Corporate Video: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly (Part 2)
Advanced Corporate Video Production Tips
This blog is for those who have mastered the basics and seek deeper insights into corporate video production. It's not meant to be pretentious or jaded, but rather a candid look at my decade-long journey in making corporate films.
Key Insights and Best Practices
Use Stock Footage Sparingly: While useful, overreliance on stock footage can feel disingenuous. Only use it when absolutely necessary.
Stay Calm and Professional: Contrary to Hollywood depictions, a well-executed set should be calm and steady. Your demeanor sets the tone for the crew.
Limit Interviews: Too many interviews dilute impact. Be selective and ensure ample time for b-roll.
Plan Distribution: Develop a solid release plan to maximize views and engagement. Consider events, press releases, budgets for promotion, and potential partnerships.
Secure Legal Releases: Ensure all on-camera subjects sign release forms vetted by an attorney to avoid future complications.
Vetting On-Camera Talent: Some great conversationalists may freeze on camera. Always have backups and conduct mock interviews if necessary.
Allow Setup Time: It typically takes 60-90 minutes to get the first shot. Communicate any early shooting requirements to the crew.
Maintain Momentum: For non-actors, keep the process seamless and avoid announcing when the camera is rolling to keep them relaxed.
Be Generous with Non-Actors: Make non-actors feel comfortable with politeness and over-communication. Feed them and show appreciation.
First Take Focus: Non-actors often get bored or exhausted after a few takes. Aim to capture the best shots early.
Interview Fatigue: Non-professionals may tire quickly during interviews. Keep them concise and focused.
Show, Don’t Tell: Use visuals to demonstrate your points rather than relying on voice-overs.
Focus on Customers: Highlight your customers rather than yourself. Let their experiences tell your story.
Avoid Trend Chasing: Stay culturally aware without jumping on every trend.
Beware of Snake Oil Salesmen: Avoid companies that push outdated video marketing statistics. Look for genuine expertise.
Use Two Cameras: Always have a second angle for interviews to provide flexibility in editing.
Wardrobe Considerations: Ensure on-camera talent avoids colors that clash with your setup (e.g., green on a green screen).
Discuss Budgets Early: Being upfront about budgets helps set realistic expectations and achieve desired outcomes.
Pre-Production Planning: Invest in thorough pre-production to save time and money during production.
Post-Production Limits: Understand the limitations of post-production fixes. Plan accordingly during shoots.
Limit Objectives: Avoid overwhelming the shoot with too many goals. Focus on core objectives to maintain video quality.
Clear Direction: Provide clear instructions, whether you know exactly what you want or need guidance.
Create a Creative Brief: A detailed brief helps align expectations and goals.
Storyboard for Narratives: Use storyboards for narrative-driven pieces to visualize the project.
Nitty Gritty Shoot Day Details
Create a Call Sheet: Usually done by the producer. Include all relevant details.
Logistics: Arrange parking for the crew, gear unloading areas, and access to freight elevators.
Clearances and Notifications: Obtain necessary shooting clearances and inform all relevant departments.
Amenities: Ensure water availability and locate nearby bathrooms.
Signage: Put up signs indicating “Filming and recording in progress” to maintain a quiet environment.
Safety: Meet all safety requirements, including PPE and hardhats.
Interviewee Coordination: Inform all interviewees of the schedule and locations. Include time for hair and makeup.
Footage Backup Plan: Confirm that the video production company has a backup plan for your footage.
Schedule B-Roll Time: Allocate sufficient time for capturing b-roll to avoid issues during editing.
Professional Sound Mixing: Get your soundtrack mixed by an audio engineer to ensure high-quality sound, which is crucial for the overall production.
Corporate video production requires continuous learning and adaptation. With the right approach, you can create impactful videos that resonate with your audience.