Video Production Workflow

---
name: video-production-workflow
description: "Video: scripting, lighting, editing, YouTube SEO."
version: 1.0.0
author: Hermes Agent
license: MIT
platforms: [linux, macos, windows]
metadata:
  hermes:
    tags: [video, production, youtube, content-creation, editing]
    related_skills: [podcasting-workflow, personal-brand-building, affiliate-marketing]
---

# Video Production Workflow

## Overview
End-to-end video production covering pre-production (scripting, storyboarding, shot lists), production (lighting, audio, framing), post-production (editing, transitions, music, captions, color grading), and platform optimization (YouTube SEO, thumbnails, chapters, end screens) with repurposing for Shorts/Reels/TikTok.

## When to Use
- Planning and scripting a new video
- Setting up lighting, audio, and camera for recording
- Editing and color grading footage
- Optimizing for YouTube search and discovery
- Creating thumbnails, chapters, end screens
- Repurposing long-form content for Shorts/Reels/TikTok
- Auditing video quality and production consistency

## Body

### 1. Pre-Production

**Video types:** Tutorial (5–15min), Review (8–20min), Vlog (10–25min), Educational (5–15min), Short (15–60s).

**Script template:**
```
HOOK (0:00–0:30): Bold claim / surprising stat / pain point
INTRO (0:30–1:30): Who you are, what they'll learn, why care
BODY (1:30–[end-1:00]): Key sections with points + visuals
OUTRO: Summary, CTA (like/sub/comment/link), next video teaser
```

**Shot list:** Wide (setting) → Medium (talking head) → Close-up (product/detail) → B-roll (cutaways) → Overhead (tutorials) → POV (demo) → Establishing (transitions).

### 2. Production

**Lighting (3-point):**
- **Key light**: 45° to camera, slightly above eye level ($100–200 LED panel)
- **Fill light**: Opposite key, 45°, 50% power (or white foam board reflector for $5)
- **Backlight**: Behind subject, separates from background ($30–50 small LED)

**Natural alternative:** Face window + white foam board opposite as fill. Avoid mixed lighting. Shoot golden hour.

**Audio (more important than video):**
- Hierarchy: Wireless lav (BEST) → Shotgun mic → USB condenser → Smartphone lav (MIN)
- Record 10s room tone for noise reduction in post. Mic 6–12" from mouth. Eliminate AC/fridge/traffic. Soft surfaces absorb echo. Record at 48kHz/24-bit.

### 3. Post-Production

**Software:** DaVinci Resolve (free, pro-grade), CapCut (free, beginner), Premiere Pro ($23/mo), Final Cut Pro ($300 Mac).

**Workflow order:**
1. **Rough cut**: Trim pauses, ums, mistakes, dead air
2. **Pacing**: Adjust gaps for rhythm
3. **J/L-cuts**: Audio from next clip starts before/overlaps video cut
4. **B-roll**: Cover jump cuts, illustrate concepts
5. **Music**: Background at -18dB to -25dB (never compete with voice)
6. **Sound design**: Transition whooshes, ambient, emphasis hits
7. **Captions**: Burn-in (+50% retention). Sans-serif, white with black outline
8. **Color grade**: Correct exposure first → S-curve contrast → Saturation +10 → Apply LUT
9. **Audio normalize**: -14 LUFS (YouTube standard)

### 4. YouTube Optimization

**SEO checklist:**
- [ ] Title: <60 chars, keyword-rich, clickable
- [ ] Description: 200–300 words, keyword in first 150, timestamps
- [ ] Tags: 5–10 relevant (broad + specific mix)
- [ ] Thumbnail: 1280×720px, high contrast, face expression + 3-word text overlay
- [ ] Chapters: 3+ descriptive timestamps
- [ ] End screen: 1 video recommendation + subscribe button (last 20s)
- [ ] Cards: 1–2 info cards mid-video
- [ ] Subtitles: Accurate .srt/.vtt file
- [ ] Category: Set appropriately

### 5. Shorts/Reels Repurposing

1. Find 3–5 "golden moments" from long-form video (biggest insight, most surprising stat, best tip)
2. For each: 15–60s vertical clip (9:16), burn-in captions, hook in first 2s, CTA in last 3s
3. Upload natively per platform (don't cross-post — native = better reach)
4. One idea per short, 3–5 hashtags, post daily for growth

### 6. Publishing & Analytics

**Schedule:** Weekly minimum (twice for growth), Tuesday–Thursday, 2–4 PM EST.

**Metrics:** CTR 4–10%, AVD 40–60%, YouTube Search >20% (good SEO), Shorts swipe-away <30%, Engagement >5%.

## Common Pitfalls

- **Bad audio ruins video**: Invest in a mic before a new camera.
- **Skipping pre-production**: Editing takes 3x longer without a plan.
- **Too-long intros**: "What's up guys welcome back" kills retention. Get to it in 30s.
- **Inconsistent uploading**: Algorithm favors consistency. Batch create.
- **Ignoring thumbnails**: 80% of the click comes from the thumbnail.
- **No captions**: 69% watch without sound. Captions are mandatory.
- **Loud music**: Background at -22dB. At -12dB it competes with voice.

## Verification Checklist

- [ ] Script template created for reuse
- [ ] Storyboard/shot list completed
- [ ] Lighting setup ready (3-point or natural alternative)
- [ ] Audio quality verified (no noise/echo/distortion)
- [ ] Editing workflow documented
- [ ] Caption workflow set up
- [ ] YouTube SEO checklist followed
- [ ] Thumbnail created (1280×720, high contrast, face + text)
- [ ] Long-form repurposed for 1+ Short/Reel
- [ ] Publishing schedule defined for next 4 weeks