It doesn’t have to be perfect
When it comes to video content creation, you won’t win any Oscars or awards, so why are you trying to make it perfect? Just hit that record button!
Transcript
Summary
People keep hiring me to help with video because they think it has to be perfect. It doesn’t. If you’re making videos for your own business, especially starting out, don’t try to be a filmmaker or a studio. People want to see you and your imperfections, so just press record and get comfortable with simple tech.
Raw
Out of all the types of work that I do, let’s put it this way. People watch my videos and then hire me to help them make their videos, whether it’s editing, recording, colour grading, whatever. I’m wondering if I should make a course about that now, because I’ve done it so many times.
But obviously I do Tech Minimalism and make junkie, but the video stuff is… I love doing it, but it seems to be the most difficult for people to understand not to make it so perfect. So I’m here in a car park making this video, but it seems that a lot of people who talk to me about making video want to have everything perfect, and it just makes no sense whatsoever.
Sorry, I’ve got to hide this. And it doesn’t have to be perfect. People want to see those imperfections. People want to see who you are, where you are, how you’re making these videos. You know, I’m using a DJI remote thing for the mic. But it’s, it, it, and I’m trying to understand why it is.
Why is it that you’re trying to make something as perfect as possible? When you’re doing client work, you have to do the best you can and you have to help them in any way, you can. But if you’re making a video for yourself, for your business, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Especially if you’re starting out.
When you’re starting out, no one’s watching your videos. If you go back and watch my videos, the early videos, they’re embarrassing, but it helped me, um, it helped my journey to get to where I am now, which is, you know, making this type of video, having my own type of branding on it. Who else makes black and white videos? A lot, a lot of lot of people actually do, but they’re few and far between.
But I don’t try to make them perfect. They’re not always perfect. The original ones I was trying to make perfect, and they just look so amateurish. They really did. They’re quite embarrassing. But I leave them there because the stories are good, hopefully, because that’s what people tell me.
So when you’re making videos for yourself, don’t be the perfectionist. I am a perfectionist. We all are in a way if we’re running a business, generally we’re perfectionists. But if you’re trying to get your content out there, don’t try to be a studio. Don’t try to be a film maker. Don’t try to be, um, don’t try to polish it. People want to see you. They don’t want to see, a polished thing per se.
Depends on what you’re making. If you’re making films, it’s a different thing. If you’re making documentaries, that’s a different thing. But although I’d also argue if you’re making documentaries, having the raw edits like blog style, is actually good as well.
I don’t cut my videos. My videos are effectively one take. And you do see me looking around and being normal because I’m talking to you. I’m not talking to the camera. I’m not talking to many people, I’m talking to you. And I think you have to let go of trying to be perfect and just get on with it.
Press that record button. Get comfortable with your technology, the technology that you’re going to use. Obviously, keep it simple. My mantra, obviously, I have one microphone or one camera and that’s it. But don’t try to be a filmmaker. you’re not Wes Anderson or all the others.
Anyway, enjoy your day and maybe next time I’ll see you actually in the forest. I’m here, it’s raining. That’s why I’m in the car. That’s why it doesn’t have to be perfect. See you later.