The Craft of BTS Direction: Aaqilull Qhaeer’s Takeaways

Introduction

Behind-the-scenes videos are often misunderstood as “bonus” content — simple compilations of fun moments or raw clips stitched together at the end of a project. But BTS, when directed with intention, becomes something much more valuable: a record of process, a leadership exercise, and a strategic storytelling tool. For creative agencies like AICREATIVV, where culture, collaboration, and process matter as much as polished output, a well-directed BTS becomes part of the brand itself.

For the BDCB UsinWise project, that responsibility fell into the hands of Aaqilull Qhaeer, who stepped into the director’s seat for only the second time. Although it began as a simple documentation task, it quickly turned into a masterclass in directing, team management, and creative decision-making. This blog breaks down his approach and the universal lessons young creatives can learn if they hope to lead their own productions confidently.

1. Start With a Clear Vision, Even if You’re New

Every strong video starts with a strong intention, and for Aaqilull Qhaeer, that intention was simple: honour the team and elevate the work. His initial vision was rooted in giving the UsinWise creatives the spotlight they deserved while simultaneously showing what AICREATIVV could achieve visually. This early clarity allowed him to anchor every decision from tone, pacing, framing, and even post-production style all based around a unified goal.

Many first-time directors make the mistake of over-planning or under-planning. Aaqilull Qhaeer approached it with balance: a basic structure, a strong emotional direction, and enough room to adapt on set. For beginner directors, this is the first lesson: you don’t need a perfect plan, but you do need a clear one.

Every video begins with a storyboard

2. Build the Structure Before You Touch the Camera

A major part of directing a BTS video lies in understanding which story you want to tell. Aaqilull Qhaeer approached this the way most directors do:

• ShotDeck references for visual inspiration

• YouTube and Instagram for understanding pacing

• Creative conversations with the Director of Photography, editor, art director, and VFX team to refine alignment

  
  

By breaking the shoot down traditionally; wide-to-tight shots, functional coverage, narrative inserts, reaction cutaways, he ensured the BTS would feel intentional rather than random. He also pre-identified “must-capture moments”: the voice-over session, team collaboration scenes, and interactions between talent and crew.

For new directors, the takeaway is clear:

Structure saves you long before you begin shooting.

Shot list for more clarity

3. Directing Is 50% Technical, 50% Morale

A director’s job extends far beyond calling out angles and lighting adjustments. On set, your team mirrors your emotional temperature. Because this was only his second time directing, Aaqilull Qhaeer made it a priority to lead from calmness and clarity while keeping morale high so the team could perform at their best.

“I did my best to make the team trust me and trust the vision,”

That confidence became a guiding force for the Director of Photography (Syafi ‘Aizzuddeen), editor (Rusydinul Aiman), gaffer (Hisham Firdaus), VFX artist (Dhiyaurrahman Suhaimi), and the full cast of creatives in front of the camera.

For anyone stepping into directing, this becomes a crucial reminder:

If you are uncertain, your team will be uncertain. If you lead with clarity, they will deliver.

4. Let the Universe Shape the Aesthetic

The UsinWise Universe is colourful, whimsical, warm, and deeply character-driven. Instead of treating the BTS as a separate entity, Aaqilull Qhaeer allowed the universe to guide its tone. He leaned into the playful colour palette, the optimistic messaging, and the motivating energy the original UsinWise production carried.

This influenced blocking (more movement, more interaction), lighting (brighter, softer), and pacing (welcoming, rhythmic). In educational terms, this is a foundational rule:

A strong BTS does not exist outside the main project, it extends the same emotional universe.

5. Prepare for Technical Challenges and Adapt in Real-Time

Behind the scenes is unpredictable. Time constraints were a major challenge, because AICREATIVV still had active client projects running in parallel. There were also creative shifts along the way such as ideas that sounded good but didn’t fit, or moments where multiple options had to be weighed quickly.

Aaqilull navigated this through:

• Constant communication,

• Quick decision-making,

• Committing to the vision even when new ideas appeared mid-shoot.

  
  

For aspiring directors, this is essential: commit first, refine later. Floating in indecision is what slows down production.

6. Editing Is Easier When You’ve Directed With Intention

Because he directed the project, stepping in as second editor became significantly more intuitive. He already knew the rhythm the video needed, the emotional beats required, and how the story should unfold. The challenge, however, was resisting the temptation to introduce new ideas too late in the process.

This becomes an important teaching point:

Editing is the second stage of directing. The clearer your direction, the faster your edit will fall into place.

Aaqilull built the sequence around the same welcoming energy as the UsinWise main video where warm transitions, steady pacing, expressive colour, and intentional sound design are beautifully blended together.

7. Leadership Is a Skill You Refine, Not a Title You Hold

One of the strongest takeaways from this project was understanding that leadership is less about authority and more about managing flow, people, and clarity. Directing a BTS video, especially in an agency like AICREATIVV, requires a balance of teaching, learning, and trusting your team.

“Leadership relies heavily on vision, morale, strong communication, and constant improvement.”

Every director beginner or experienced, will eventually learn this:

Your team doesn’t need you to be perfect. They need you to be clear, grounded, and open to growth.

Conclusion

Directing Isn’t About Control, It’s About Clarity

A BTS video might look simple on the surface, but directing one is a powerful exercise in leadership and creative structure. From breaking down shots to aligning a team, building an aesthetic, and holding the emotional temperature of the room — it’s one of the best training grounds for any aspiring director.

If there is one takeaway from Aaqilull Qhaeer’s process, it’s this:

Behind-the-scenes content deserves as much intention as the final product.

And when directed well, it becomes a reflection not just of the work; but of the culture, teamwork, and creative discipline behind every campaign.

 (In case you haven't seen the video, do consider giving their hard work a watch!)