In this video, I share my cheats / hack template project I use to elevate my promo videos. Rather than try to remember all the ways you can improve a shot through color grading, lens distortion, light leaks, grain and more - I find it easier to have a project file with all these quick wins set up and ready to use. This way once a shot has its visual effects in place, I can make it look amazing just by dropping it into the included comp.
Are they shortcuts? Yes. Is it a bit hacky or cheating to have a template ready to go? You betcha!
Do I care when the final looks better or more cinematic? Not one bit.