NanoFlick — Shot-by-Shot Video Guide
Surprise Party
Use this guide to quickly create a video for TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, etc.
9 shots 00:55 NanoFlick
How to Make a Great Video
Shoot each of the shots and keep the duration to the bare minimum. We've included instructions for each shot to create a short, fast-moving video your friends and followers will love. When you're finished shooting, just combine all the shots and you're done.
Find this template in the free NanoFlick app.
Video Shot List
ShotDescriptionLength
1
Exterior
00:03Show the outside of the party location
2
Setup Shot 1
00:04Show people bustling around, preparing for the party.
3
Setup Shot 2
00:04Show more party preparation.
4
Getting Ready
00:05Show everyone hiding as the guest-of-honor is almost here.
5
Surprise!
00:10Show the big moment where you surprise the honoree. Make sure you get their reaction.
6
Party Shot 1
00:06Show general socializing and merriment of the party
7
Party Shot 2
00:07Show more of the party. Pan across all the guests.
8
Guest of Honor
00:08Interview the guest of honor. Ask for their reaction to the party.
9
Sign Off
00:08Have yourself and some friends describe the party and how you enjoyed it to the camera. Then sign off.
Top Video Tips
Keep it short...
...then cut it even shorter. Usually under 90 seconds for a serious video; under 30 for a fun one.
Keep it moving
Make sure each shot has a point...and get to it fast! No fluff or filler.
Tell a story
Stories need structure. Make sure you've got a beginning, middle and end.
Know the audience
Family will watch a 2:00 video. Everyone else gets bored after 45 seconds.
Focus on people
Go easy on transitions, filters, etc. The best content is people relating.
Time passages
Use transitions like Dissolve or Dip-to-Black to indicate passage of time
Multiple angles
Using multiple short shots with different angles is better than one longer shot.
Start wide...
...then move closer on subsequent shot for the scene.
Video Timeline
Timeline
This story template (and hundreds more) is built into the free NanoFlick iOS app. Download now for the fastest, easiest way to get this done. It'll coach you through every shot and automatically assemble your video for instant sharing — no editing required.
