A small screen does not require every performance to be louder. It requires the important action to be readable. The directing question is what the viewer should notice first and how the scene guides their attention.
Choose one action per beat
If the subject is opening a package, let the camera see the opening. Avoid competing gestures or a camera move that hides the product. Rehearse the action with the intended framing and graphics before recording a long sequence.
Match performance to the message
A demonstration, a personal account and a comic scene need different energy. Give talent a clear intention rather than a blanket instruction to be more expressive. Watch a take on a phone before deciding that subtlety has been lost.
Build transitions from the action
A change in hand position or a movement across frame can create a motivated edit. Capture clean starts and finishes so the editor can use it. Avoid adding transitions only because the platform feels fast.
Review the complete viewing context
Place captions and the end card over the footage. Watch with audio and on mute. Read our social-first production guide, or discuss a short-form brief.