What do you do if the quality of a video production is subpar?
Discovering that your video production isn't meeting expectations can be disheartening. You've poured time, effort, and resources into the project, only to find the output is less than stellar. The good news is that there are steps you can take to remedy the situation and salvage your work. Whether it's a technical issue, a problem with the content, or something else entirely, addressing subpar video quality is crucial to maintaining your reputation and satisfying your audience.
When the quality of your video isn't up to par, the first step is to critically evaluate the content. Look at the narrative structure, the clarity of the message, and whether the content aligns with your audience's expectations. Sometimes, the issue isn't with the technical aspects but with how the story is told or the information is presented. If the content is lacking, consider reworking the script or reshooting certain segments to enhance the storytelling and better engage your viewers.
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Hard questions to ask yourself, but I have two. Are you the person who should be shooting and editing your content? Do you need to work harder and see it through? I think it's important to know and learn some of these skills. The video production space is not just full of shooter/editors. If it was we'd all be in trouble! We need writers, Directors, producers, etc. If you're particularly gifted in getting clients, then you may be the producer and maybe you need to hire the one who shoots and edits. Hard truth, but he sooner you adjust the faster you'll be happier with the quality of work you put out there.
Subpar video quality can often be traced back to equipment issues. Ensure that your camera settings are optimized for the shooting conditions. Check if the lenses are clean and if the camera's resolution and frame rate settings are appropriate for the desired output. Poor lighting can also degrade video quality, so evaluate your lighting setup and make adjustments as needed. Investing in higher-quality equipment or renting gear for specific projects might be necessary if your current setup is limiting your production quality.
Editing is where the magic happens, yet it can also be where problems arise. Scrutinize your editing workflow for mistakes or areas that could be improved. Look for issues like choppy cuts, inconsistent audio levels, or color grading that doesn't match across scenes. Using professional editing software can provide more control over the final product. Additionally, consider whether the pacing and rhythm of the video serve the story and message you're trying to convey.
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You'd be surprised how well projects can be saved with some creative editing and thinking outside the box. We've worked on projects where clients aren't feeling the video, and it seems like it won't come together, but with some chatting about ideas and not getting overwhelmed, it can all come together nicely. Often, it's the first creative instinct that is best to try first.
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I think sub-par will probably all come before you review the edit, if your planning was sub-par, if your production was sub-par, or if the team's technical knowledge is sub-par no amount of editing skill will save it. Often using "professional editing software" will make 0 difference. Saying this I would say do test projects if you want to try out this method, colour grade, or style. a paid project is rarely a time for experimentation. Go back to editing basics, take a break from the project, and seek feedback.
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As the last step, editing can make of break a video. Not only that, it can take an ordinary video and make it extraordinary even before the client sees anything. Take advantage of this power. Also, if you get sufficient with editing tools and use them to cover up mistakes or less than ideal shots, you’ll have a new friends in the production department.
Sometimes you're too close to a project to see its flaws clearly. In such cases, gathering feedback from others can be invaluable. Share your video with trusted colleagues or a focus group representative of your target audience. Ask for honest, constructive criticism on both the content and technical quality. This feedback can offer fresh perspectives and highlight issues you might have overlooked.
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Feedback is essential. At the end of the day, video is subjective, but if you, your client or your target audience believes your video is subpar, gather opinions from different people and try not to be too sensitive about what they say. We all fall short occasionally, but if you don't address this with valuable input, you'll struggle to learn and adapt.
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If you get feedback from your client, learn to see above and beyond the note. Sometimes it can be tempting to implement a note exactly as it is described in order to check it off the list. But take a holistic view and make sure that all the rest of the portions of the video still work. If they don’t, make tweaks there as well.
After pinpointing the areas for improvement, it's time to implement changes. This could mean reshooting certain scenes, re-editing portions of the video, or even starting from scratch if necessary. Prioritize the changes based on their impact on the overall quality and your available resources. It's crucial to be methodical and organized during this phase to avoid further complications and ensure that each alteration enhances the video's quality.
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In my experience this is one of the hardest actions to take. Missing the mark is hard on the psyche and you really can't let it affect you. The first step I've found to get the ball rolling is to schedule the reshoot. Otherwise you may dwell too long on the disappointment. Looking ahead to a scheduled date infuses optimism into the project and hope for a better shoot. Implementing this one simple change can reignite the project and get it moving in the right direction.
To prevent future instances of subpar video quality, consider establishing a quality control checklist for each stage of production. This should include pre-production planning, equipment checks, filming techniques, and post-production standards. By learning from current shortcomings, you can refine your process, making sure that every video you produce meets or exceeds the high standards your audience expects.
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Really take the time to plan in advance and learn from any previous mistakes. For instance, if you've had lightning issues in the past, don't make the same mistake. Be honest, learn and adapt. With planning, have creative inspirations and without getting too caught up with them, try not too drift away from the level of quality you're aiming for. Work out what you like in other videos and ensure you don't drop the quality.
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