Production: Shooting for Social
Remove friction from your recording process. Focus on what actually keeps viewers watching.
Audio > Video
You can have the most beautifully graded 4K footage from a Sony FX3, but if your audio echoes like a bathroom stall, viewers will scroll away in milliseconds. Invest in audio first.
Standard creator setups usually include the Shure SM7B for desk work or high-quality wireless lavaliers (like DJI Mic 2) for dynamic, run-and-gun lifestyle storytelling. Always record audio locally if possible, and sync in post.
The Natural Light Studio
As per the Terracotta Social Story ethos, we advocate for candid, natural-light photography and videography. Find the largest window in your space. Face it. Let the soft, diffused light wrap around you. Turn off mixed color temperature overhead lights to avoid nasty color casts on your skin tones.
If you must use artificial light, a single large softbox (Key Light) positioned at a 45-degree angle provides a flattering, cinematic look without overwhelming a tight space.
Editing Workflows
Speed is the name of the game. Industry standards like Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve are powerful for long-form, but tools like CapCut Desktop have dominated the short-form space due to their rapid auto-captioning and native vertical integration.
- A-Roll First: Cut out all dead space, "ums", and breaths. Make the narrative tight.
- B-Roll & Graphics: Layer over visuals to reset the viewer's attention every 3-5 seconds.
- Sound Design: Add whooshes, subtle ambient beds, and pop sound effects to emphasize text on screen.