10 Lessons in Content Creation: Celebrate a Decade of Evolution

Social media has transformed dramatically over the past decade. 

Let’s be honest, basically everything has.

But today we’re discussing social media. Did you know 10 years ago, Instagram had just reached 200 million users and earlier this year it crossed over 2 billion. Platforms didn't exist then, like TikTok, are now pivotal; while others, like Vine, have sadly faded. Let alone there were no Reels/Shorts, or Stories. 

The reason is on my mind is because today also marked my 10 year college anniversary from film school. 

To celebrate below our 10 lessons I learned in film school that still apply to today's content creation.

1. Plan Thoroughly

One of my film school instructors emphasized, "The more time you spend planning, the less time you'll spend filming and editing." As a content creator, having a solid plan and pre-production work in place saves you significant time during filming and editing. It allows for smoother transitions and more consistent lighting, reducing the need for reshoots and excessive editing.

2. Lighting is Crucial

Good lighting is essential for professional-looking videos. In school, I took multiple courses on lighting, and it’s a critical aspect for any creator. While you might not have access to a studio full of lights, using natural light can be highly effective. Position yourself with a large bright window behind the camera. Natural light is consistent and flattering, but avoid direct sunlight, which can create harsh shadows.

3. Prioritize Audio Quality

Audio quality is paramount. People can tolerate less-than-perfect lighting, but if they can’t hear or understand you, they’ll stop watching. Investing in a good microphone can drastically improve your audio quality and keep your audience engaged.

4. It’s Not the Tool, It’s the User

It’s not about the tools you have but how you use them. This applies to cameras, software, and even scheduling platforms. Experiment with different tools to find what works best for you. It’s all about figuring out how to make the most of the tool in front of you.

5. Understand the Rules of Composition

Some rules in video creation have stood the test of time. Concepts like headroom, the rule of thirds, leading lines, and the 180-degree rule are essential for creating visually appealing content. Learning and applying these principles can elevate the quality of your videos.

6. Stay Calm and Plan Buffer Time

Filming can be frustrating. Small issues can snowball, making the process feel overwhelming. Planning buffer time is crucial because things will often take longer than expected. If you finish early, you gain time back or can tackle additional tasks, or better yet, create some bonus content on your wish list.

7. Set the Mood

Music can significantly impact your filming environment. Play high-energy music to boost your enthusiasm or calming music to create a relaxed atmosphere, depending on the vibe you want to convey in your video. This helps create whatever energy in the video you’re trying to bring.

8. Always Be Learning

The field of content creation is ever-evolving. Stay updated with new technologies and tools that can enhance your workflow. Recently, I switched to a new editing system after using the same one for ten years, and it made a world of difference.

9. Embrace the Learning Curve

Creating your first few videos can be challenging, but it gets easier with practice. Each video you make teaches you something new, making the process smoother over time. Remember, practice makes better, not perfect.

10. Recognize the Effort Involved

Creating content is a multi-faceted job that traditionally takes a team of people. As a solo creator, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Develop systems that work for you and consider outsourcing parts of the process when possible. This journey can be demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

These ten lessons have been invaluable to me over the past decade, and I hope they help you in your content creation journey. Let’s continue learning together. Thank you for being part of this anniversary celebration.