Setting up the space | 3 Simple Ways to Create More Engaging Videos

Like I mentioned in my last post, I am purely an amateur videographer- in it for the enjoyment. However, my enjoyment will be greatly affected IFF (good old 'if and only if' for my math nerds) I create a good-looking end 'product'. The only way for me to get things done (and please leave a comment if you are this way too) is to compartmentalize. I DO NOT understand how people effectively multitask with different large-concept ideas. I need to create a space - literally AND figuratively (my head is very cluttered and I am a neat freak) - specifically for the task at hand.

To start from scratch was a little bit terrifying. Most of my video/film experience is in the watching movies and judging them while eating massive amounts of food and laughing with my brothers space lol.

Which is actually helpful. I know that what makes me laugh will probably make someone else laugh, and if not, who cares? If it brings out an emotion in you, it is worth it.

So, all that being said, what are the steps I took to set up my space? It took a while just to get to this point, so if I can help ONE person out there be more efficient, I will.

Below, I'll list the 5 main ways I created a space mentally and physically to make videos for YouTube:

1. Start with the script

I am nothing if not a planner. I need to know what I want to communicate- this is essential. If left to my own devices, and you have probably noticed this already, I will go down offshoot spiral after unrelated story into a black hole. But people do not like to listen to that or watch it. I know I don't (and no, I don't think that's hypocritical).

This might sound like putting the cart before the horse, but trust me, you don't want to be setting up your equipment in a pretty field, in full costume, all mic'd up WITH nothing to say. You'll kick yourself in post. Speaking from experience here.

And when I say script, I mean more an outline, depending on your desired outcome. I've noticed that, as much as the planner in me wants to curate every word that comes out of my mouth, natural comes across more sincere, and, therefore, increases the chance that you will connect with someone else.

To help write, you COULD read a ton of books like I did. My favorite one is out of my library of mostly hand-me-downs from my father. It's pictured below.

Yes, it's from the 1940s, but the information resonates, even now. Letter-writing was that generation's YouTube! I don't know if you can even buy this anymore, but I can link a few newer screen/scriptwriting books here if you are so inclined:

The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

But there are a TON of niched-down books as well. If reading will bring you comfort, GO FOR IT! Your local library is chock-full of knowledge and is a quiet space for creating great ideas.

But, if reading isn't your thing, just talk through your subject a few times, and you will naturally boil down what you want to communicate into succinct top-tier levels. You don't want to take out the heart, you just want to focus your words.

From there, you can plan out your shots, which leads to:

2. Break up the scenes

That well-known trick of ending a meeting at or before 45 minutes is just the tip of the attention iceberg. Attention spans are LOW nowadays, and for good reason.

We have a ton of information flowing at us from every angle, and as such, we need to parse quickly. So, I am not going to expect my viewers to watch me drone on for hours, talking at a not-so-flattering angle.

I am trying to think of the viewer, and show what is going on in my mind. WHAT led me to this conclusion?? How can I show that visually? My favorite videos have a ton of layers that add texture and intrigue.

I'm not going to get too caught up in it, but I do want to make sure that I focus on creating something fun to watch, with many different shots and a clear voice. How you organize these are up to you!

3. Upgrade the essentials

Equipment is the key that you need to keep investing in. Or so I tell myself all the time. Since a lot of my videos are based on education (my own, and, HOPEFULLY others'), I record in my home. The acoustics are better and my subject is generally stable, unless you count my mind. I may take to the road at some point, in which case I'll need to look at the type of equipment I need to purchase.

My current product pics:

Blue Yeti Microphone - cause it's plug & play. I don't have time for anything else.

LED Lights - don't rely on editing light afterwards. Time's of the essence here.

SONY a6100 Camera - you can find a decent camera for relatively cheap now.

SANDISK Extreme Pro 170Mbs/s 256GB - until I BACKUP on my hard drive etc.

Adobe Creative Suite - for about the cost of a couple entertainment subscriptions, you can get a playground of industry standard editing/creation apps. As time allows!!!!

But I know that I'll be updating/tweaking my equipment as I bring in cash. I'll reinvest into the videos because I want to see better quality and because my learning curve will naturally increase as I put content out there. Or so I hope!

Anyway, If I can do it, seriously anyone can. And they do. A LOT. My biggest advice? Don't get too precious about it. Do your best again and again and you will get to the place you want to be.

Happy filming!!

P.S. I link the products that I personally use, only after a long vetting process- if you buy from one of the above links, I may earn a commission, through no cost to you!