Short videos have grown in popularity, so naturally, we decided to make short-form content too. This is our process for making short videos for one of our brands, “The Front”.
Branding
Let’s start with branding; as discussed in our previous articles, having effective branding is essential.
Every Front short video must have branding. We put a transparent black or white with the video depending on what looks best for that aesthetic.
Workflow
Firstly, the idea finder will first find an idea suitable for our short video format. This idea should be something that couldn’t really be converted into a 10-minute video as we have on Youtube. It should be something we haven’t covered.
This will be the manager’s job. The writer will then create a minimum 15-second script and a maximum 1-minute script based on the content strategy. This script would always follow our scripting strategy.
It will then be recorded as a regular video for the week and added into the standard weekly workflow for everyone, meaning the short videos are all completed by around Friday. Notion helps a lot with keeping us on the same page.
Content Structure:
It’s important to note that this format will be markedly different from our YT’s medium-form content. It will use a heavier blend of typography, which will be seamlessly integrated with a narrated portion. We then decide as to which sections should be narrated for emphasis and use Typography and heavier edits. You will need good judgement to be successful with this.
Script & Structure Basic Example:
This is Person A [Narrated]
Person A was a freedom fighter born in the year 2000. [Narrated]
In 2018 Person A participated in a battle that would change the fate of the War. [Typography]
Fighting against the enemy and with their backs against the wall, Person A charged the enemy line, stole a tank and led his platoon to break out of the encirclement. [Narrated]
It’s estimated Person A saved as many as 30 lives. [Typography]
Due to the bravery of Person A, his platoon went on to win the battle and subsequently change the course of the entire war. [Narration]
Person A was awarded the medal of honour by President Smith and went on to live until the age 90. [Typography]
The Front Branding/Outro
Editors:
Like a normal YT video, our editors will have to consider audio, the type of editing and how they want to execute transitions. The main difference between YT videos and short ones is that the short ones are designed to be quick and engaging. This means that a lot more effort will have to be put into typography and transitions, as well as the actual images themselves.
There also should be really good audio for the typography and transitions and suitable music from RelaxJack.
The Typography Font should match the Branding font.
The pictures & media used should be highly edited and always moving to keep engagement. There should be effects applied to them that make it look very high quality.
There are two main approaches we use, and these can be found in our old videos too.
The first is After Effects templates that allow for seamless transitions and superb quality viewing.
The second is a more illustrative approach.
We remember that these edits must be accompanied by high-quality audio design, too, more so than you would find on our YT Channels.
And that was the entire process! We hope to keep bringing you more content like this so you can also start your journey. Have fun creating!