September 11, 2024

Best Practices for Filming eLearning Videos on a Budget

Creating engaging and effective eLearning videos doesn’t have to be expensive. With careful planning, creativity, and a focus on key elements, you can produce high-quality educational content without breaking the bank. 

Here are some best practices for filming eLearning videos on a budget that will help you deliver impactful learning experiences without compromising quality.

1. Plan Thoroughly Before You Start

Before you hit record, it’s essential to plan every aspect of your video. Start with a clear script and storyboard. 

These tools will guide your filming process and ensure that you stay focused on your objectives. 

A well-prepared script not only keeps the content concise and relevant but also helps avoid unnecessary reshoots, saving both time and money.

When storyboarding, visualise each scene, shot by shot. This will allow you to anticipate any potential challenges, such as lighting or camera angles, and solve them before filming begins. 

Additionally, planning ahead will help you stick to your budget, as you’ll have a clear idea of what’s needed, reducing the risk of unexpected expenses.

2. Use Affordable Equipment

High-quality equipment can be expensive, but there are budget-friendly alternatives that still deliver excellent results. 

Modern smartphones, for example, have advanced cameras capable of recording high-definition video. 

Pair your smartphone with an inexpensive tripod or stabiliser to ensure steady shots. These tools are essential for avoiding shaky footage, which can distract learners and detract from the professionalism of your content.

For audio, consider investing in an affordable external microphone, such as a lapel or shotgun mic. 

Clear, crisp audio is crucial in eLearning videos, as poor sound quality can make content difficult to understand, leading to disengagement. 

Fortunately, there are many budget-friendly microphones available that offer a significant improvement over built-in smartphone mics.

3. Leverage Natural Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in video production, and good lighting doesn’t have to be expensive. 

Natural light is free and can be a powerful tool in your filming arsenal. Whenever possible, shoot your videos during the day and position your subjects near windows to make the most of natural light. 

This will help ensure that your footage is bright, clear, and professional-looking.

If you’re filming indoors and natural light is limited, consider using inexpensive LED lights or even household lamps to enhance the lighting. 

Just be sure to avoid harsh shadows and overexposure by diffusing the light with a simple white sheet or a piece of parchment paper.

Shooting during the “golden hour”—the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset—can also add a warm, soft glow to your videos, giving them a polished, cinematic look without the need for expensive lighting equipment.

4. Optimise Your Filming Locations

Choosing the right location for your eLearning videos can significantly impact production quality without adding to your budget. 

Look for quiet, well-lit spaces that require minimal setup and won’t incur additional costs. Avoid locations with heavy background noise, such as traffic or air conditioning units, which can be distracting and reduce audio quality.

Consider filming in a home office, a quiet room in your house, or even a local library. These spaces often have the necessary elements to create a professional-looking video without the expense of renting a studio.

If you need a more polished backdrop, try using free or low-cost background options, such as a plain wall, a bookshelf, or a fabric backdrop. 

These simple setups can add depth and professionalism to your videos without requiring a significant financial investment.

5. Edit with Budget-Friendly Software

Editing is where your video truly comes to life, and fortunately, there are many free or low-cost editing tools available that offer powerful features. 

Software like DaVinci Resolve, HitFilm Express, and iMovie provide everything you need to create professional-looking eLearning videos, from cutting and trimming clips to adding transitions, effects, and titles.

Online tools like Clipchamp or Kapwing are also excellent options for simple editing tasks and are particularly user-friendly for those new to video production. 

These platforms often include templates, stock footage, and other resources that can enhance your videos without additional cost.

Remember to keep your editing simple and focused on clarity. Overly complex edits or excessive effects can be distracting and may take away from the educational content of your video. Aim for a clean, polished final product that effectively communicates your message.

6. Incorporate Free Stock Resources

To enhance your videos without increasing your budget, consider using free stock footage, images, and music. 

Websites like Pexels, Pixabay, and Videvo offer high-quality stock footage and images that can add visual interest and context to your eLearning videos. 

Similarly, platforms like Bensound, Incompetech, and the YouTube Audio Library provide a wide range of royalty-free music that can elevate the production value of your content.

These resources can be particularly useful for illustrating concepts, setting the mood, or providing transitions between sections of your video. 

By incorporating stock resources, you can make your videos more dynamic and engaging without incurring the costs associated with original production.

Filming eLearning videos on a budget is entirely possible with careful planning, the right tools, and a bit of creativity. 

By leveraging affordable equipment, natural lighting, optimal locations, and budget-friendly editing software, you can produce high-quality videos that effectively engage learners and convey your message. 

Incorporating free stock resources further enhances your videos, adding professionalism and polish without additional expense. 

With these best practices, you can create impactful eLearning content that fits your budget and meets your educational goals.

Find out more about how we can help you create your next e-learning video: