The Rise of Cinematic Video and Modern Media Skills

Video is the native language of the internet.

The internet has evolved to be predominantly video-based, with social media feeds now consisting of 90% video content, even if it's an image with text and music.

Why: Video has become the primary mode of communication and consumption online, making proficiency in video creation essential for effective online presence and communication.

"I believe that video is the native tongue of the Internet."

The pendulum swings from raw authenticity to cinematic production.

While raw, authentic, and personable user-generated content (UGC) was popular, the market now craves more produced, cool, and cinematic content with planned, snappier dialogue.

Why: When one content style becomes ubiquitous, a demand for its opposite emerges, leading to a shift in audience preference for higher production value and more curated experiences.

"We used to think the best content is the more raw, more authentic, more personable. And that was what was working for a period of time. But you know, the pendulum always swings when you go, when everything becomes super raw, UGC creates a craving and demand for something that's a little more produced, a little more cool, a little more cinematic, a little... The dialogue is snappier because it's like planned, right?"

Cinematic video production is increasingly accessible.

The ability to create cinematic short-form videos has increased tenfold, not primarily due to technological advancements, but because people are seeing others do it and learning how to replicate the style.

Why: Peer influence and readily available tools (like CapCut) lower the barrier to entry for high-quality video production, democratizing cinematic content creation for a wider range of creators.

"the ability to make cinematic videos in short form, it has gone up 10X. Not even really because of the tech. The tech helps, but really, it's just people seeing other people doing it, and then being like, how do I do that too?"

Cinematic content drives disproportionately high engagement.

Videos produced in the new cinematic style often achieve a significantly higher view-to-subscriber ratio and garner comments from viewers who are captivated despite not being interested in the topic.

Why: High production quality, compelling storytelling, and aesthetic appeal can transcend niche interests, drawing in a broader audience and leading to viral success and strong viewer loyalty.

"His average video is getting like 200,000 to a million views. So this is what you want to look for. The view to subscriber ratio, and like he's basically like overperforming, which means his videos are really good, and it's just a matter of time before his sub count explodes."

The cinematic video trend will lead to significant outperformance.

Creators and companies adopting this cinematic style are poised to significantly outperform traditional content creators, becoming the dominant figures in the online video space within a few years.

Why: This style captures audience attention more effectively, leading to faster growth, higher engagement, and greater market share in a competitive content landscape.

"this is a trend where these people are going to significantly outperform and give them two years, and the people who are going to be huge in two years are doing this style of video."

Developing video creation skills is essential for modern communication.

Individuals and businesses must actively learn and practice modern video creation, moving beyond simple 'talking head' videos to adopt the more sophisticated and engaging techniques of the new cinematic style.

Why: Proficiency in video is akin to speaking the internet's native language; those who don't adapt will be at a disadvantage in communicating effectively and reaching their audience online.

"If you suck at making video, you don't speak, you're ESL, baby."

There is a critical need for modern media and marketing education.

Current educational institutions fail to adequately train young people in the skills required for modern media and marketing, which encompasses video content for platforms like TikTok and YouTube, podcasting, short-form ads, and corporate communications.

Why: The demand for skilled video creators far outstrips the supply, creating a significant gap that traditional universities are unlikely to fill, necessitating new educational models focused on practical, modern skills.

"it's going to be incredibly needed to train people to have the skill set to do modern marketing, modern media and marketing."

"Different is better than better" for standing out.

In a crowded content landscape, creating something unique and distinct is more effective than simply trying to make a slightly 'better' version of existing content.

Why: Differentiation captures attention and establishes a unique identity, making content more memorable and impactful than incremental improvements to existing formats.

"Different is better than better."