How Our Journey Shaped the Way We Create Impactful Content

As a video production company with 15 years of experience, we’ve gathered invaluable video production tips from countless projects, challenges, and successes. We at Impress Video have seen it all, the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. Each project has offered many lessons that have shaped who we are right now and how we create.

Here, we want to share some of the most impactful lessons we’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re a fellow creative, a client, or simply curious about what goes into making great videos, we hope these insights resonate with you. These tips will help you make smarter decisions, avoid common mistakes, and create videos that truly make an impact.

15 video production lessons learned through all these years
15 video production tips after 15 years in the industry

1. Plan for Every Situation

One thing we’ve learned is to embrace the unexpected. In video production, unpredictability is the only constant. Over the years, we’ve encountered scenarios like last-minute crew cancellations, forgotten gear, or critical equipment failures on set. Each of these moments has underscored the importance of having contingency plans.

This is why planning for the unexpected means more than just carrying spare batteries or backup cameras (though that’s a must). It involves cultivating a mindset where every possible outcome is considered. One exsmple could be: when scouting locations, we always check for weather contingencies and accessible power sources. When scheduling shoots, we ensure there’s room for delays. By expecting the unexpected, we’ve managed to stay nimble and turn potential setbacks into opportunities.

2. Manage Expectations Thoughtfully

Over the years, we’ve realised that clear, thoughtful communication is the cornerstone of client satisfaction. Managing expectations doesn’t mean underselling, no, it means aligning the vision of the client with the reality of production while leaving room to exceed those expectations.

From the initial briefing to the final delivery, we always emphasise transparency, and you should too. This includes educating clients about the production process, timelines, and potential challenges. By doing so, we ensure they feel informed and empowered, which fosters trust and collaboration. A recent project involving a complex motion graphics sequence is a great example: by explaining every stage of the creative process upfront, we not only managed client expectations but also delivered a final product that exceeded them.

3. Pre-Visualise Your Vision

Another one of the video production tips is to always, pre-visualise your vision and what you want to achieve. Pre-visualisation (or “pre-vis” as we way) has been one of the most valuable tools in our creative arsenal. Whether it’s sketching storyboards, creating mock-ups, creating moodboards, or using advanced software to build digital previews, pre-vis saves time and ensures everyone is on the same page.

For instance, during a product shoot for a client in the beverage industry, we used pre-vis tools to experiment with lighting, angles, and movement. By creating a rough visual flow using references from platforms like Pinterest and quick animation previews in Adobe Premiere, we were able to present a clear concept to the client, which streamlined the actual shoot.

4. Stay on Schedule, But Be Flexible

Time management is crucial in video production. However, there are always unexpected challenges. A shoot might run late, or a location might fall through. Being prepared and adaptable can make a world of difference.

Pro Tip: Build in extra time during your production schedule for potential delays. This will keep stress levels down and prevent your video from feeling rushed.

5. Invest in High-Quality Equipment (But Don’t Overdo It)

While the latest cameras and equipment can elevate your production, they aren’t everything. A great video is made through a combination of creativity, technical skill, and the right equipment for the job.

Pro Tip: Invest in essential tools like high-quality cameras, lighting, and sound equipment, but always remember: It’s not about having the most expensive gear, it’s about using the right tools for your specific project.

importance of investing in high-quality equipment
Having high-quality video equipment

6. The Technology Keeps Evolving, And So Should You

And following our last video production tip, we learned another lesson about equipment: the video production industry moves at a rapid pace in terms of technology, and so should we. From camera upgrades to new software tools, the landscape is constantly shifting. Staying current isn’t just about keeping up with trends; it’s about maintaining the quality of your work and staying competitive.

Using outdated tech can lead to subpar footage, longer production times, or missed opportunities in post-production. Embrace new tools, but always evaluate whether they actually add value.

Insider tip: Test out new technology in low-stakes projects first. Get comfortable with new equipment and software before you bring them into major projects.

7. Pre-Production is Where the Magic Happens

The magic doesn’t just happen on set; it happens during pre-production. The more time you spend planning, from storyboarding to which person you need to work with , to scripting and location scouting, the smoother the production process will be. Proper planning minimises surprises on shoot day, ensuring your production stays on schedule and within budget.

Pro Tip: Create a detailed project plan and timeline with milestones to stay organized and on track. Consider every aspect, from talent to location, and make sure you’re prepared for any unexpected challenges.

8. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Sound

Sound is just as important as visuals in creating a compelling video, and good music is too. In fact, bad audio can ruin a perfectly good video. Investing in high-quality microphones and ensuring crisp sound design will pay off in the long run.

Pro Tip: Always test your audio before you start filming, and use professional sound equipment whenever possible. The clearer the sound, the better your video will feel.

9. Stay Curious and Evolve

The video production landscape is ever-changing, and staying curious has been our way of keeping up. From the transition to digital to the rise of social media platforms, we’ve had to learn new tools and adapt to shifting trends.

For example, we embraced drone technology early, recognising its potential to create stunning aerial shots that elevate storytelling. Similarly, we’ve invested in learning about emerging formats like vertical videos for social media and experimenting with AI-driven editing tools. By staying open to innovation, we’ve maintained our edge in a competitive industry.

10. The Power of Teamwork

Video production is a collaborative art form, and the past two decades have taught us the true value of teamwork. Whether it’s on set or during post-production, every person’s role is essential to the success of a project.

We’ve cultivated an environment where creativity thrives alongside structure. Team members are encouraged to share ideas and take ownership of their contributions. At the same time, defined roles ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities, leading to a smooth and efficient workflow. This balance of autonomy and accountability has helped us tackle even the most challenging projects with confidence.

the video production agency Impress Video based in Derby, producing tv adverts for sky adsmart tv

11. Know Your Brand Inside and Out

One of the most critical lessons we’ve learned over the years is the importance of understanding your own brand before creating any video. What do you stand for? What message do you want to communicate to your audience? Without this clarity, your video won’t have the focus it needs.

Pro Tip: Work with your team to define your brand’s mission, vision, and values before diving into video production. This foundation will help you create a cohesive, compelling narrative that resonates with your audience.

12. Redefine Failure as Growth

One thing we wante to add to this list of video production tips was to learn to fail, and to come back stronger. Failure is an inevitable part of the creative process. Not every project has gone as planned, but each misstep has been a valuable lesson. When a campaign we worked on fell short of its intended impact, we didn’t see it as the end of the story. Instead, we analysed the project to understand what went wrong and applied those insights to future work.

By reframing failure as an opportunity to grow, we’ve developed a culture of resilience. It’s this mindset that has helped us push boundaries and consistently deliver work we’re proud of.

13. Lighting Can Transform Your Video

Great lighting is essential in bringing your video to life. Whether you’re filming indoors or outdoors, the right lighting can enhance mood, highlight key details, and make your talent look their best. Good lighting helps create the right atmosphere for your message and prevents your video from looking flat or unprofessional.

Pro Tip: Invest in softboxes or ring lights to achieve smooth, flattering lighting for your shots. Natural light works too but needs to be controlled for consistency.

14. A Commitment to Craft and Clients

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to our craft and our clients. Over the years, we’ve learned that producing great videos isn’t just about technical excellence or artistic flair, it’s about understanding the unique story behind every project and finding the best way to tell it.

When a client trusts us with their vision, it’s a responsibility we take seriously. We listen, collaborate, and go the extra mile to ensure the final product resonates with their audience. This dedication has been the foundation of our success and the reason we’ve built lasting relationships with so many incredible clients.

15. Creative Freedom vs. Client Expectations: Find the Balance

And finally, we have come to an end with these video production tips. When you are avideo production company, or you just want to produce and edit content, you might have your own creative vision, but it’s vital to listen to the client’s needs. Finding a balance between the two can be tricky but is key to delivering a final product everyone is proud of. A video should reflect the client’s brand and goals while still allowing for artistic flair that keeps the audience engaged.

Pro Tip: Communicate early and often with your clients to ensure their needs are met while also allowing room for creative innovation.

 

Final Thoughts

As we look back on the past 15 years, we’re filled with gratitude for the video production tips learned and the people who have shaped our journey. The video production industry is demanding and unpredictable, but it’s also deeply rewarding. Every project is an opportunity to learn, grow, and create something meaningful.

Whether you’re just starting out in video production or you’ve been in the industry for decades, we hope these video production lessons inspire you to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Here’s to the next 15 years more!

Contact Impress Video now

If you would like to do a Professional Video with video production and marketing professionals, we can help you at Impress Video. We make video productions for businesses, the ones that impress. Don’t hesitate to contact us here!