Marketing Mini: How I Film Videos in One Take
This post originally aired as a podcast!
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In this mini marketing episode, we're talking about filming video - but more specifically, filming videos in one take. When I first started video, I would film them over and over again.
But now, I film most of my videos in just one take - and I have a process that you can use as well!
So tune in to hear my top tips and tricks for saving time and being more efficient and purposeful with your Realtor video marketing by implementing my process for filming videos in just one take!
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Staying consistent with your video content can feel like a big challenge, especially when you're juggling a busy schedule. It’s easy to fall into the habit of filming take after take, trying to get everything just right, and before you know it, hours have passed.
Trust me, I’ve been there. In fact, I used to waste so much time redoing my videos because I thought I could always do better. But over the years, I’ve developed a system for filming videos in one take. And today, I’m sharing exactly how I do it—so you can do it too.
Let’s rewind the clock a little. Nearly 10 years ago, I started creating videos for marketing, and back then, I was the queen of multiple takes. I’d film a training video or record content for marketing, and then I’d re-film it over and over again. Every time I’d watch it back, I’d pick apart every little mistake or awkward moment, convincing myself that I needed a better take.
It was perfectionism that was holding me back. The pressure to make everything flawless kept me from making progress, and I can tell you—wasting time like that doesn’t help your business. Fast forward to now, and I’ve learned how to film videos in one take, and I’m here to show you how you can too.
Why Filming in One Take Works for Me (And Why It Can Work for You Too)
Let’s be real: Filming in one take sounds like a bold claim. I’m sure you’re thinking, "Heather, that’s impossible!" But if you check out my Instagram stories or some of my videos on Ideas for Real Estate, you’ll see that 99% of the time, I film those in one take.
And here’s the truth: I don’t have time to redo every video I make. I’m sure you’re in the same boat, with a busy schedule and a ton of things to get done. The last thing I want is to waste time filming a bunch of takes. So, I came up with a system that allows me to film my videos quickly and move on with my day.
One of the best examples is the video I filmed for the new weekly resource landing page on my site. I filmed it in one take. I knew exactly what I wanted to say, hit record, and was done. And let me tell you—this isn’t about talent. It’s all about having a process in place that allows you to let go of perfectionism and get to the heart of what your video is really about.
The Secret to Filming in One Take: A Let-Go Mentality
The first step in my process is all about mindset. I’ve learned to adopt what I call a "let-go mentality." Now, this doesn’t mean I don’t care about my content, but I’ve learned to let go of the negativity, the self-doubt, and those little things that I don’t like about my videos. Instead of focusing on how I look or how I sound, I focus on the bigger picture: the purpose of the video.
Why am I creating this video? Is it to share a valuable resource? Is it to connect with my audience and promote something that can help them? When you remind yourself that videos aren’t about you—they’re about the person watching it—it makes it easier to stop being so critical.
When I review my videos, I don’t look for imperfections like I used to. Instead, I evaluate them for content. Is the video accomplishing its goal? Is the message clear and engaging? Does it sound like something I’d say in a conversation?
One trick that helps is closing your eyes and listening to the video instead of watching it. This lets you focus on the message and whether you’re getting your point across effectively. By doing this, you stop yourself from filming yet another take just because you don’t like the way your hair looks or because you said "um" once.
Tip #2: Know What You’re Going to Say
The second part of my process is being prepared. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel, and the fewer takes you’ll need to do. When I’m about to film, I already know what I’m going to say. I might have bullet points or an outline ready, but I don’t script every single word. I prefer to keep it natural and conversational.
If you’re just starting out, it might help to write out a full script. This will force you to think about what you want to say and write it in a way that sounds natural. You could also use bullet points to jot down the key points you want to cover. But the key here is preparation. The more you plan ahead, the more confident you’ll feel.
And yes, I know that for some of you, “winging it” might sound like a nightmare. But I promise you, with a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it. You don’t have to have a word-for-word script every time you film a video. The more videos you make, the more comfortable you’ll become with the process.
Tip #3: Practice, Practice, Practice
Let’s talk about practice for a second. We all know that confidence comes from experience. The more you practice filming videos, the easier it will get to do them in one take. But don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t nail it right away.
Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. If you have to do a couple of takes, that’s totally fine. The key is to stop overthinking and just hit record. You can always improve as you go, but the only way to improve is to actually make videos. So, keep practicing, and eventually, you’ll find yourself filming in one take more often than not.
And if you’re feeling really brave, try filming a live video! The best part is, if you mess up, it’s not the end of the world. Live videos show your audience the real, unpolished version of you, and that’s what they’re looking for.
Tip #4: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Here’s the final tip: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Videos are a fantastic way to connect with your audience, but the goal isn’t to make everything perfect. People want to see the real, authentic you, and if you try to make every video flawless, you’re going to drive yourself crazy.
If you’re on Instagram Stories, for example, your videos will disappear in 24 hours anyway. So, what’s the harm in filming one take and letting it go? The more real and relatable you are, the more your audience will connect with you. And that’s the whole point, right?
Ready to Give It a Shot?
So, the next time you’re about to film a video, remember this: you don’t need to film multiple takes. Prepare yourself, adopt that "let-go mentality," and focus on the message. Don’t get caught up in small details that don’t matter. And most importantly, just hit record and get started!
I encourage you to try filming your next video in one take. And when you do, send me a screenshot of your camera roll to show me how many takes it took you. Did you get it in one take? Or did you have to try a few times? Either way, I want to see your progress!
Share your video on Instagram and tag me @IdeasForIdeasForRealEstate. Let’s cheer each other on as we continue to grow more confident with our video content. Here’s to filming better videos, saving time, and making a bigger impact on our businesses.
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