Why Trainers Benefit From Developing Video Production Skills

In today’s fast-paced, digitally driven world, training providers face a growing demand to deliver content that is both engaging and accessible. Traditional face-to-face methods, while effective, are often limited by geographical boundaries, costs, time constraints, and the evolving needs of learners. This is where video production comes into play.

By learning video production skills, training providers can elevate their offerings, enhance the training experience, improve accessibility, increase engagement and enhance their value to current and future employees.

Here are 14 key reasons why video production is now becoming a requisite skill for training professionals:


1. Enhancing the Learning Experience

Video is a powerful medium that enhances the overall learning experience. It allows trainers to break down complex ideas using visual aids, animation, and storytelling. By seeing and hearing concepts in action, learners retain information more effectively. Video provides a dynamic, visually appealing way to explain topics that would otherwise be difficult to convey through text alone.


2. Increasing Reach and Accessibility

One of the major advantages of video is its ability to reach a global audience. With online platforms, training providers are no longer limited to their physical location. Anyone, anywhere, can access their courses, breaking down geographical barriers. This is especially beneficial for training providers looking to expand their reach or provide remote learning options.


3. Providing Cost Efficiency and Scalability

Once a video is created, it can be reused again and again and shared with multiple learners, without the costs of running classroom training courses. This scalability makes video production an efficient and cost-effective solution for delivering training programs.


4. Reducing cost of Training Video Production

If you empower your training team with video production skills you can greatly reduce the production costs, and be far more prolific and creative in the production of your training videos. Video Mastery (videomastery.co.uk) offer video production courses designed specifically for L&D professionals. You can learn all of the essential production skills in just 2-3 days as they will delivery training at your premises and tailor teh courses to your exact needs.


5. Catering to Different Learning Styles

Not all learners absorb information in the same way. Some prefer visual explanations, while others benefit from hearing concepts explained aloud. Video production allows training providers to create content that caters to a variety of learning styles, integrating visuals, audio, and text to provide a more holistic and accessible learning experience.


6. Producing Short Macro-learning Courses to Watch When Needed

You will be able to create a whole library of very short macro learning videos that can be placed on-line and accessed by your employees or clients exactly when and where they are needed.


7. Personalising your Training Videos

With in-house production skills you can be far more specific in the training videos you offer. You can create tailored videos that address the specific training needs of particular employees, departments, clients, industry sectors etc. making the training far more focussed on the persons needs.


8. Improving Engagement and Motivation

Incorporating video into training programs is an excellent way to keep learners engaged. A well-produced video can hold the attention of the audience much more effectively than a simple slideshow or text-based content. Additionally, interactive video elements—such as quizzes, simulations, and role-playing scenarios—can boost motivation and increase the likelihood of retaining key information.


9. Featuring Industry Experts in Every Training Session

Getting the experts, within your company and from external organisations, to present at your training sessions on a regular basis would likely be impossible, but if you interview them on video sharing their expertise, you can show that video in every training session, both on-line and in the classroom, without taking up any more of their time.


10. Boosting Brand Credibility

The quality of your training content directly reflects on your brand. When you learn how to create High-quality video production, it signals to your audience that you are serious about delivering professional, valuable training. It also demonstrates a commitment to investing in the learner’s experience, enhancing your credibility and positioning your brand as a leader in the field.


11. Accessing Valuable Analytics

Many online video platforms offer detailed analytics on how users interact with content. Training providers can track views, engagement, and completion rates, using this data to refine their content and ensure it is effective. This real-time feedback loop allows for continuous improvement, ensuring that your training programs evolve with the needs of your audience.


12. Staying Competitive in the Digital Age

Video content is now a must. The rise of online learning platforms and digital education has made video the go-to format for many learners. By developing video production skills, training providers can stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital landscape.


13. Utilising your Video Production Skills in Other Ways

If you empower yourselves with video production skills you will be able to utilise them, not just for training video production, but for: creating videos to promote your courses, providing video news programs; creating video profiles of all of your training staff; creating video prospectuses of every course; filming testimonials from course attendees; videoing case studies; providing filming and playback in the classroom to assess delegate performance; and the live broadcast of training sessions. This are just some ideas and we present many more in our training sessions.


14. Giving an Invaluable Vocational Skill to your Training Team

For all of the reasons shown above, training professionals with video production skills are in great demand. Many job specifications for Training Managers and Trainers include now Video production as a required skills. So not only will these skills benefit your current employees it will also make you a very attractive candidate when looking fr futur employment.


Conclusion

As the demand for digital learning continues to rise, training providers need to adapt and evolve. Learning video production skills not only enhances the learning experience but also provides a scalable, engaging, and professional way to deliver content. From increasing reach to catering to diverse learning styles, video production offers numerous benefits that can help training providers stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of their learners.

If you’re a training provider looking to elevate your content, it’s time to embrace the power of video.


How Video Mastery can help

Video Mastery provide video production courses specifically for Training Providers. All our courses are delivered at your premises, for up to 4 delegates, and are tailored to your exact needs. Our trainers are all highly experienced UK video producers with over 100 years of combined experience.

If you would like to know more about our services please do not hesitate to call me on my mobile 07885 468674 or email me at peter@videomastery.co.uk.

Alternatively you can book a zoom call at your convenience at https://calendly.com/petervideomastery/video-mastery-chat

You can also find details of all our courses at videomastery.co.uk or you can view the video prospectuses of our two most popular courses for training providers.

MC004 VIDEO PRODUCTION MASTERCLASS FOR TRAINERS (3-day course) https://videomastery.co.uk/mc004-video-production-masterclass-for-trainers/

MC007 CREATING EFFECTIVE TRAINING VDEOS ON A SMARTPHONE (2-day course) https://videomastery.co.uk/mc007-create-effective-training-videos-on-a-smartphone/

If you would like to receive regular video production tips you can subscribe to our newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/videomastery/tips or follow our Linkedin company page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/videomastery

Do Avatars work as a Training Video?

by Peter Middleton Director of Learning, Video Mastery

Those who have been on my training courses will know my opinion on the use of talking head avatar videos for training, but for the rest of you I wanted to outline some of my concerns.

I appreciate that in today’s fast-paced digital environment, businesses and educators are constantly searching for innovative and cost-effective ways to deliver training. Among these innovations, talking avatars have emerged as a popular tool but while these virtual characters may seem like an appealing solution, many learners and educators have found them to be less effective than anticipated. In fact, these soulless presenters can be a complete turn off, lacking engagement and authenticity and making the learning process downright boring.

Even if advancements in AI video generation succeed in making avatars indistinguishably human do we really want to be educated by a talking head? Where is the story-telling? Where is the drama? Where are the dynamic hooks, the human connection and the memorable moments that will stick in learners minds and facilitate change.

Let’s take a deeper look at the reasons why I believe these video are so ineffective, and if you disagree let’s start a healthy debate.

1. Lack of Human Connection and Emotional Engagement

One of the most powerful aspects of any learning experience is the emotional connection between the teacher and the learner. Humans are wired to pick up on subtle cues like facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. These cues help us interpret and internalize the information being presented. However, many avatars lack the ability to deliver these nuanced expressions convincingly. Even when advanced facial recognition software is used, the lack of genuine human emotion can make it harder for learners to connect with the content. This disconnect can lead to lower engagement and a diminished sense of trust in the material being taught.

2. Monotonous and Unnatural

Avatars, especially those that rely on artificial voice synthesis, often sound robotic and lack the natural variation in speech that keeps a viewer’s attention. Their movements can also be stiff, repetitive, or exaggerated, which can feel unnatural or even off-putting. Over time, this robotic nature can result in viewer fatigue, where learners disengage simply because the avatar lacks the dynamism that human presenters offer. For learning to be truly effective, it needs to be engaging. When the delivery feels monotonous or artificial, learners are more likely to tune out, retaining less information in the process.

3. Increased Cognitive Load

Cognitive load refers to the mental effort required to process new information. Ideally, training content should be designed to minimize cognitive load so that learners can focus entirely on absorbing new knowledge or skills. However, when learners are distracted by the uncanny effect of an avatar — where something is almost, but not quite, human — it can increase cognitive load. Instead of concentrating on the training material, viewers may become preoccupied with the avatar’s unnatural movements or off-sync speech patterns, thus splitting their attention. This diminishes their ability to focus on the key lessons of the training.

4. Limited Conveyance of Expertise

In many training scenarios, the expertise and authority of the presenter are crucial for establishing trust and credibility. A human presenter who speaks with confidence and clarity can inspire trust and convey their expertise more effectively. Avatars, however, often lack this sense of authority. They may be perceived as less competent or reliable, which can impact how seriously the learner takes the training. Without a clear sense of who the avatar is or what they represent, learners may feel less motivated to engage fully with the content, impacting the overall learning outcome.

5. Lack of Engagement and Pace

When we watch professional video productions, tv programs or movies, the shot angles, sizes and movements change every few seconds to keep our interest, maintain interest and inject pace. Training videos need to be equally professional and engaging. If your talking head is on screen for more than a few seconds viewers will simply loose interest.

6. Where is the Drama?

The most effective training videos involve drama and story-telling. They are engaging, entertaining, absorbing, human and sometime emotional. They take the viewer on a journey that leads to a desire to change.

What is the alternative?

At Video Mastery we run video production training courses specifically for training providers to teach them all of the skills necessary to produce effective and creative training videos in-house. We cover everything from pre-production planning, creative brainstorming, scripting, storyboarding and casting to filming, lighting, design, sound recording, shot composition and editing. After receiving this training you will be able to produce highly-effective training videos in-house. Details of our courses can be found at VideoMastery.co.uk.

Ai has it place to improving the speed and efficiency of traditional video production methodology, but it cannot and should not be used as a substitute.

Conclusion

Despite these shortcomings, it’s important to note that avatars and other forms of artificial intelligence in training aren’t without their benefits. They can be highly effective for specific tasks, such as very short interactive tutorials and basic information dissemination. However, for training that requires engagement, emotional resonance, or nuanced communication, the human element remains crucial.

As technology continues to evolve, there’s hope that future iterations of talking avatars may overcome some of these limitations. Advances in AI, machine learning, and facial recognition technologies could eventually create avatars that feel more lifelike, capable of dynamic interaction, and better suited to a range of learning environments. Until then, it’s essential for educators, trainers, and businesses to weigh the pros and cons of using avatars in training videos and consider where human presenters, actors and creative storylines may provide a more effective learning experience.

By understanding these challenges, organisations can make better decisions when designing training programs, ensuring that they keep the learner’s needs at the forefront while embracing technology where it adds the most value.

Find out more about Video Mastery training courses at VideoMastery.co.uk

The Power of Practical Lighting

by Peter Middleton, Learning Director, Video Mastery Ltd

In the world of video production, lighting can make or break your content. While studio lighting setups are essential, many overlook the impact of practical lighting—the lights that naturally appear within your shot, such as lamps, overhead fixtures, or even candlelight.

These practicals add authenticity, depth, and a cinematic feel to your videos.

Let’s explore how practical lighting can transform your productions and some key tips on how to integrate it into your next project.

Why Practical Lighting?

Enhanced Realism

Practical lighting helps create a natural look that feels familiar to viewers. Unlike studio lighting, which may feel too controlled or artificial, practical lights contribute to the storytelling by grounding the scene in reality. It’s particularly effective in narrative storytelling, corporate interviews, or even promotional content.

Example: Imagine filming a cozy living room conversation. Adding a lamp in the background, a fireplace or burning candles not only brightens the scene but also makes the environment feel warm and welcoming.

Increased Creativity

Using practical lighting can open up creative possibilities. You’re not limited to the standard softbox or LED panels. From string lights to neons, any light source can become part of your creative arsenal, adding dimension and texture to your video.

Example: In this scenes from John Wick, he is lit by neon signs. Notice how the colours of the neon add mood and atmosphere to the scene.

 

Streamlined Setup

Incorporating practical lights into your production can simplify your setup, especially in smaller spaces or tight budgets. Instead of lugging around heavy lighting equipment, practical lighting can serve dual purposes: lighting the scene and acting as part of the set design.


Tips for Using Practical Lighting in Your Videos

Balance Practical and Studio Lights – the art of motivated lighting

Motivated lighting is the technique used to imitate or accentuate existing light sources, do the light within a shot that can be justified. This approach to lighting allows the audience to believe the world that they are seeing.

When blending practical lighting with your professional setup, ensure they complement each other. The studio lighting should enhance their effects on the subject but match the same colour temperature.

Example: If your subject is standing next to a window but only half of their face is lit you may want to add a cool temperature studio light to bring the daylight across more of their face. Or if a subject is lit by natural candlelight you may want to use a studio light of the same colour temperature to increase the brightness of the subject’s face.

Create Depth and Interest

We position practical lights in the background to add depth and dimension. This technique can help separate your subject from the background, creating a more three-dimensional look.

Experiment with different intensities, like using a lower-wattage bulb in the background and a higher-wattage bulb for closer lights.

Use Colour to Set the Mood

Practical lights allow you to play with color temperature. Warm tones create a cozy or romantic atmosphere, while cool tones might give off a sterile, corporate feel. Incorporate different lighting colors to set the scene’s emotional tone.

Example: Notice how this music video clip uses warm, practical lighting to create an intimate and nostalgic feel.

Final Thoughts

Practical lighting is an essential yet often underutilized tool in video production. It not only enhances the realism of your scene but also opens up creative possibilities that go beyond standard lighting setups. Whether you’re producing a corporate video, a short film, or even social media content, leveraging practical lights can elevate your visuals and set your projects apart from the rest.

For a better understanding of lighting design book one of the Video Production Masterclasses at videomastery.co.uk. In a few days you will learn everything you need to kno0w to produce professional videos of cinematic quality.

All our training is conducted at your premises by highly experienced video producers and tailored to your exact needs.

Let’s light up your projects—practically!


Feel free to comment with your thoughts or share how you’ve used practical lighting in your own projects!

Effective Greenscreen Tips

By Ian Sandall & Peter Middleton (Video Mastery UK Faculty)

Greenscreen or Chromakey is a technique that’s widely used in corporate video, tv and movies. Presenters and actors are placed in front of a green or blue screen that can be replaced, live or in post-production, by a variety of different backgrounds in the form of video, photographs, graphics or detailed virtual landscapes. Green or blue is used as they are the colours furthest from our natural skin tones.

 

In movies and broadcast drama the technique is widely used to ‘place’ actors on fantastical sets or in scenes that just couldn’t be easily replicated in real life. A whole virtual set can be created using advanced computer graphics so that as the camera tracks the actors as they move and the perspective of the virtual ‘set’ changes accordingly, creating whole new worlds to explore in films such as Lord of the Rings or Dune movies.

 

 

Rather more mundanely, it is used in news broadcasting, weather reports and corporate video to place presenters in front of virtual sets, otherwise inaccessible locations, or an attractive background when filming in an otherwise humdrumlocation. Greenscreen is an effective way to add a little extra sparkle and creativity to your corporate productions.

 

 

The problem with greenscreen is that unless you are in a well-equipped video studio with ‘Ultimatte’ (or similar) – a system that allows you to see the effects on screen in real time – you are often working blind.

 

 

It is not just a matter of ensuring the chromakey background is completely smooth and evenly lit or that the subject is the correct distance away. When you’re working on location with a single camera, you have to determine the best lighting, camera angles and chromakey set-up to ensure that your subject fits naturally and seamlessly into your chosen background.

For example, is the light in the studio coming from the same direction as the light source in your background image, and is it the same colour temperature? And is the subject being filmed from the same perspective/angle as the background?

 

 

Without the necessary knowledge and skills, filming on greenscreen often doesn’t work out and your hard-pressed editor has a lot of work to do to try and make up for the filming shortcomings – if it is possible to do so!

In our one-day ”Filming Effectively with Greenscreen” course, we cover everything you need to know about shooting and post-producing greenscreen – in great detail.  The course is very practical, held at your premises, taught by a highly experienced UK producer, and we can work on one of your projects during the training.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Have your presenter stand at least 2 meters from the greenscreen background – the further the better, really.
  • Ensure the green background is evenly lit. If possible, use a light meter to check this.
  • Light the subject separately from the background.
  • Use as low an ISO setting as possible and the best resolution (4K or above is recommended).
  • If you are filming the presenter full length, from toe to the top of their head, ensure that the greenscreen extends under their feet and consider filming in portrait.
  • Check the footage keys properly in your editing app before spending the whole day filming
  • Look carefully at the proposed background and ensure that the lighting on the subject is consistent with the lighting in the background image.
  • If the subject is referencing anything in the background image, ensure that they are pointing in the right place. Sometime a nod of the head in the general direction might be a safer bet,

All of this, and much more, is covered with hands-on exercises in the course. Here’s is what we cover:

When shooting, the placement of background and presenter is critical. There must always be enough separation between the two, otherwise you’ll have ‘green spill’ on the presenter that is very difficult to get rid of. We cover how to get round this easily. We show you how to light a greenscreen background and then how to light the presenter to match the intended background.

Filming with greenscreen outdoors presents its own unique challenges, all of which are addressed in the course. Finally, we cover all the camera settings that are required – especially the choice of lens, depth of field, ISO settings and shutter speeds – and we demonstrate the problems if this is incorrectly shot.

 

 

In post-production a slightly different workflow is often used. We show how to get the best ‘key’ from pictures and colour grading – and how to mend things when it all goes wrong. In the worst case you can use Adobe After Effects to create a ‘mask’, and new AI features, just included in this program, allow us to do that faster and more accurately than ever before. The latest version of Final Cut also includes a special ‘magnetic mask’ feature to help you with this too.

In conclusion, greenscreen is a wonderful technique that can allow you to be far more creative in any production. Having the flexibility of placing your presenter exactly where you need them, in front of a well-known city landmark, on a desert island or even inside a nuclear reactor, without leaving the office is a real timesaver and can add greatly to production values.

To book your place on our 1-day “Filming Effectively with Greenscreen” course call us today on 01604 583414 or visit our website at videomastery.co.uk.

Written by Ian Sandall and Peter Middleton of the Video Mastery UK Faculty.