5 Tips for Creating Stock Footage

Creating impressive and visually appealing stock footage that will sell successfully through microstocks is no easy task – but at least that’s how it should be. In reality, there’s no reason to put less effort and attention into your stock shoots than, say, into making an artistic film.

After all, your stock video might one day be used in one of those films. Here are five helpful tips to keep in mind when producing stock footage:

1. Collaboration with professionals

Filmmaking has always been a collaborative effort – and with good reason. You might be an incredible cinematographer, director, editor, and so on, but you still can’t give 100% of your attention to all these roles at once.

Find a producer who will make sure all brand logos are cleared from the frame. Hire an experienced camera operator and focus entirely on directing (or vice versa). Don’t rely only on friends – hire professional models!

And invite another person on set to lend a hand, at least someone who can bring you coffee.

2. Organization and planning of all shooting stages

You might plan a shoot with just three models, but that doesn’t mean everything will go according to plan – or that you won’t forget some crucial prop or mix up the schedule, like remembering Lisa is arriving at 10 a.m., not 11:30.

Keep a notebook! Write down everything – addresses, locations, wardrobe, phone numbers, emails, and shooting schedule. It’s impossible to keep all this information in your head and recall details on the go.

And if you’re busy, your producer or personal assistant will always have access to the necessary info.

3. Creative preparation before shooting

You should know exactly what you want to achieve before the shoot begins – to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

Visit the location, take a few reference photos, and plan everyone’s placement on set.

Go through the storyboard or script with your crew in advance so you won’t end up arguing in front of your models.

A director who knows exactly who does what looks far more professional – and people will remember how pleasant it was to work with you.

4. Improvisation from your team

So, you followed the rules above and are ready to work strictly by the plan, right? Wrong! Yes, you need to know what you want – but stay open-minded.

Some of the funniest and most interesting ideas I’ve ever captured came from the cast improvising during the shoot. And they turned out better than any script I spent months writing.

Your camera operator might also know a cool shooting trick you’ve never tried. It’s a team effort, and when you’re working with the right people, they’ll be eager to help you bring your vision to life.

5. Attention to post-production

By now, you’ve successfully directed a well-organized shoot and feel creatively fulfilled.

Your brain’s right hemisphere can take a short break – but the work isn’t over yet.

Your edits are just as important as the production itself – let your editor choose the most flattering angles, the best lighting, and remember about the 60-second clip length limit.

Put maximum effort into cutting, sorting, and building a story from your footage – just as you did while filming it.

And, dear videographers, please make backups while working!

Then upload your clips to Shutterstock!

Author: Ashley Hefnawy
Original source: https://www.shutterstock.com/buzz/5-tips-for-producing-stock-footage
Special thanks to Jorja Hudson for her contribution to this article.