A good reel is not improvised on shoot day. One hour of preparation saves hours of editing and gives a video that truly looks like your business. Here is the method BRAVUM Media follows for restaurants, salons and shops in Greater Montréal.
1. One message per reel
New menu, opening, signature service, behind the scenes: one reel, one idea. Write it in one sentence before you shoot. If you have three things to say, you have three reels.
2. Nail the first three seconds
That is when people decide to stay or scroll. Open with your strongest shot: the gesture, the product, the result. Avoid logos and slow introductions at the start.
3. Prepare the shot list
Write down the shots to film, in editing order: preparation, close-up details, hands at work, atmosphere, storefront, customers (with their consent). Film each shot a few seconds longer than needed: your editor will thank you.
The right format
Shoot vertically, in 9:16 (1080 × 1920 pixels), for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Facebook. Keep the important elements in the centre: the top and bottom are covered by the app interface.
4. Work the light
Daylight near a window works wonders. Avoid ceiling fluorescents alone and backlighting. In the evening, a small side lamp gives the product depth.
5. Think about sound and music
Real sound often tells the story: the sizzling grill, the scissors, the espresso machine. For music, business accounts don’t have access to the platforms’ full library: use the royalty-free music offered in the app or licensed music.
6. Add on-screen text
Many people watch without sound. A short, readable title at the start, captions if someone speaks, and your name or address at the end are enough.
After the shoot: publish in the right places
- Write a caption that says what, where and for whom, with the neighbourhood name.
- Add the location: geotagged posts help local people find you.
- Reuse the video on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Facebook and your Google profile.
- Stay consistent: one reel a week beats ten in a month and then nothing.
People on camera
Ask customers and employees for their consent before filming them and publishing their image. When in doubt, film hands, products and atmosphere rather than faces.
BRAVUM Media shoots and edits reels for businesses in Greater Montréal, on the ground and by drone, ready for Instagram, TikTok and your Google profile.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a business reel be?
Short and punchy: often between 15 and 30 seconds to showcase a product or service. What matters is that every second serves the message.
Is a phone enough to film?
A recent phone films very well in daylight. A videographer mainly brings framing, lighting, sound, editing and, if needed, drone shots.
Which format should I use?
Vertical 9:16, at 1080 × 1920 pixels. The same file works for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Facebook.
Can I film customers?
Yes, with their consent. Without it, film products, hands and atmosphere instead.
A question? A project?
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