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Making a Promotional Film. Skyshutter's 15 Step Approach
Skyshutter • 29 June 2020
Making Your Film
When we create a promotional film for you we never forget it is YOUR FILM. Using the latest drones, stabilised cameras and editing software we connect YOU and your story to YOUR CUSTOMERS. As you read this, remember it is a collaborative project. We will work together every step of the way.
Skyshutter's guide to creating your promotional video
Contents:
1. Initial Concept
2. Type & Style of Video
3. Stages of Customer
4. Delivery Platform
5. Brain Storm Ideas
6. How Much Time For Each Item
7. Decide Basic Time Line
8. Choose Music
9. Create a Storyboard
10. Produce a Shot List
11. Record Audio / Video Interview
12. Record Video Footage
13. Edit
14. Distribute
15. Feedback / Review
1. Initial Concept
The initial concept is just that. Maybe you've had an idea floating in your mind for a while. Perhaps a colleague or friend has suggested using video. Maybe you've seen some aerial video or photography and it's got you thinking. Let's face it, who doesn't watch video's online these days? The important thing to remember here is it is possible to get high definition quality videos to your customers.
2. Type & Style of Video
You know your customers and future customers more than anyone. You know the demographics of the new customers you want to attract. With this knowledge you can choose the style of video. It will normally fall into one of these categories: Educational, Entertainment, Explainer/Demo, Event, Testimonial, Corporate, Tutorials, Work Culture, Loyalty Program or Thank You.
3. Stages of Customer
Where are your customers at? Are you trying to get their attention, nurture them, convert them or grow them? Asking yourself these questions will help you consider appropriate and relevant content. Remember, its's not just about how good your product or service is….it's what you can do to help and solve your customers needs and problems.
4. Delivery Platform
Your delivery platform will be dependent on the type of video and stage of customer. It will usually be social media, a blog, email, website, or landing page(s). More often than not you will distribute it on multiple platforms. Clients may also use a copy on a video loop to show at trade events and fetes.
5. Brain Storm Ideas
One of the most interesting times for us is when we 'brain storm' ideas with you. It's amazing how different people visualise something in so many different ways. Remember, this will always be your project, we just facilitate getting your ideas onto paper.
We use the mind map technique so your ideas always stem from that central core message you want to send. This method helps to keep your message relevant and focussed.
6. How Much Time For Each Item
Video duration is critical. Too short and your message won't get across. Too long and viewers will loose interest and switch off. There are techniques to keep viewers watching but ultimately its about relevant content to the relevant audience. Some delivery platforms (like instagram) limit normal videos to 1 minute (unless you use their IGTV). Other platforms like youtube allow any duration. It's not uncommon to request different duration edits for different delivery platforms.
7. Decide Basic Time Line
A video timeline is simply the chronological order of events. By now you will be clearly picturing how you video will look. You're probably visualising certain clips, imagining your audience's reaction and drilling down on the exact content. This is the stage where you write down the order of events. Essentially, the Introduction (1), Content (4) and Conclusion / Call to action (8). In between these points is the proof/storytelling (2,3,5,6 & 7) .
8. Choose Music
Music choice is really important. Maybe your idea needs something upbeat to introduce a new product. Maybe you're saying thank you to your customers and something more relaxing would be better. Sometimes no music or even silence can be very powerful. We can source the right music with the necessary licence where required.
9. Create a Storyboard
The storyboard is where your vision finally starts coming to life. It is a collection of basic sketches, in the correct order, showing a summary of each scene. It also has notes or scripts beneath. This should resemble very closely the finished product. Use the storyboard with colleagues, family and friends to ensure it tells them the story or message you want to convey.
10. Produce a Shot List
From the storyboard, we produce a shot list. This is a list of every camera shot we require for your project. This way we can shoot in the most efficient way, which is not necessarily in the order of the final video.
11. Record Audio / Video Interview
The power of voice should not be underestimated. Whilst most of us hate the sound of our own voice, it really will connect with your customers. If you don't want to be on camera then don't worry. We can record just your audio and edit it on to the film. We would sit with you and ask questions in a style that allows you to tell your story. This won't suit all types of video but it is worth considering.
12. Record Video Footage
The big day(s)! The filming day is great and we all finally get a chance to put the plan into action. You can expect to see drones flying around and/or strange looking cameras being carried. As our name Skyshutter suggests, we try to use our drones as much as possible. They are so versatile and add level of quality to your product. Be prepared to have things filmed more than once from different angles. If your business has customers present it can be good to have them in the footage. Ask them in advance if they would like to appear on camera.
13. Edit
The edit is where we stitch together all the pieces of film and audio. We start by placing all the clips in the order of your timeline and storyboard. We add in your logo and any calls to action. We recommend overlaying subtitles too as many viewers on social media will watch without audio. We adjust the audio levels and make any necessary colour corrections. Then we all
check, double check and even triple check everything!
14. Distribute
You will already have decided the platforms you plan to use. We normally show your videos on our channels too which helps your marketing. Expect a lot of views if shared effectively. A recent film we made for a small local dairy had over 3000 views in just a few days and their facebook followers went up over 250% within 2 weeks!
15. Feedback / Review
You never stop learning! Even though each stage is collaborative, by the end of our project together we will have lots to talk about. We value your feedback immensely.
You can see some of our customer reviews here.
If you have any questions then please get in touch. If you are considering a promotional film then why not just have a chat with us. More information can be found on our website.
About Skyshutter...
Skyshutter Ltd supplies high quality aerial filming, photography & survey services. We offer HD aerial imagery for a wide range of applications. Whether you have used aerial photography and filming services before, or are exploring the possibilities, let us guide you.
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From marketing videos to promotional photographs, our skilled drone pilots provide high quality aerial images of your land or structures. But it's not just for commercial clients, you can commission us to photograph homes, events and special occasions too. We are CAA approved and hold PLI. Visit Our Main Site: www.skyshutter.co.uk
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