We have compiled a list of 50 things which you can keep in mind in order to improve your videos, these tips come from first hand experience. Feel free to share the knowledge provided by this article in any way shape or form. Without further adieu, here is the list:
Please disregard the incessant "1." which holds true throughout this article.
Music Sets The Mood
Music is key when setting the mood for a new video, choose wisely.
Post Production Can’t Fix Everything, Do It Right The First Time
Post Production Can’t Fix Everything, Do It Right The First Time. Don't delegate problems for the editing section of the workflow, get it done right when you shoot it.
Look To Other Videos For Inspiration
Look at other discipline like skateboarding or surfing, what makes their videos so great?
Simplify After You Complicate
Anyone can make something complex, it takes a true genius to simplify.
Organize Footage
Disorder stalls creativity.
Use Temporary Music
Use a temporary song when editing to set the mood until you find the final song with the same mood.
Don’t Hold Angles For Too Long
Ten seconds should be the maximum amount of time a single angle is shown, mix it up!
Storyboard
Planning in advance will make the rest of the process a whole lot easier!
Make A Video You Would Want To See
We have an intrinsic lust to please ourselves so by making the video with yourself in mind you will be compelled to create great content.
Tell A Story
Mindless movement does not satisfy anyone for very long, add a story in order to keep engagement.
Don’t State The Obvious
Allow the viewer to come up with their own answers. Art should be interpreted by the viewer, not the creator.
The Subject Should Dominate The Frame
Film the frame with your subject, this is a good way to hold your viewers attention.
Spark Curiosity
Leave open ends that call for a little bit of deep thinking on your viewer’s side
A Little Dialog Goes A Long Way
Add a bit of dialog to spice up your video, the dialog should be used to push the story forward.
Show The Journey
Show the hardships which you have endured to get where you are, this is yet another great method to contribute to the story.
Create A Connection With The Subject
Forge an emotional bond between your viewer and the subject, build empathy.
Quality Not Quantity
A shorter video with higher quality content is preferable over a long video with shoddy content.
Capture Emotion
It doesn’t matter if they are good or bad, people love to see the emotions.
Have A Message
What do you want your viewer to walk away from your video with?
Show Scale Of Movement
On large scale movements the subject doesn’t have to dominate the frame, instead show the vast scale of the move they are performing.
Film From Odd Angles
Get low, get high, get close, try everything you can think of!
Invest In Equipment
Get yourself a quality DSLR and a tripod and you will be well on your way to creating fantastic videos!
Manual Focus
Use the manual focus on your DSLR instead of the auto; manual is smoother and easier to manipulate.
Compose Your Shots
Pay attention to the rule of thirds when framing your shots, it will make things look a bit more tidy.
Film Everything
Film day to day life and your videography skills will progress quickly!
Edit Often
Practice makes perfect so practice we shall.
Harmonize Video With Music
Match beat drops with big moves. The more harmony, the better.
Use Many Songs
Videos should take you on a journey so changing the song often will give the viewer a sense of adventure.
Chaos Rules
Never allow your viewer to get too comfortable while watching your video, sudden change is exciting and invigorating!
Color Grade To Match Mood
The color grade you apply will drastically affect the vibe of your video.
Bokeh Is Cinematic
Low F stops will make for some beautiful blurry backdrops.
Be A Director
Manage every part of your production from start to finish.
Playful Skits Add To Video Quality
Short scenes of playfulness will add to the overall authenticity of the video.
Smiles Rule!
Show people smiling in your video and your viewers will smile too!
End On An Impactful Note
Don’t finish like a wet noodle, be bold!
Be Creative, Break The Mold!
Dare to be hipster. Your audience will love you for it.
Films Lots Of Flows
Flows work great in videos, they display the true beauty of Freerunning and Parkour.
Love What You Do
You will only create a great video if you nurture it and care for it.
Devote The Time
Greatness takes time, start now and finish sooner.
Accept Criticism
Other people's criticism will build you up.
Become Camera Savvy
Learn your camera lingo, it will come in handy later.
Watch A Lot Of Movies
Take the techniques from your favorite hollywood films and apply them to your Parkour videos!
Perfect Your Movement
Nobody wants to watch sloppy movements, get them clean before you use them in a video!
Read Books
Books are old fashion but they provide a great source of knowledge on things like Filmmaking and Cameras.
Make Every Video Like It’s Your First And Last
Pour your heart and energy into every one.
Be An Artist
The way you view yourself will drastically alter how you work.
Clear Your Mind
distractions will kill your creativity instantly.
Be A Perfectionist
Being picky will bring forth great results.
Write Your Own Rulebook
Learn from firsthand experience and don’t be restricted by other people’s rules.
Express Yourself
This is the most important part of video production, use it as a vehicle for turning your transient emotions into a tangible piece of art. Art is a greatest escape of them all, it allows all of the emotions which are built up inside of you to spill out into a beautiful work of productivity and expression. This is why I love what I do, I get to create things with my heart and soul. I hope you can find the same love in what you do, best of luck my friends!