September 9, 2025 | by David Summerall
the Core Production Habits That Actually Matter
Here are four habits proven that outshine fancy gear:
Energy Over Perfectionism — Viewers feel your vibe. If you bring high energy, you can thrive even with imperfect lighting.
Coverage Over Single Shots — Film key scenes from multiple angles. This gives your editor options to cut dynamically.
Multiple Takes Over Hoping — Don’t trust a one-and-done approach. Each take should be better than the last.
Editor-Proof Footage — Always capture backups: alternate audio, extra angles, safety takes.
These habits help your content survive mistakes and actually be better in editing.
Energy Audit: A Quick Pre-Filming Check
Before you hit record, use this self-audit:
Am I delivering at least 20% more energy than how I feel off camera?
Would I want to watch this energy for a 10 minute long video?
Does my delivery match the emotional tone of what I’m saying?
If you're filming one take and hoping it works, that’s a rookie move.
Pro Creators shoot at least 2–3 takes per segment:
Take 1: Baseline
Take 2: Cleaner, sharper
Take 3: the version with confident energy
Shift from Filmmaker to Editor Mindset
One crucial mindset change: stop obsessing over “cool shots”. Start asking: “Does this shot serve the story?”
🎬 Filmmaker Mindset: “That angle looks interesting.”
✂️ Editor Mindset: “Does that angle support the pacing or emotion of my story?”
Every clip, every line should push the narrative forward. If it doesn’t, cut it. The Best Creators make content look spontaneous, but underneath is smart structure.
Audio > Visuals (But Good Visuals Help Too)
Let’s be honest: Viewers are far more forgiving of average visuals than bad audio. Poor sound quality is a quick turnoff. If budget allows, invest in a reliable LAV Microphone or USB Desk Microphone. This change will outperform a high-end camera in terms of viewer retention.
Pro Tip: Always Capture Two Audio Sources, if possible (e.g. camera mic + backup recorder).
This “editor-proof” habit saves you when one fails. Many professionals also carry this principle into photography and film: always shoot extra coverage and back up files instantly.
Final Takeaway.
You don’t need a professional studio to create powerful content.
You just need disciplined Production Habits:
Bring Energy
Film Coverage
Record Multiple Takes
Editor-Proof Everything
Prioritize Audio
Follow all of these steps and you will be well on your way to improving your content.