Social Media Compliance: Why It Matters When Creating Content
Social Media Compliance: Why It Matters When Creating Content
What Does Compliance Really Mean?
The word ‘compliance’ might sound anything but creative, confusing possibly or even a little scary. But what does it actually mean when you’re creating content? In simple terms, it’s about looking out for everyone involved, protecting the people on screen, the audience who will see it and the creator behind it. Think of it as putting the right foundations in place so your stories can be shared safely, confidently and responsibly. It’s not about stifling creativity, it’s about supporting it.
Why Social Media Is Changing
I’ve worked in television for over 20 years and in broadcast we always consider compliance before anything goes to air. Online, social media has often felt much more immediate and fast moving and it’s fair to say that for many, compliance hasn’t been a priority.
That’s changing. Platforms are under more pressure than ever to manage harmful or sensitive content. Automated systems now make decisions faster and even well-meaning posts can be restricted or removed if compliance hasn’t been considered.
Compliance Is For Everyone
It’s easy to see how some creators might think compliance doesn’t apply to them but even short, light-hearted videos can travel far beyond their intended audience. A joke, a challenge or a throwaway moment can be copied or misinterpreted by younger or more vulnerable viewers than it was originally intended for. This can sometimes lead to imitative behaviour that wasn’t anticipated. That’s not to say you shouldn’t do the challenge or tell the joke. A lot of compliance comes down to judgment calls, it’s about asking yourself: Am I comfortable putting this out?
A Broadcast Approach to Social Media Compliance
At Reef Knot Productions, we bring a broadcast approach to social media compliance. We know most creators aren’t careless, the rules are just evolving quickly. That’s why we’re launching practical courses and consultancy to help individuals and teams:
• Understand potential risks before publishing
• Ask the right questions
• Feel confident that their content is safe and aligned with their brand’s ethics
Creating With Confidence And Integrity
It’s not about making creators experts in law, it’s about knowing the right questions to ask when it comes to editorial and legal responsibilities. That way, you can focus on telling your stories without worrying about compliance. Because once content is removed or misinterpreted, the damage is already done. But with the right approach to social media compliance, those risks can be managed and more importantly, you can rest easy knowing you’re doing your utmost to protect everyone involved in the content you share.
Filming Tips Using Your Phone
Emma
How to Film Professional Looking Content on Your Phone
At Reef Knot Productions we understand that for some brands, particularly small businesses, having a professional video produced might not be an option. Being able to film quality content on your phone is a potentially cheap and easy way to promote your product or service. There is some fantastic do it yourself content out there, made by some very talented individuals, but for some creating video can feel a bit overwhelming, where do you even start? I know I felt painfully aware of my lack of knowledge regarding websites when we first had this one designed. Even now every time I go to publish one of these blogs I have a fear I am accidentally going to delete our entire site, so far I haven’t but there’s still time. But knowledge is power and all that, so with that in mind I’ve created a simple guide to walk you through best practices when using your phone and suggest some equipment you might want to consider using.
I’ve tried to add tips to cover a range of filming scenarios however for more bespoke guidance please contact us. We are here to help.
1. Equipment Checklist
Before you begin recording you will want to have the right kit if you want to produce professional looking content. Depending on what you are filming the below might vary, if you require further advice, we can recommend a kit list specifically designed for your needs.
- Phone (ideally on Do Not Disturb mode)
- Tripod
- Lights
- Microphone and receiver (your choice of microphone eg clip, hand held, Lav headset).
- Headphones optional but recommended for monitoring sound.
2. Setting Up Your Phone
- Make sure your camera lens is clean, use a soft cloth to wipe if required.
- Set your phone to 4K resolution at 25 or 30 fps for best quality (go to Settings > Camera > Record Video).
- Use airplane mode or Do Not Disturb to avoid interruptions during filming.
- If you have someone with you, we recommend using the rear camera of your phone for best quality. It generally offers higher resolution and gives you access to a wider range of lenses. However, if you’re filming solo, it’s perfectly acceptable to use the front facing camera. This allows you to monitor your shot and ensure everything is recording as planned.
3. Lighting
- The type of lighting you need depends on what you are filming, however if you are filming indoors or outdoors in low light, we would always recommend you use some form of lighting. We can suggest appropriate lighting for you based on your requirements.
- Avoid harsh overhead lights or backlighting e.g. from windows, there are occasions when you might want to include a window, for example if you want to feature the exterior view, in which case you will need a good lighting set up to achieve professional results.
- You might want to consider using diffused light for a softer image.
4. Sound
- If using a clip mic, the ideal would be to place it about a hand’s width below the chin, find a place that is comfortable and check the sound for clothes rustle before you record. Under clothing or over clothing is a style choice, movement can cause rustles on the audio under fabric but looks move professional. Over clothing, whilst giving clearer audio, may not be the aesthetic you desire.
For headset mics ensure they are secure and unobtrusive in the frame. - If you are recording interviews/voxpops you might want to use a hand mic
- If your content features more than one person you will need to ensure they can all be heard, so you might need multiple clip mics or if you are using a hand mic, have a test run before you use it so you are comfortable moving it between speakers.
- Monitor the sound with headphones during a test recording.
- Ensure there’s minimal background noise. In situations where you can’t control the noise, ensure you/your subject are able to talk into the mic and be heard over the noise.
5. Framing the Shot
- Set the camera at eye level, neither looking up nor down.
- Keep the subject’s eyes roughly one-third from the top of the frame.
- Use a mid-shot or head and shoulders framing for interviews or talking heads.
- Think about what you are filming, if you are demonstrating a yoga move for example you might want to keep the camera locked off on a wide shot. However if you want to show the detail of a move or part of the body you might want to consider filming this on a close up as well and adding to your edit after.
6. Location and Environment
- Choose a quiet, well-lit location with minimal echo.
- Avoid busy or cluttered backgrounds unless they are deliberately styled.
- Think about your brand, does the environment reflect your tone and values?
- Dress the background if needed, add props, plants, or branded items.
- Remove distracting items or clutter.
- Check for reflective surfaces or objects that might interfere with lighting or sound.
7. Delivery Tips
- Speak clearly and confidently, at a steady pace. Practice what you want to say but avoid sounding over-rehearsed.
- If you want to use autocue/teleprompter, practice and be aware of your eyeline moving across the screen. You want to maintain natural eye contact with the lens if you are speaking directly to the camera aka your audience.
- Think about tone, do you want to appear warm, if yes remember to smile. Is this a serious topic? Think about your facial expressions, the tone of your voice and the speed of your delivery.
- Consider getting someone to ask you questions off camera, this can lend itself to a more natural reaction from you that will help you connect more with an audience.
- Keep takes short and focused if you’re new to presenting.
8. Final Checks Before Recording
- Double-check sound levels and mic connection.
- Ensure you/your subject is well lit and framed properly.
- Do a 10-second test recording and play it back.
- Confirm the phone is steady on the tripod.
- You’re ready to press record!
If you would like further support on creating your own content and/or are interested in elevating your brand further with professionally shot video we’d love to hear for you.
Moving to Cornwall
Emma
Our Story of Work-Life Balance and Starting a Business
A couple of years ago, we upped sticks and moved just outside Truro in Cornwall, hoping to achieve that elusive work-life balance so many of us strive for. We had been living in a beautiful village in the stunning Peak District in Derbyshire, but as a television producer and director, most of our work took us out of the county. I spent a lot of time commuting to MediaCityUK in Salford, while Dom was often away filming all over the country.
Why We Chose to Relocate to Cornwall
The Peak District has a dark, majestic beauty that is spectacular, but we’re a family who loves the sea—and there isn’t much of that in the middle of England! I have family in Cornwall, and we spent a big chunk of the school holidays here (generally overstaying our welcome). One October half-term, I took the kids to The Headland Hotel in Newquay for afternoon tea with the ‘High Witch.’ For those who don’t know, the original film of Roald Dahl’s The Witches was filmed there. Our son had been reading the book at school, and it seemed like a fun thing to do—it was.
After indulging in tasty little sandwiches and Halloween-themed cakes, I was sitting on Fistral Beach watching the kids running about in their short sleeves when I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be amazing to live down here?’ Then, ‘Maybe we could…?’ The spell had been cast, and I was well and truly bewitched! Luckily, Dom and the kids were also excited about the idea of living in Cornwall, and now here we are.
The Challenges of Moving to Cornwall
Obviously, it wasn’t as simple as packing up and going. We had plenty of anxious thoughts about relocating the kids from their school, leaving our friends and family behind, and whether we would find enough work in Cornwall. But we had to try it—if things didn’t work out, we could always move back up north. Thankfully, it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
What’s It Like Living in Cornwall?
Since moving to Cornwall, we’ve fallen in love with the lifestyle, the community, and, of course, the breathtaking scenery. Cornwall is one of the most beautiful and magical places on earth, from The Lizard to The Roseland, from Bodmin to Bude, from Minack to Mawgan Porth. We’re truly spoilt when it comes to stunning landscapes, coastal walks, and amazing places to explore. The people are incredibly welcoming, our kids love it here, and we’ve become hugely popular with our friends and family ‘up country’—especially during the school holidays!
How We Started a Video Production Company in Cornwall
Dom and I have always loved storytelling—listening to people’s experiences and capturing them on camera. We’d always toyed with the idea of creating micro-documentaries, and one day we asked ourselves, ‘What if we did this for a living?’
Maybe taking the plunge and moving to Cornwall gave us the confidence to take another risk and set up our own video production company. Or maybe we were just suckers for stress! Either way, Reef Knot Productions was born.
What’s Next for Us?
Who knows what the future holds, but fingers crossed, we get the perfect work-life balance we always thought was beyond our reach. Uprooting our family and running a business in Cornwall has come with its challenges, but the rewards have been incredible.
Thinking of Getting a Video made?
Emma
Why Authentic Storytelling Through Video can Help Connect with Your Customer
Last night I was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram and the face of an actress I like pops up, so I watch the clip. The actress is brushing foundation into her face, pauses to admire the result and then gasps a predictable ‘wow’! Apparently if I use this particular brand of foundation all evidence of aging will be banished, and my face will take on the dewy glow of a 20 something. I sigh as the respect I once had for this actress plummets, along with my opinion of the brand she’s promoting. I find these kinds of ads irritating and disingenuous, really, I can get bright white teeth using a certain toothpaste? Really, if I use a particular brand of shampoo, I can get thicker hair? Ultimately, I don’t trust the brands that use that type of advertising and my guess is I am probably not the only one.
In a digital marketplace crammed full of these types of ads, companies are finding themselves in a tricky position, they want to connect with their audience, they want to promote their brand and they want their customers to trust them, but how?
Authentic storytelling through video has emerged as one of the most effective ways to engage clients and foster long-term relationships. Here’s why it works so well and how your brand can benefit.
1. Build Genuine Connections with Your Audience
Audiences want authenticity. They want to see the people, values, and stories behind the brand. Video storytelling allows you to share your journey, showcase real-life experiences, and convey your brand’s purpose in a way that connects with people.
Whether it’s a heartfelt testimonial, a behind-the-scenes look at your business or a micro-documentary telling the story of your brand. Authentic videos make your brand relatable and memorable.
2. Increase Engagement Across Platforms
Video content tends to outperform other formats on social media, websites, and email campaigns. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok generally favour video in their algorithms, meaning your stories are more likely to reach a broader audience. Videos that tell a compelling story encourage viewers to watch, comment, and share—expanding your reach and boosting engagement.
3. Showcase Your Brand’s Unique Personality
Storytelling through video gives your brand a voice and a face, helping you stand out in a competitive market. Your story is unique, and video is the perfect way to convey your personality, mission, and values. By doing this, you attract clients who align with your brand’s ethos, fostering stronger loyalty.
4. Strengthen Trust and Credibility
Authenticity builds trust, and trust is essential for client relationships. Videos that feature real customers, employees, or founders help to establish credibility. For example, sharing stories of how your product or service positively impacts lives can turn potential clients into loyal customers.
5. Drive Conversions and Business Growth
Authentic storytelling doesn’t just capture attention—it drives action. Viewers who emotionally connect with your story are more likely to take the next step, whether that’s signing up for your newsletter, following your brand on social media, or making a purchase.
Like my opinion of the famous actress, my trust in brands disintegrates if I think I’m being sold a fantasy. Authentic storytelling through video is a powerful way to build meaningful relationships with your audience. By connecting on a deeper level, showcasing your brand’s unique personality, you can engage clients honestly and still grow your company.