Training videos should do one thing exceptionally well: change on-the-job behavior. If your content isn’t improving proficiency, reducing errors, or speeding up onboarding, it’s noise. Below is a practical, production-ready playbook you can hand to your team (or to your vendor) to elevate your next training series—from planning through distribution—without blowing up timelines or budgets.

Start with outcome, not outline

Define the “after” state. Write a single sentence: “After this video, a new hire can __.” Keep verbs observable (assemble, calibrate, log, escalate).

Pick 1–3 KPIs. Time-to-competency, error rate, quiz score uplift, or ticket deflection. Design scenes to move those numbers.

Structure for attention (and search)

One task per video (3–6 minutes). Long modules are for LMS packaging; short videos are for memory.

Open with a promise (0:00–0:20). “In three minutes you’ll safely lock out an XYZ press.” Show the finished result first.

Chunk with chapter cards. On-screen mini-headers every 45–60 seconds become jump targets in your LMS/SharePoint/YouTube.

Script like a coach, not a lecturer

Micro-scripts win. Write in second person, present tense. Avoid passive voice and qualifiers.

Call out failure modes. “Common mistake: over-tightening the collet. Look for this scratch pattern.”

Pair narration + action. Every sentence should point at what’s on screen right now.

Show, don’t tell: visuals that teach

Camera strategy.

Wide for context; medium for ergonomics; macro for hands, fasteners, and UI states.

Lock critical steps on a tripod; use gimbal walkthroughs only for orientation.

Graphics that guide. Use animated arrows, checkmarks, and brief supers (≤8 words). Reserve lower-thirds for labels and part numbers.

Screen capture discipline. 125–150% UI zoom; darken the canvas, highlight cursor clicks, and preload data to avoid dead time.

Audio clarity beats 4K

Voiceover: record in a treated room, -16 LUFS target for web, pop filter, and consistent mic distance.

On-location: lav + on-camera shotgun as safety; capture 30 seconds of room tone for clean edits.

Music: only if it supports pacing; never under instruction-critical lines.

Accessibility and compliance (build it in, not on)

Captions: closed captions (.srt/.vtt), not burned-in, with speaker IDs when multiple voices.

Contrast & legibility: Rec.709, bold type ≥ 48px at 1080p, minimum 4.5:1 contrast.

Localization: plan for text-light screens; store all on-screen text in a style sheet for easy swaps.

Keep it safe and accurate

SME sign-off at board phase. Approve frames and steps before filming, not after editing.

Risk shots: treat lockout-tagout, PPE, and chemical handling as separate beats with explicit callouts.

Version control: overlay version codes (e.g., “WELD-101 v1.3 2025-08”) and maintain a change log.

Leverage AI where it actually helps

Pre-production: draft outlines, convert SOPs to scripts, and generate shot lists.

Post: auto-captions, filler-word cleanup, noise reduction, and multilingual subtitle packs.

Searchability: produce AI-assisted transcripts to power internal search (“show me the torque step”).

Human expertise still matters most for demonstrations, tone, and safety language. Use AI as an accelerator, not a substitute.

Indoor drone? Use it smartly

When it’s valuable: plant tours, warehouse navigation, hazard-awareness routes, or process flow orientation.

How to do it: micro-drones with prop guards, pre-mapped routes, and spotters. Mix overhead paths with ground-level macro for the how-to steps.

Deliverables that scale

Master once, export many.

Capture: 4K (UHD, 3840×2160) 10-bit; 1/60 shutter at 30 fps for clarity on motion and UI.

Primary deliverable: 1080p, H.264, 12–20 Mbps; Rec.709 color.

Variants: 1:1 and 9:16 crops for LMS mobile, intranet, and field tablets.

Audio: -16 LUFS (web), true-peak ≤ -1 dBTP.

File pack: MP4, clean text-less export for localization, .srt/.vtt captions, layered graphics, and transcript (.txt/.docx).

Naming: DEPT_COURSE_MODULE_STEP_vX.Y_YYYYMMDD.mp4 for auditability.

Distribution and measurement

LMS integration: chapters mapped to objectives; SCORM/xAPI tracking for completions and quiz scores.

Feedback loop: embed 1-question pulse checks (“Was this clear?”) and watch heatmaps for rewatch spikes.

Update cadence: minor edits quarterly, full re-shoots tied to SOP revisions or new tooling.

Quick checklist (print this)

Outcome statement + KPIs

Board-approved visual plan

Short, task-based modules (3–6 min)

Macro coverage of critical steps

Captions + localization ready

Version code on screen + change log

LMS chapters + xAPI events wired

Metrics review 30 days post-launch

Example micro-script (60 seconds)

Title card: Replace Conveyor Belt—Tensioning
Promise: “In one minute, you’ll replace and tension a 24” belt to spec.”

Lockout & Verify (on-screen checklist + padlock close-up)

Remove Guard (torque spec pop-up)

Belt Off/On (macro of roller orientation; arrow highlights)

Set Tension (tension gauge reading; green check overlay)

Test Run & Inspect (B-roll; callout: “Listen for slap—if present, add ¼ turn.”)
Close: “Next: Belt Tracking—watch module 2.”

Why this approach works

Cognitive load: smaller modules + visuals reduce extraneous load and improve retention.

Behavioral focus: clear objectives + failure-mode callouts translate to safer, faster work.

Operational efficiency: standardized deliverables, captions, and naming shrink the update cycle.

Partner with a team built for training video outcomes

Since 1982, Haller Concepts has partnered with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the St. Louis area to produce training and marketing photography and video that move the metrics that matter. We are a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with the right equipment and seasoned crew to ensure successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, plus editing and post-production, and licensed drone pilots—and we can fly our specialized drones indoors for safe, high-impact orientation footage.

Haller Concepts can customize productions for diverse media requirements and repurpose your photography and video branding to gain more traction across LMS, intranet, and social channels. We’re well-versed in all file types, media styles, and accompanying software, and we use the latest in Artificial Intelligence across scripting, captioning, localization, and content management to deliver faster and smarter.

Our private studio lighting and visual setup is perfect for small productions and interview scenes, and our studio is large enough to incorporate props to round out your set. We support every aspect of your production—from setting up a private, custom interview studio to supplying professional sound and camera operators, as well as providing the right equipment—ensuring your next video production is seamless and successful.

(314) 913-5626 Mike Haller mikeh@hallerconcepts.com