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Reels: from idea to finished video

Reels: from idea to finished video

How are reels made and is it really as simple as it looks?

Reels is one of the most prominent formats on social media. They can draw you in, entertain and sell at the same time. At first glance, they may look simple - a short video, a few effects, music, subtitles, but in reality, behind every video there is a thoughtful process, several hours of work and often a whole team of people.

At PromoGEN, we know that even a few seconds of video can make the difference in whether your audience remembers you. That's why we want to give you a glimpse of how we do it making reels step by step.

How long does it take to shoot one reel?

One reel can mean up to five hours of work. This time includes a complete creating reels from idea to script to post-production. What does that really mean?

  • Script preparation (scenes, voiceover, subtitles, content for infographics) 
  • Set preparation (location, lights, microphones, equipment) - studio/location
  • Filming - Production
  • Post-production (editing, branding, music, subtitles, closers, voiceovers, client-specific editing, copy for networks)

It is the time commitment that many companies are often unaware of. At the same time, quality short video production for social networks is one of the most effective tools to attract new customers and sell your product or service.

An idea as the first step to a good video

Each creating reels for social networks it starts with an idea - an idea of how to highlight the USP of the product or service, what format to use (e.g. unboxing, interview, product-selling style, current trend, etc.) to reach the target group, to attract them and at the same time to present and show what is needed.

Then it's on to the script

Only then can we start to prepare the script, where we will lay out the individual scenes, texts for the subtitles and voiceover, think about transitions, shot sequences, graphic elements and the dynamics of transitions. This way, the video has a clear line and no time is wasted in shooting or post-production. This plays a huge role, especially on shoots where the performers need to speak directly to the camera - they always get a script from us in advance so they can prepare.

Shooting reels in practice

Shooting in a studio has its own clear rules and gives us the peace of mind to work in a well thought out way, including working with the equipment (lighting, sound, etc.). But the reality often looks different. Reels are created all over the place - for example at festivals, events, or on the client's premises. In such unexplored environments, decisions have to be made quickly - finding suitable scenes on location, dealing with noise and working with people who are often not experienced actors.

This is where our team's experience and technique (and often improvisation) help us - they allow us to handle a variety of conditions and turn them into an authentic video that naturally captivates and draws the viewer in.

Post-production reels give the video its final form

Post-production is a phase that takes a considerable amount of time - whether it's a short 20-second format or longer reels. Depending on the length and complexity of the final video, we're talking on the order of several hours of work.

Post-production includes selecting the best shots, putting them together in a logical sequence, fine-tuning the colours and rhythm, choosing transitions, deploying music, titles, graphics and close-ups, and often cleaning up the soundtrack. If it happens that the recorded sound is not usable (e.g. due to filming outdoors, where there is a lot of noise or perhaps the wind is blowing and even the "furry" on the microphone does not eliminate it), we prepare an alternative voiceover in post-production.

This is where it becomes apparent that quality reel making is a combination of ideas, technical skills complemented by experience and a feel for the brand. Thanks to the detailed workmanship, the video is professional and true to intent - including adherence to the client's brand rules.

How we involve AI when creating reels

We don't just rely on the technology in the field for filming and post-production. We also use a lot of AI tools that save us time and help us fine-tune the result. For clear and natural voiceovers, we reach for ElevenLabs, effects, music or better incorporation of the situation or product we solve with Nano Banana or Envato. V CapCutu and Canva we work with smart features for subtitling, editing and graphics. We brainstorm lyrics and scripts with the help of Gemini or ChatGPT, we also do visual experiments in KlingAI and other tools.

For us, AI is not a substitute for creativity, but a partner that allows us to react faster, deliver outputs to clients in less time and higher quality, and work more efficiently.

Why is one reel worth five hours of work

If we add up all the stages - from the idea and script design to the preparation of the environment, the shooting itself and post-production - we get an average of about five hours of work per video. It's time that translates into quality and final effect.

At the same time, we can make the most of one shooting day. We are able to collect material for multiple reels during that day, which saves the client time and budget. Instead of repeatedly calling the crew together, this creates more content from one event, with a unified visual and content line.

We don't just rely on the technology in the field for filming and post-production. We also use a lot of AI tools that save us time and help us fine-tune the result. For clear and natural voiceovers, we reach for ElevenLabs, effects, music or better incorporation of the situation or product we solve with Nano Banana or Envato. V CapCutu and Canva we work with smart features for subtitling, editing and graphics. We brainstorm lyrics and scripts with the help of Gemini or ChatGPT, we also do visual experiments in KlingAI and other tools.

For us, AI is not a substitute for creativity, but a partner that allows us to react faster, deliver outputs to clients in less time and higher quality, and work more efficiently.

Quality reels can sell. Anyone can make a short video today - all you need is a mobile phone and a few ideas. But staying on trend, looking for inspiration in the long term, having the right equipment and programs at hand and mastering post-production is not so time-saving and easy.

And that's what we help with. Contact us and let us show you how professional reels can move your business forward.

Conclusion

This case study shows how targeted campaign segmentation and systematic expansion supported by friendly, open and active communication can lead to more efficient use of advertising budgets and higher return on investment. By combining the right mix of PMAX campaigns, localised expansion and strategic META campaigns, we have not only managed to optimise costs but also achieve significant year-on-year growth in new markets.

Are you also considering expansion into new markets? Or just reconfiguring and optimizing your campaigns? We will be happy to consult with you. Write or call us.

Author of the article:

Aneta Kohlmannová

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