As a video producer, you’ll be all too aware of how much you’re juggling. From the ideation and planning stages all the way through to the feedback and approval process once filming and editing is complete, you’ve got your fingers in a lot of pies.
And while it’s exciting, it’s not always smooth sailing.
Delays. Distractions. Missed deadlines. It might seem like these are all out of your control. But in many cases, there are steps you can take to boost productivity, improve video editing collaboration, and keep everything on track.
In this guide I’ll walk you through four problems video producers need to solve to boost productivity in 2024. Plus, tips on how video review software can help.
Let’s dive right in.
1. Waiting for more context from your clients
You’ve been assigned to a project. You’re full of enthusiasm and raring to go. You just need a bit more info from your client to get started.
And then tumbleweed…
Our recent report on The State of Creative Collaboration in 2023 highlighted that half of video producers say waiting for more context slows them down at work.
But no fear, there’s a solution.
Solution: Create a killer briefing template that covers everything up front
Get everything you need in one go with the help of a detailed briefing template. Rather than waiting for the client to send you information in dribs and drabs, you can create one hero document for them to fill in. That way, you’ll have exactly what you need to get started, without endless back and forth and chasing and create a seamless video collaboration with your clients.
What you include in the brief will vary according to your specific project, but here are some of the most important aspects to cover:
- Project background and objectives
- Target audience
- Tone of voice
- Key messages
- Brand guidelines
- Key elements to include or avoid
- How are where the video will be distributed
- Timeline and deadlines
- Budget
- Approval process
Once you’ve got the full context, you’re ready to kick off the project, no waiting around!
2. Too many meetings, not enough editing
Meetings are the killer of productivity. Many of them are completely unnecessary, and having too many in the diary is a huge inconvenience, to put it politely. Especially when you’re in the editing phase and really need to knuckle down and concentrate.
2-in-5 video producers say too many meetings slows them down. You break your editing flow, and it takes time to get back into it.
But of course, there are some things that are easier to explain verbally than over email or Slack. Especially when it comes to presenting your videos or explaining edits. If only there was a middle ground…
Solution: Take advantage of tools like Loom for screen recordings
Screen recordings let you present your videos or explain edits without needing to call a meeting. That means less time stuck in a meeting room or on a video call, and more time to focus on editing.
Key features of Loom include:
- Fast recording
- Screen sharing
- Link sharing
- Video editing
- Emoji reactions and comments for easy communication
People can choose to watch the recording at a time that suits them, when they’re ready to take a break from editing. And the added benefit is that you can communicate your message immediately rather than waiting until everyone has 30 minutes in their diary, helping you to keep your project moving forward.
3. Aligning stakeholders who aren’t communicating
As a video producer, one of your many sub-job-titles is Head Mediator. That’s because when you’re dealing with multiple stakeholders, crossed wires, conflicting recommendations, and an all-round lack of communication between them is far too common.
This often means you have to waste time managing expectations, explaining the situation, and working out how to move forwards.
1-in-4 video producers say aligning stakeholders who aren’t communicating slows them down. And frankly, it shouldn’t be that way.
Solution: Give reviewers a way to add comments directly on top of your videos (yes, really!)
Using an online feedback tool like Filestage helps you to keep everyone on the same page and avoid miscommunication, conflicts, or crossover feedback. Reviewers can leave comments and annotations directly on top of your videos for others to see in real time.
With Filestage, they can:
- Click and comment, and their feedback will be attached to that timecode
- Draw on videos to make feedback clearer and more visual
- Add references and important assets as attachments to comments
- Tag other stakeholders in a comment thread to bring them into the conversation
With this video sharing platform, your review team can discuss feedback there and then, resolve any conflicts themselves so that everyone’s happy, and you know exactly what amends need to be made.
4. Slow hardware and ridiculously long render times
Video editing demands a lot from your hardware. And if your system isn’t up to the job, you might find it slows down, freezes, or shuts down entirely when you’re working on huge files.
On top of that, rendering can take hours. And if your hardware isn’t powerful enough, you’re left without use of your computer while it works away.
Not only does this set you back – which isn’t ideal when you’re working to a tight deadline – you’re also at risk of losing or corrupting important video files if your system crashes.
Solution: Export a smaller video or treat yourself to some new kit
Exporting a smaller video can speed up the render time and put less strain on your hardware. If you’re exporting your file with software like Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects, you can adjust the render settings to shrink the size of your video.
If you exported your original video at 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels), try exporting it at 1080p (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) or 720p (1,280 x 720 pixels). This will make the overall size of your video smaller, both in terms of resolution and file size.
Or if budget allows, treat yourself to some new kit! Upgrading your computer (or your software) will pretty much guarantee faster work and reduced rendering times.
Final thoughts
Thanks for reading! I hope you’re feeling inspired and ready to solve these problems and boost productivity. If you’d like to see for yourself how Filestage can help to align stakeholders and improve your video feedback and approval process, start a trial and take it for a spin!
