Lights, camera, action! Ah, filmmaking – the magical process that transports audiences to different worlds and leaves them spellbound. But have you ever thought about what goes on behind the scenes? The hidden gems that bring those unforgettable on-screen moments to life? Well, that’s where we come in!
In this post, we’ll explore the exciting world of behind-the-scenes footage and reveal its hidden benefits for video creators of all levels. We’ll dive into the concept of BTS (Behind The Scenes) and take a closer look at why it’s worth investing in. We’ll also share practical tips and a step-by-step guide to help you create engaging BTS videos that can enhance your brand’s personality and build trust with your audience.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, behind-the-scenes footage is a powerful tool that can add a unique touch to your projects. By giving an in-depth look into the quality of work, humanising the creative process, and telling your brand’s story, you can take audiences on a journey from set to screen. Are you ready to explore this creative and innovative approach to video creation? Come along with us as we break down the ins and outs of behind-the-scenes footage, and show you how to create something extraordinary!
Remember, Mixkit’s got your back, with all the free video assets and resources you need to make your projects stand out. Let’s get started!
Table of contents
What is behind-the-scenes footage called?
Behind-the-scenes footage is commonly known as “BTS” or “making-of” footage. It offers an exclusive glimpse into the production process and behind-the-scenes action. BTS footage often features interviews with cast and crew members, and shots of camera equipment and can be used for promotional purposes such as online digital marketing content.
Understanding behind-the-scenes footage in filmmaking
Filmmaking is a complex and fascinating process, and behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage provides viewers with a unique perspective. It allows fans to witness the hard work, dedication, and creativity that goes into making a production come to life. BTS content can be repurposed for marketing and promotional purposes, helping to build anticipation and generate buzz for a film or TV show. Moreover, BTS footage offers valuable insights and lessons for aspiring filmmakers, giving them a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process.
Filming behind-the-scenes footage offers a unique peek into the filmmaking process, providing viewers with an insider’s look at the creation of their favourite videos. This behind-the-scenes content not only builds anticipation and excitement among fans but also serves as a valuable material for promotional purposes. From DVD extras to online bonus features, behind-the-scenes footage adds depth to the final product while showcasing the hard work and dedication of the cast and crew. In addition, these behind-the-scenes videos can generate buzz and engage audiences on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and blogs, creating a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process.
Benefits of filming behind-the-scenes footage
Even if your videos aren’t destined for the big screen, investing in behind-the-scenes footage offers video creators numerous benefits. It adds authenticity and relatability to videos, giving viewers a glimpse into the creative process. This type of footage can be repurposed for promotional content or bonus material, fostering loyalty and building a stronger connection with the audience, plus it provides a deeper understanding of how videos, films or TV shows are made.
Further benefits include:
In-depth look into the quality of work
Filming behind the scenes provides a deeper understanding of the creative process and the meticulous attention to detail in production. It allows viewers to appreciate the craftsmanship and talent involved, showcasing the hard work and dedication of the cast and crew. This behind-the-scenes footage offers a glimpse into costume design, set construction, and special effects, highlighting the challenges overcome during filming. Besides enhancing audience appreciation for the final product, it serves as a valuable marketing tool, generating buzz and excitement before release.
Humanising the creative process
Behind-the-scenes footage offers the audience a glimpse into the personalities and relationships of the cast and crew, helping to build a human connection between the audience and the film. By showcasing the challenges, triumphs, artistic choices, problem-solving, and decision-making that shape the film, behind-the-scenes footage enhances appreciation for the final product and provides a deeper understanding of the creative process.
Telling your brand’s story
Behind-the-scenes footage has the power to differentiate your brand from competitors by highlighting your unique approach and values. Sharing behind-the-scenes footage not only generates excitement and anticipation but also fosters engagement among your audience. BTS videos also create authenticity and transparency, fostering a deeper connection with your audience. Sharing BTS content allows viewers to feel like insiders, building loyalty and a sense of belonging. It showcases your team’s expertise, professionalism, attention to detail and personality, boosting your brand’s credibility.
Types of behind-the-scenes footage
Here are the four types of BTS content that you can post:
- Progress/Process Content: Share how the project is progressing and wins or losses along the way.
- Comical Content: Everybody loves a blooper reel. Show some lighter moments from the set.
- Personal Content: Get to know the people behind the camera. Share stories about team members and motivating tidbits behind the project.
- Team-building Content: Viewers will be excited to see how a team works together and what goes into making a successful video.
These types of behind-the-scenes footage can add authenticity and relatability to your videos, helping to build a stronger connection with your audience. They can be repurposed for promotional content or bonus material, giving audiences a deeper understanding of how videos, films, or TV shows are made.
How can behind-the-scenes footage boost content marketing efforts?
Behind-the-scenes footage has the power to boost content marketing efforts in several ways:
- The content can be repurposed for social media, blogs, and promotional materials, offering valuable and engaging content.
- Viewers crave behind-the-scenes content that offers a glimpse into the creative process. Sharing BTS content on social media platforms generates excitement, encouraging interaction from the audience.
- Behind-the-curtain access drives curiosity, which can compel viewers to share, discuss and extend the reach and impact of the content.
- Repurposing behind-the-scenes footage for additional content, such as bloopers or interviews, provides ongoing value for marketing purposes.
How to create engaging BTS videos
Creating engaging behind-the-scenes videos involves showcasing the creative process, building anticipation, humanising the cast and crew and giving the viewer a new angle to consumer content.
Tips on how to make a BTS video, from Team Mixkit
To create a captivating behind-the-scenes video, start by planning your shots and creating a shot list to capture important moments. Mix handheld and tripod shots for variety and stability. Interview the cast and crew to provide insights and commentary. Showcase rehearsals, set construction, and special effects to highlight the filmmaking process. Our video team have outlined some more tips to help you create the best BTS video:
- Focus on the actions When shooting, make sure to capture the exciting parts, such as setting up the lights, decorating the set, and rigging up the camera. After that, move on to action shots of the models and the team working on the set.
- Include the team Make sure to include all the people involved in the shoot: the cameraman shooting, the art department decorating the set, the staff setting up the lights, and the styling and makeup team creating those awesome movie characters.
- Show your setup Most people don’t realise how many tools are used on a video shoot, including lights, tripods, sliders, and a good camera. Make sure to highlight all of the nice equipment involved.
- Add movement Make sure to add movement to your shot. While static shots can look great with good composition, a dynamic shot following the action will keep the audience hooked. A gimbal or image stabiliser can be very helpful in achieving this effect.
- Keep it real We love to see talented people and learn from their experiences, so make sure to show both the good and the bad. Keeping it real for the audience allows them to appreciate the effort and hard work put in by the creator during a video shoot.
Filming behind-the-scenes footage offers several hidden benefits that can greatly enhance your content marketing efforts. By providing an in-depth look into the quality of your work, you establish credibility and showcase your expertise to your audience. Additionally, sharing behind-the-scenes footage humanises the creative process and allows your audience to connect with your brand on a deeper level. Moreover, these videos help to tell your brand’s story and create a sense of transparency, building trust among your viewers. With increased audience engagement and improved online presence, investing in behind-the-scenes footage is a valuable strategy for video creators. So, if you’re looking to boost your content marketing efforts, start incorporating behind-the-scenes footage into your video production process.