Winning tips for video content creators

These days, it seems that anyone with access to a smartphone and social media app can become a video content creator. But not all video content is created equal, and budding creators are always on the look out for ways  to attract likes and shares.

We speak with the winners of the National Youth Film Awards (NYFA) 2020 to help you up your game. The annual NYFA recognises up-and-coming young Singaporean filmmakers by giving them a platform to showcase their works. Scroll on for their tips on creating winning video content.

Find your voice

The team of film students from – Kathleen Bu, Rios Morales Carlos Antonio and Niger Lim, who swept Best Director, Best Editing and Best Live Action awards in the media student category for their film, Lady E’s Wedding Revenge Plan, believes that being authentic is the way to go. So, find your voice. Tell stories that come from your own life experience and do it in a style that is uniquely your own.

Don’t be shy to imitate

Cinematographer Kayson Lau, who won Best Cinematography in the media student category for Elephant in the Room, suggests learning from one’s idols and recreating their shots. After all, imitation is the highest form of flattery. But don’t copy mindlessly; the frames and scenes need to fit the story you want to tell, or else it is all just a slideshow of pretty images.

Have fun and be kind

Filmmaker Tan Wei Ting, who won Best Editing in the open youth category for Under The Same Pink Sky, has a deceptively simple tip: “do what you love doing, don’t be afraid of what others think and have all the fun in the world!” Don’t let the pressure of trying to create trending video content kill your inspiration and creativity. Her colleague, Gladys Ng, who won Best Director in the same category for their film, adds that it pays to always be kind and respectful when turning the camera on someone else and telling their story.

Be intentional

Dave Lim, Best Documentary – The Believers

Content that is entertaining is often effortlessly enjoyable for the audience. But for the content creator, the process of creation is anything but random. Visual artist Dave Lim, who won Best Documentary for The Believers believes in the power of intention – “focus on how to tell your story, then guide yourself and your talents to achieve that intended effect.”

Hone your eye

Lincoln Yeo, Best Cinematography – Sunday

A great video content creator is not defined by the equipment he uses. Two-time winner of  Best Cinematography, Lincoln Yeo, who received the award this year for Sunday, says, “Don’t worry about what gear you have. Your style and ‘eye’ is what you should be thinking about.  It’s not what happens behind the lens but in front of it that matters.” To hone your eye for compelling video angles and content, watch and observe from a wide range of videos and films, to learn the different ways immersive scenes are set up.

For more information on the National Youth Film Awards and the 2021 edition of the competition, please visit their website here.