Making a great video isn’t as simple as just hitting “record.” You have to factor in things like good lighting and making sure your audio sounds crisp. There’s a lot that goes into creating something worth watching. 

Whether it’s a mini-documentary that tugs at your heartstrings or a local news segment that could use some love, there’s so much to unpack. So, let’s take a look at what makes videos shine—or sometimes fall a little flat.

Reading & Writing

After reading chapters seven and nine from The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video I’ve discovered the power of storytelling through visuals and how small tweaks can make a big difference.

Chapter Seven – Lighting
This chapter was all about how lighting can make or break your video. It explained the three-point lighting setup: key light, fill light, and backlight. The key light is your main source of light, the fill light softens the shadows, and the backlight helps separate your subject from the background.

The chapter also talked about how the direction, intensity, and quality of light create different moods. For example, harsh light can feel dramatic, while soft light feels more natural. Shadows are just as important as light because they add depth and shape. It also gave practical tips, like bouncing light off walls to make it softer and avoiding light directly overhead to prevent weird shadows.

Chapter Nine – Doing It
This chapter felt like a pep talk combined with a to-do list for making videos. It walked through the process step by step—from planning your shots to setting up your gear and keeping things organized. It stressed the importance of pre-production, like making storyboards and shot lists so you’re not scrambling on set.

It also reminded us to think about continuity, like keeping props in the same spot between takes. The chapter ended with a great tip: don’t overcomplicate things. Stick to your plan, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to adapt if something’s not working.

Research to Inform

“Zion” (Netflix Short Documentary)

This 11-minute documentary tells the story of Zion Clark, a young wrestler born without legs, who overcomes significant challenges to pursue his passion. The film combines intimate interviews with dynamic footage of Zion’s training and competitions. 

The cinematography captures his physicality and determination, while the editing maintains a steady narrative flow. The sound design and music enhance the emotional impact, making Zion’s journey both inspiring and memorable.

“Grandma Gamer // 60 Second Docs”

This one-minute documentary profiles Shirley Curry, an 85-year-old grandmother who has become a beloved figure in the gaming community. Despite its length, the video effectively captures Shirley’s personality and passion. The concise storytelling, combined with engaging visuals, provides a heartwarming glimpse into her life.

Video with Room for Improvement

“REVEALED: Reform UK Has Labour ‘NERVOUS’ as Nigel Farage PLOTS to DETHRONE Starmer in 2029 Takeover”

The video has a few audio issues that make it harder to follow. First off, there’s some noticeable background noise, like traffic or wind, that distracts from the speaker’s voice. This makes it difficult to focus on what’s being said. 

Additionally, the audio levels are a bit inconsistent—sometimes the narrator’s voice is too quiet, and the background music is too loud, which makes it hard to hear important points. There’s also a bit of clipping in the audio when the speaker raises their voice, making it sound distorted and harsh.

To fix these problems, using a directional microphone or lav mic would help capture just the speaker’s voice and cut down on background noise. The audio levels should be balanced in post-production, so the voice and music are at the right volume. Lowering the music during the narration would also help it not overpower the speaker.

Finally, keeping an eye on the gain levels while recording would prevent the sound from distorting or clipping. These changes would make the video much easier to listen to and follow.

Create

Recently, I was tasked with creating a mini-documentary where I have chosen to highlight the meaning and beauty of dance through the eyes of a passionate dancer. The piece will explore what dance means to her and how it has shaped her life. 

The plan is to film and interview her in a studio where she feels most comfortable and connected to her passion. For the b-roll, I’m focusing on shots of her performing routines, putting on dance shoes, and interacting with her dance environment—like costumes, trophies, and even the small, personal items in her dance bag. These elements will help visually bring her story to life.

The process of planning this documentary has been exciting because it allows me to blend storytelling with visuals that capture the artistry and dedication behind dance, a talent I have admired and adored my entire life. 

Check out my work below:

References

Schroeppel, T. (2018). The Bare Bones Camera Course for film and video.