LoopyLuci 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:
- Rough cut: Trim pauses, ums, mistakes, dead air
- Pacing: Adjust gaps for rhythm
- J/L-cuts: Audio from next clip starts before/overlaps video cut
- B-roll: Cover jump cuts, illustrate concepts
- Music: Background at -18dB to -25dB (never compete with voice)
- Sound design: Transition whooshes, ambient, emphasis hits
- Captions: Burn-in (+50% retention). Sans-serif, white with black outline
- Color grade: Correct exposure first → S-curve contrast → Saturation +10 → Apply LUT
- 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
- Find 3–5 "golden moments" from long-form video (biggest insight, most surprising stat, best tip)
- For each: 15–60s vertical clip (9:16), burn-in captions, hook in first 2s, CTA in last 3s
- Upload natively per platform (don't cross-post — native = better reach)
- 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