Video Content
More and more companies have their own cameras and editing software. Most still make video content that is too long, poorly delivered and dull. For these reasons it doesn’t connect with the audience, and so fails in its intentions.
So we teamed up with our friends at Number 1 Media, who work with local companies through to the likes of Volkswagen on getting it right in front of the camera, to offer some tips.
Christopher Slade of Number 1 Media explains: “There is nothing wrong with using a low-cost camera but make the intentions clear and simple. Avoid “men in suits” talking too much. However, even a simple message, well delivered by an individual, can really work well as part of a company’s internal or external communications campaign.”
Some tips for a simple “piece to camera” delivered by an individual:
- Set out to make a short video piece – 1 and a half minutes max – less even
- Identify a specific intention – part of a real campaign – the more precise the better and so the clearer will be the results
- Think of your audiences – who are they and what will they understand – avoid jargon – we all like to hind behind that
- Have two or three simple messages with the audience in mind – more will be too much
- Bullet point the main messages to refer to – but don’t write a script
- Have a good opening and catchy sentence to start, and think of a clear, motivating ending too – this has to be simple and conversational in style
- Think of where to film this – avoid boring office backgrounds – go outside or to a relevant location – remember only a small part of a background setting will actually be filmed
- Don’t learn anything, but practice your piece, using notes, out loud
- “Act it up” a bit for the camera – you need to be like a real tv presenter and come across confidently on screen
- When you get used to this – shooting a short piece should only take about an hour or less
- Film the piece in short sections – change the shot slightly each time – to be edited together later
- The edit should be simple and quick – just assemble the sections together
- Try to add suitable music or graphics if you feel confident
- Above all keep it short, clear, engaging, and relevant to a specific business campaign
- Be bold and try things – if it doesn’t work first time, you don’t have to use it!
