So, we spend a good chunk of our time sitting across from clients, discussing how to turn their unique stories into video content. How to create videos that inform and excite their audience.
And every organization’s got its own special twist. Just like your favorite aunt’s secret lasagna recipe.
But no matter how unique those stories are, there are few basic elements people involved in decision making in your company should discuss internally, before reaching out to video production service.
And it’s not as complicated as assembling IKEA furniture. We promise!
1. Identify the target audience for your video
Knowing the target audience for your video content is like having a compass on a wild adventure. In a grizzly country. You don’t want to get lost there, do you?
Your target audience guides every decision video production company makes. From the script to the music selection. If you’re making a video for tech-savvy teens, you wouldn’t use the same language as you would for retired garden enthusiasts.
Understanding who’s going to watch helps video production team tailor the message, style, and tone. It’s not just knowing your audience; it’s speaking their language.
Know your audience, and you’re halfway there!
Seth Godin talk about how to find your audience.
2. Define the purpose of the video
Before you dial up any video production services, go ahead and pin down the purpose of your video. Think of it like a mission statement.
Are you promoting a product, explaining a concept, or narrating a story?
This clarity will help guide the entire video production process. Including type of video, video, script, visuals, and even the video length.
Knowing your “why” will keep your video focused and impactful, ensuring it doesn’t become a digital driftwood, aimlessly floating through the vast sea of online content.
3. Plan the length of the final video
Planning the length of your final video is more critical than you might think.
Too short, and you may miss vital information; too long, and you risk losing your audience’s attention.
By considering your needs and planning the length in advance, you can strike a balance, aligning your content with viewer engagement, budget considerations, and overall impact.
And remember, most of the time, 30-second video usually takes a bit longer than 30 seconds to make, wink-wink.
4. Consider a budget for video production services
It’s a good idea to discuss a budget for video production before engaging with video production services.
Budgeting helps to set financial parameters for the project, and ensures alignment between your vision and what’s achievable within the given budget. Without this upfront planning, you risk either overspending or having to compromise on quality or scope.
Let’s face it, no one wants their video to look like it was shot on a potato.
5. Plan on who will approve the final video
Before diving into a video project, plan on who will call the shots on revisions. Final video approvals could range from a marketing team huddle to a nod from the big boss.
If your company has got bureaucracy that rivals government, plan accordingly. In scenario like this, picking one primary editor can help with conflicting feedback.
Think of it as having one director instead of a room full of opinionated movie critics.
6. Provide specific deadlines for video production service
Setting specific deadlines for various stages, like the script by next week and the first draft in 4 weeks, keeps everyone on the same page.
This not only helps you stay engaged in the creative process but also gives your video production company clear milestones to meet.
Video production deadlines are the gentle nudge (or loud alarm) that ensures your video doesn’t doesn’t flatline before reaching the finish line.
If you have specific date you need final video done by, make sure to clearly communicate it with video productions company.
7. Put together examples of relevant videos
A nifty trick to show the video agency what you’re after is to provide examples of videos you like.
These video examples could be from your collection, competitors, or even unrelated industries.
By referring to particular shots from the example videos, the video agency can better understand your preferences and explain how they might replicate them in your project.
An example vision board for hunting clothing/gear as well as portrait commercial photography.
8. Think about key visuals to include
While pinning down exact shots happens during the later stages of video production, consider planning around key events, settings, or personnel.
Say, for example, if your café turns into a bustling hotspot on Sunday mornings because of those world-famous croissants, then that could be the prime time to roll cameras.
Consider syncing your video shoot with those vibrant, brand-defining moments.
They’re the golden ticket to your brand and steroids!
9. List your existing video assets
Before diving headfirst into video production, take a moment to rummage through your existing video assets.
You might just stumble upon forgotten footage that’s gold.
By knowing what video assets, you already own, you can identify gaps, save on costs, add diversity to your video production and reduce redundancy.
Why reinvent the wheel when you’ve already got footage or clips that can be easily repurposed for B roll?
Remember, smart video production could be as much about what you already have as what you need to create.
In conclusion, the recipe for a stunning video doesn’t just lie in top-notch cinematography or a catchy soundtrack.
It’s a calculated dance of strategy, creativity, and communication.
By addressing all point above, you’re not only ensuring a smoother video production process but also laying the groundwork for a video both seen and felt by viewers.
Doing some research and homework in advance, puts you in a greater starting position. And that might just be the difference between a forgettable video and one that leaves a lasting impact.
