Tongal's Best Fiends Recipe Videos Project
Note From Tongal: “Create Delicious Recipe Videos” is part of a series of Tongal Community-written blog posts that were originally sourced in the Tell Us About It Tongal Blog Project. Read more Tongal Community-written posts here and stay tuned for more opportunities to Pitch a topic and write for the Tongal Blog!
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Food, and more specifically cooking, is something that I’ve had a lifelong passion for. In that sense, I guess it ranks just below filmmaking. Culinary content is killing it on social media these days. I’ve been hungry to jump into the game for some time, but until recently hadn’t seriously considered the creation process for this sort of content. Recipe videos can be quite easy and look great if you properly plan them out. Here are some tips for to get started creating your own culinary content.
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1. Use Creative, Original Recipes
People like to try new things. If you are having trouble deciding on a recipe. Ask yourself this question: What’s unique about my recipe and why should someone try it?
2. Choose A Format For Your Video
The content I’m drawn to most is 2 minutes or less videos focusing on the food and not the person. They tend to be shot at a high angle using an overhead camera. Since I am someone who enjoys being behind the camera but not necessarily in front of it, this format is perfect. I still get to create the recipes without having to appear in the video.
3. Write Down An Accurate Recipe
If you’re like me, I tend to NEVER follow recipes. I generally know which ingredients mix well together, how they react to different types of heat, etc. Don’t assume the viewer does though. Isn’t that why they are watching the video in the first place? Giving accurate measurements will help them plan the recipe according to how many servings they intend to make.
4. Test The Recipe Beforehand
There is nothing worse than wasting time and money on unusable footage. If the final product comes out looking lousy, then that’s exactly what you have done.
5. Use Visually Appealing Ingredients & Cookware
Pay careful attention to anything that is going to be in the frame. I wash, clean and polish any knives or utensils I am going to use. If you have the budget, I would consider buying a new pan just for the shoot. I cannot stress the importance of cleanliness enough!
Even though there is nothing wrong with products that have: bruises, cracks, discoloration, etc., your video will lose its appeal if you are using old stuff from the fridge. So make sure you get to the store just before you plan to shoot so that everything will look its best.
6. Prep Your Set Design!
When the camera is rolling there is no time to be chopping and peeling. Pre-measure and prepare all the ingredients beforehand. I created a special area in my flat which is conducive for shooting.
The space gives me room to add lighting and to adjust my tripod for an overhead high angle shot. For my last set of videos, I choose a red “picnic tablecloth” to give a more Americana feel. I also use a portable burner so not to be bound to the kitchen.
7. Technical Considerations
When transitioning between shots or creating a time-lapse it’s important that the camera doesn’t move because it is jarring. I only add text to list the ingredients, temperature, cook time or other instructions which may not be obvious. It isn’t necessary to add “stir” or any other instruction which is demonstrated visually. I want to keep the focus on the food and not clutter up the frame with unnecessary distractions.
I hope you find these tips useful and wish everyone the best of luck creating delicious looking culinary content. So go rent your camera gear, get your groceries and get cooking!
What are some of your favorite recipes you’d like to see turned into videos? Let us know in the comments.
