Filming and Production Workflows

From Plan to Production

In the previous lesson, we created storyboards and shot lists. Now let’s build on that foundation by actually filming—efficiently and with professional quality, regardless of your budget.

The biggest surprise for new creators: filming is the fastest part of production when you’ve planned well. A well-storyboarded 10-minute video can be filmed in 1-2 hours. A poorly planned one takes all day and still misses shots.

The Production Checklist

Before you hit record, run through this checklist:

AI: I'm about to film a [type] video in [location].
Equipment: [list what you have]

Create a pre-production checklist covering:
1. Equipment check (charged, storage space, settings)
2. Location prep (lighting, background, noise)
3. Audio setup (microphone placement, test recording)
4. Camera settings (resolution, frame rate, white balance)
5. Shot list reminder (first 3 shots to film)
6. Common mistakes to avoid for this type of video

Audio: The First Priority

Audio quality matters more than video quality. Always.

The Audio Hierarchy (Best to Good Enough):

Audio Rules:

Get the mic close. The closer the microphone to your mouth, the better the audio. A $20 lavalier mic at 6 inches beats a $500 microphone at 6 feet.

Test before recording. Record 10 seconds, play it back with headphones. Listen for echo, background noise, and clarity.

Control the environment. Close windows, turn off fans/AC, put your phone on silent. Soft surfaces (carpet, curtains) absorb echo.

Record room tone. Record 30 seconds of silence in your space. This helps during editing when you need to fill gaps.

Lighting: The Three-Point Setup

Professional lighting doesn’t require professional equipment.

The Three Lights:

        [Fill Light]
            \\
             \\
[Key Light]----[Subject]----[Back Light]
             |
          [Camera]

Key light: Your main light source. Place it 45 degrees to one side. This can be a window, a desk lamp, or a ring light.

Fill light: Softer, placed opposite the key light. Reduces harsh shadows. A white poster board reflecting the key light works.

Back light: Behind and above you. Separates you from the background. Optional but adds polish.

Budget Lighting Solutions:

Quick Check

You’re about to record a tutorial. Your room has a window behind you, your camera is set up, and you’re using your laptop’s built-in microphone. What three things should you fix first?

Camera Settings That Matter

Whether you’re using a phone or a DSLR, these settings affect quality:

Resolution

• 1080p (Full HD): Good enough for YouTube, smaller file sizes
• 4K: Future-proof, allows cropping in post, larger files

Frame Rate

• 24 fps: Cinematic feel
• 30 fps: Standard for most online content
• 60 fps: Smooth motion, good for action or tutorials

White Balance

Match to your lighting: daylight (~5500K), indoor tungsten (~3200K), fluorescent (~4000K), or set to auto.

Phone filming tips:

• Use the rear camera, not selfie cam (better quality)
• Lock focus and exposure by long-pressing on your face
• Film in landscape for YouTube, portrait for TikTok/Reels
• Use a tripod or prop—stabilize your phone

Efficient Filming Workflows

Batch Filming

If you create regular content, film multiple videos in one session:

AI: I need to film 4 videos in one afternoon. Here are the topics:
1. [Topic A]
2. [Topic B]
3. [Topic C]
4. [Topic D]

Create a filming schedule that:
- Groups shots by location/setup
- Minimizes costume/background changes
- Includes setup and breakdown time
- Allows for energy breaks
- Estimates total time needed

The Take Strategy

• Take 1: Full run-through to warm up
• Take 2: The real take with energy
• Take 3: Only if needed for specific sections
• Safety shot: One wide-angle full run-through as backup

Don’t pursue perfection. Small mistakes can be edited out. Energy and authenticity matter more than flawlessness.

Common Filming Mistakes

Exercise: Film Your First Scene

Using the storyboard from Lesson 3:

1. Set up your filming space using the three-point lighting concept
2. Test audio with a 10-second recording
3. Film the first three shots from your shot list
4. Review the footage immediately for lighting, audio, and framing
5. Adjust and reshoot if needed

Focus on audio quality and lighting. Everything else can be improved in editing.

Key Takeaways

• Audio quality is the most important technical element—invest in a microphone before anything else
• Three-point lighting (key, fill, back) creates professional looks with budget equipment
• Film by location, not by script order, to minimize setup time
• Always test audio and check lighting before recording the full video
• Batch filming multiple videos in one session saves enormous time
• Don’t chase perfection—authenticity and energy matter more than flawless takes

Up next: In the next lesson, we’ll dive into AI-Powered Editing Techniques.