What mod should I use that isn't laggy, like life in the woods, for a minecraft series?

Rei's Minimal or maybe Tinkerers Construct. Also Open Block.

Technically, we wouldn't know unless you specify what your computer specifications are. Also, we wouldn't know since you didn't even state the theme of your minecraft series.

You could try Tekkit/Bukkit/Feed the Beast modpacks since they usually come with pretty interesting mods. You could also head over to Youtube and watch mod reviews and select those that you like. Personally, I prefer those that add new dimensions to the game like the Aether, Shadow Realm, Dimension Doors, etc. Content mods like Mo' Creatures add flavour to the game.