It is a pity, but true!
I often meet marketing communicators from various organizations. Many Marcoms do not appreciate the idea of a sleek corporate film worth talking about. Marketing departments play it safe. Safe - works for them. Safe - is easy for them. 'Safe' will keep their job. Safe sells. Safe gets him through their superiors. Or does it? Really?
What is safe?
A video with some shots of the people, some infrastructure, some bites, some logo animation. But Safe doesn't converse or even connect with the audience. It doesn't ignite action. Most audience disconnect at the 40th second...
Making a remarkable video for your company that works isn't difficult. However, it takes effort and time for both, you and the creator. If no one is talking about your video, where is the ROI from the video?
My 27 years of experience highlights different ways your corporate video can get noticed, ignite conversations and spark some action...and keep the management happy too. Read on...
TELL A STORY - Take your audience on a journey.
LESS IS MORE - Don't stuff your PowerPoint slides into a video. PowerPoint is already doing its job well. A video is different medium altogether, neither a verbose print medium nor a non-stop radio channel.
THINK ONLY ABOUT YOUR AUDIENCE - ...And not how you conduct your business. Do we buy a shirt after understand how it is manufactured? Or do we simply buy because we like and trust the brand. Focus and create that trust.
USE REAL PEOPLE, REAL CONTEXT - Your audience can easily differentiate between a stock footage and a real one. Authenticity works. Reality touches them.
A GREAT STORY IS TIMELESS - Tell a story. It creates magic. Never gets obsolete. The same is true with a powerful corporate video.
QUALITY PAYS - Hire a vendor who has experience working at an international level. Today the competition is global. Your vendor should understand your needs, understands brands and address them in a global perspective. Respect his experience in making corporate videos and leave the creative space for him. Remember a bad campaign can ruin your brand image.
INVOLVE YOUR CUSTOMERS - Allow your customers testify your story. It is better than you bragging or self testifying.
CONNECTION EMOTIONALLY - A video captured emotionally has energy. It motivates and engages the audience like no other medium.
KEEP THE MOOD LIGHT - All work and no play will make your audience a dull customer. Bring in some playful and humour moments into the video.
KEEP THE PACE - Rapid change of visuals, music, tone of the voiceover, ideas will break the monotony.
MAKES HEROES - Yes. Make heroes out of your employees. Tell them to narrate their incredible experiences. It works.
DON'T BE PENNYWISE - Great graphics are captivating. But it needs time and effort. Permit that freedom. Spending just right will enhance it. However, cutting costs may ruins it all.
INTERFERENCE KILLS CREATIVITY - Film scripts are made in advance so that every idea connects well and is executed as planned. Changing ideas often breaks the flow of thought. Experienced Ad film makers have industry experience of understanding what works with audiences. Eventually you becoming the director of your corporate film may again make it look like your another PowerPoint presentation!