8 Top Tips for the Aspiring Training Video Producer/Director

> In the video script, start each sentence with the key point, rather than build up to the key point. Don’t keep the audience guessing. It’s not a detective movie. It’s a training video.

> Ensure the client participates, not dictates. It’s the synergy between client and video producer that delivers great results. Not the dominance of any one party.

> Drama directing – anticipation, action, reaction. Keep these in mind when it’s half three in the afternoon and creativity on the video set is at a low ebb.

> Variety is the antidote to boring training videos. The rule is: When in doubt, change it. Use a graphic, a still, a voxpop, a talking head, an actor. Just do something. It’ll look fine in the end.

> Creativity hinges on getting a good night’s sleep. Creativity is the first thing to go when a person is tired or hungover. Don’t use a video crew who booze the night before, as they’ll give less value for money.

> Never have a row on set, never behave negatively or openly criticise, even if warranted. Anger always invites more anger. Stay calm, bite your tongue, and check your script for the next action.

> Chase approval and sign-off dates. If you don’t your training video production will end up running late. Show that you run a tight ship.

> Don’t let clients or scriptwriters or anyone include rubbish or boilerplate. Audiences smell boilerplate a mile away and will switch off. Only insert script points that deliver something the audience can use. Stick to delivering the objectives of the training video.

> Safety