Use these three video production tips to capture the energy of fast action shots without the rush 😉
Between the Scenes:
We had a morning shoot at Goodwood Motor Circuit. Once we’d wrapped, we had an empty track, a MINI John Cooper Works, a driver, shout out to Charlie Cooper and an hour spare. So we thought we’d have a play!! While we were out on track, it got us thinking about the ways you can capture the excitement of high-action scenes for your audience. So here are three video production tips you can use to recreate your own high-energy shoots.
Tip 1: Camera Shake
Camera shake is an obvious but effective way to emphasise action, making the subject feel like it’s moving quicker.
This can be added in post, but our first video production tip would be to keep it in-camera as much as possible. You don’t need to go crazy, but keeping that camera moving the whole time, doesn’t give the viewer a chance to rest and focus. Making the whole sequence feel more intense.
Tip 2: Time Remapping
You might want to speed up your clips, we’d suggest somewhere between 125-200%.
This tip comes with a caveat though. Be careful when choosing which scenes you speed up, as some characteristics of the car are very easy to notice if they’ve been sped up.
So have a play around and see what you can get away with!
Tip 3: Sound Design
Good sound is as important as good footage. Put simply, it can make or break a clip. So get this crucial element right.
Here’s a nice simple basic audio recording checklist:
- Engine noises – idling, accelerating, gear changes.
- Microphone placements: Exhaust, engine bay, interior. (Just make sure you’re monitoring these, as the sound can clip really easily.
- Location ambience. Make sure you get loads of that lovely background noise, so it feels nice and authentic for the viewer.
Here’s a quick cut where we put together these video production tips:
Play Video
Final Tip: Get out and play!
The best thing to do, is to go out and have a play. We don’t always have an empty Goodwood track to practice on.
So get your friends cars, bikes and skateboards and go and have some fun! Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, just getting out there and start filming.
Who is We Are Even?
Even is a video production and content strategy agency working in London and the South East. We collaborate with brands, shooting social-first films that inspire and engage audiences. You can see some of the projects we have worked on with the likes of Caterham Cars, Montblanc and Beefeater on our work page.
And if we have whetted your appetite to create content of your own, then our blog contains a ton of top tips. Whether you’re a brand looking to promote your business, or just getting started in content creation, check out our insights to raise your game.
