative for your company to express and engage its customers online. Just look at the success of “Will it Blend?”

In the panel “Video is Everywhere” all three speakers agreed that the future of television is online. Dina Kaplan, co-founder and COO of blip.tv, explained that a major part of their business model is not only enabling people to host their shows but also connecting influencers with advertising dollars. There are plenty of opportunities to reach out to your audience through online video.

Rules to Live By

Just slapping together some clips, throwing a few powerpoint-like transitions and finishing off with cool music isn’t your way to the top (yes, glaring example of my video; I know). Producing a good show takes time, practice and staying true to the rules below.

1) Content is king. Can we drill this home enough? Nowadays it doesn’t matter what you are producing, a blog post, podcast, even your product. If it sucks, people will tell you.

2) Educate and Entertain. The MGI media crew have a formula they call E squared, education x entertainment. You want your audience to learn something as well as be entertained. The lesson doesn’t have to be as complex as chemistry but they should be able to walk away with at least a tidbit of new information.

3) Tailor your content. This is the beauty of having so many online options and niches. Do you like knitting? Origami? Steam punk? Make a show about it because, more than likely, there are a lot of people like you that enjoy the same topic. The bonus, as a content creator, is that you get to work on something that you are really passionate about.

4) Engage your audience. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. By participating in different communities you promote your show. This doesn’t mean spamming and leaving links to your show everywhere. Haven’t you learned? Instead, leave comments on other shows and participate in conversations related to the topic of your show. The people you engage will check you out and if you followed rule #1 you’re set.

5) Be regular. As in distribution. Your audience should expect when you are putting content out there. If it takes you two weeks to produce a decent show then take that time. It’s more important to follow the rules above and to be consistent.

*MGI media recorded the workshop; you can check it out here.*