Showing posts with label Working Wednesday. Show all posts

Promotional Videos For Food Products

Working Wednesday: Promotional Videos For Food Products


The food adverts. We all know and love them. If you weren't hungry when you started watching them you certainly will be by the time they finish with you.

So what is it about them that makes them so mouth-wateringly good? If you pardon the pun. They have been spilt in to two separate camps, the "welcome home" comfort camp, and the "we make food beautiful" cinematic camp. Both are very different but just as effective as the other.

The comfort camp appeals to the audience who see food as the factor that brings together families and friends, it has a real sense of community. For example in the below KFC advert we see a young boy dealing with the stress of being adopted into a new family,  but alas all his fears disappear
 when the bucket of fried chicken is brought out and the start of his new life beginning. Because whose fears don't instantly vanish when faced with fried chicken?

Another great example of the comfort camp is the Richmond Sausages advert. A son flies the nest to do what he wants to do, but comes home to the familiar home cooked sausages.


The next camp is the cinematic camp. Here we see food displayed as a work of art, the advert almost acts as a sensory overload, with all the colours and the sounds, you can't help but wander if you have been transported to the TATE to watch a new installation. Lurpak and M&S are industry leaders in this type of advert.
 
The Lurpak advert shows how the act of cooking itself can be majestic and magic.

In a similar tone, this M&S advert shows that their food alone is enough the get those stomachs rumbling.


But to top it off, Warburton's bread has enlisted celebrity help to add comic relief to this exciting advert.


Food is one of those products you can manipulate into may forms of advert, but judging by the success of these individual brands, food is a big seller however you portray it.

www.dragonsegg.tv

Promotional Videos For Charities

Working Wednesday: Promotional Videos For Charities

You're sat there, watching your shows and an advert break comes on. Then it hits you; the charity commercials. They make you sit up and pay attention by pulling on your heart strings.

As a filmmaker there are factors you need to take into consideration when producing promotional videos for charities:

Understand your audience:

You can't produce anything without getting to know your audience. So know your typical demographic and where the promo will be shown. Where is important as it will also determine the length of the production. For example, if you are showing the video online it can stand to be a little longer.

Have a strong narrative:

Don't just fill the video with all the information out there. Be brave, less is more. Make it as simple as possible so the audience focusses on the issue or message you are trying to put forward.  The production needs to follow a strong storyline, to set out the reason and goals of the charity and the call to action.

Make it emotional and shocking:

You want the audience's hair to stand up on the back of their neck. You want your video to be one of the most poignant things of their day, so much so that they can't stop thinking about it. Try and put your audience in the shoes of the people who need the charities support. A great example of this is the UNICEF advert:



Don't forget your facts: 

Using the emotional and shock card is great, but you need to back it up with statistics in order to install the all important trust factor. For example the NSPCC advert below shares one facts, 1 child in 9 are abused, those figures are showing enough to stand alone.


Have a call to action

Make it clear what your viewers need to do now, have the number clearly displayed and often and make the call to action as easy as possible. Many use a text call to action as it's quicker and easier for the audience, but they also display a phone number. However, don't overload the viewer with all the contact details of the charity, you will only be masking the main contact channel.

Pitching For Documentary

Working Wednesday: Pitching For Documentary


Many don't know what they need or where to start when looking to get their documentary ideas off the ground.

Your idea may be exactly what you want to show to the world, but don't get too caught up in the message. You need to make your story compelling, remember you're pitching for investment, the potential investors are going to want to back something that will make a profit. You need to think how you want your audience to feel when they watch it, so it's also a good idea to think about who your demographic may be, and where the documentary will be shown.

Assembling the team:

You have your show stopping idea, and now you need to get the ball rolling on getting financed. You need a good team around you. Gather a few people who will be enthusiastic and passionate about the documentary, some with good "business heads" to help with the pitching and others who are industry professionals to give you advice. If you can get someone with contacts in the area you are pitching on board, even better!

The power of Social Media:

Don't underestimate the power of social media. If you can gather hype about the documentary this will really help your fundraising case. You are showing there is already a demand for it, and if there is a demand for a product the sales will follow. It will be the shining point of your funding pitch. Plus you already have your audience lined up when you release the production. 

Use your production skills:

'Death by powerpoint' is a well known thing, so don't commit it. It comes with serous consequences, it will put your financiers off backing your production. The chances are you are not the only one who is going to be pitching to them, so stand out from the crowd. You are a creative so use your skills. Make a trailer that is gripping and toe curling, and if you can't do that tell them a story that they can't wait to be a part of.

Experience:

Don't forget that your track record matters, no one will hand over big budgets to a novice, so make sure you have the right team on board to make up for your lack of experience. If you are a seasoned documentary filmmaker then remember to stay humble and stick to the story. 

But the most important point is not to loose your fire. You wanted to make this documentary for a reason, and finding funding is a full time job. It can take months or even years. But don't loose sight of what you're trying to achieve, keep pushing and the right backing will come at the right time for your project.

Good luck.

Production Team vs Videographers

Working Wednesday: Production Team or Videographers

The age old question. I want to produce a video but do I go for the Videographer or the Production Company?

What's the difference?

A videographer, is typically a camera operator that is either part of a small team or works solo. You may also find that some production companies hire individual videographers to shoot as and when. Whereas a production company tends to come with a much larger crew consisting of Directors, Producers, DoPs, Gaffers, Focus Pullers and the list goes on.

When do I use a Videographer instead of a Production Company?

This question relies on two very important things. What is it that you want to see in your production, and what is your budget. A well set up production company should be able to handle most of their clients needs and delivering to when the clients deadlines. This is helped by the larger crew that is employed. However, this can also mean that as the overheads are larger, the price may be bigger too. 
If you have a smaller budget and don't need much in terms of the shoot itself then a Videographer who can shoot and edit your video themselves may be best.

Will a Videographer have less experience than a Production Crew?

Not necessarily. When looking into who to use for your project, production company or Videographer you should always look into their previous works and experience. Sometimes a Videographer may have had a long career in a production company and has decided to take that experience into freelance work? Or maybe a company has been set up by Videographers.

To summarize, the Videographer will often do the work him/herself, whereas in a company you have tend to have a larger team. They are both great to work with, but it really depends on what you want to get out of the process and on what budget.


(Pictured: Zhenya Berline - shooting our backstage video for the Reckless Wolf  fashion shoot with our BlackMagic Cinema Camera)

Promotional Videos For: Mobile Phones

Working Wednesday: Promotional Videos For: Mobile Phones


As is the way with many other promotional videos out there, mobile phone adverts are becoming more cinematic and stylistic. But is seems that there are two distinct groups, the apple crowd and the android crowd, both having two styles of promotion.

Starting with the iPhone 5 commercial  below we can see their minimalist style, focussing on nothing else but the phone. Hinting that the phone itself is so innovative and great that it doesn't need anything extra to help promote it.



In contrast we have the Sony Experia Z3 advert that is much more colourful, vibrant and bright. It's almost showing a lifestyle that comes with the phone rather than the phone itself.


Both of these styles clearly work very well due to the success of the phones themselves, but it depends on what type of person, you the viewer, is. Are you a minimalist iPhone with a clean style and upfront, or a more creative android brightening your surroundings.

www.dragonsegg.tv

How To Make Promotional Videos For: Sportswear

Working Wednesday: Promotional Video: Sportswear


Sportswear commercials are becoming increasingly more cinematic, show stopping and motivational. If they are making you, the viewer, want to get up and play sports or work out, then they have achieved their goal; because you will need something to wear when your running/ swimming/ going to the gym.




There are many brands that have mastered the "motivational" advert, Nike being one of the most famous, and after looking at the above video you can see why. 

In contrast to the typical motivational sportswear adverts, there are more comical ones. For example, one from our last Friday Favourites blog (and yes, it's another Nike commercial).




Another way for sportswear brands to draw more attention to themselves is to use celeb endorsements. A great example of this are the Foot Locker adverts, this one featuring Kevin Hart.

Challenges Facing Your Small Business

Working Wednesday: Challenges Facing Your Small Business


Starting your own business can be a daunting journey, but the risks are worth it if it's something you believe in.

Money 
Money is of course the most important point here. Money is the factor that enables your business to grow, whether it's to buy the relevant equipment, or to hire an extra person, it's how you manage the business accounts that will set you up. You need to think long term effects, that shiny brand new macbook with all the latest tech may be extremely tempting, but do you need to spend the extra couple of hundred when you can save and get something that will do the job. In the beginning you need to be frugal, save the money for what really counts, or for incase of emergencies. 

When pricing your work too, know your outgoings, your ROI, know what your competitors are pricing. Do your research. You don't need to be raking it in from the first few clients, just make sure your price is enough to cover the cost of the service (or product) itself, and a little to cover your overheads in the company. There will be room to grow later, but only if you look after your accounts!

Exhaustion and Setting Your Priorities
In the beginning it seems to be "all systems go" and it's tempting to stay up all night working on perfecting your product/ service, or doing that one last email! But don't give in to the temptation. Sometimes the best thing for you and the company is a night off, especially when you face challenges a fresh look at things can be very beneficial.

A good way to avoid exhaustion is to make sure you have your priorities set out, otherwise if you are working on everything all the time, your work will suffer. Start the day with the most difficult or challenging task, then the rest of the day will seem easier! And don't forget to keep going, praise yourself.

Skills Shortage
Be aware of your skill set, this may be your business, your pride and joy, but you can't be everything and everyone in it. It will lead to the above mentioned exhaustion and will hinder your company. If you are a creative that misses details, hire a "completer finisher" to make your visions into a reality that will sell. Know your teams weaknesses and strengths and divvy out the work load accordingly. Ask others that have worked in companies similar to yours, use their knowledge and experience to put your company at an advantage.

Founder Dependance 
This is a very important issue to address. When you get momentum behind your business you need to make sure you have the right people in place and the right layout to ensure that if anything happens to you you know that your business is still in a position to make money. 

How To Shoot Promotional Videos For: Beauty Products

Working Wednesday: How To Shoot Promotional Videos For: Beauty Products

There are so many beauty products out there so it’s important your brand stands out from the crowd.

With a large amount of platforms available online to promote your content, for example Instagram. With Instagram you can add your 15 second video and use the relevant hashtags to attract your target audience. The same can be done for Facebook, you can write your post and ask your friends and connections to share it.

Once the platforms have been decided on, the content of the video can be looked at. With beauty products there are different options for your video. You can have a plush advertising campaign, the type that Rimmel London produce for TV usually featuring Kate Moss.



With the general advertising campaign you can mix it up a bit. For example, in contrast with the Rimmel video, we have The Body Shop Christmas 2015 ad featuring a more diverse and ‘real’ group of people.


And of course we can’t talk about video advertising without mentioning Dove. Dove pride themselves on being the Champion for the “everyday” woman, stating that you ARE beautiful, as we see in this moving advert.


#FilmWithTheDragon

It's All About The Schedule

Working Wednesday: It's All About The Schedule

Writing a production schedule is often the most laborious task of pre-production,  but it's essential.

Your production schedule is essentially your bible for the production, it is one of the most important documents you will need, apart from the script! It's there to state what scenes you are shooting where and when. Sounds quite standard doesn't it? However, it is also important to know that these can change at the drop of a hat. What happens when your location is suddenly unavailable for the day? Or one of your cast suddenly won't make it in for the shoot day? This is where your schedule becomes your god send!

It's good to use a scheduling software such as Movie Magic, as breaking your script pages into eights and counting the locations by hand can be very tedious and a monumental waste of time.

Once you have your list of locations and their availability, stick to it. There is no need to shoot the production in a shot by shot, scene by scene fashion, you will be wasting time moving from location to location.

Make sure your crew know on the day what they are shooting, what cast are in, what props, ect. The last thing you want is for your crew to stand around looking lost. So keep everyone well informed.

It is also extremely important to remember that sometimes things will happen that are out of your control, and you have to find alternatives. With a clear plan it will be easier to reschedule and relocate.

Organisation is the key. But don't forget to have fun too!

#FilmWithTheDragon

The Force of Documentary

Working Wednesday: The Force of Documentary


Documentary: "Using pictures or interviews with people involved in real events to provide a factual report on a particular subject" - Oxford Dictionary
Documentary is one of the oldest formats on television that is still popular today. Because of it's versatility you can produce a documentary on any subject. From Ancient Rome to a call centre in Swansea, learning about life, the planet, the history of us and contemporary life has been explored, filmed and broadcast for many viewers to see. Using documentary as an educational tool has been thoroughly exploited. There's something that little bit more romantic and imaginative about showing a documentary on the Pre Raphaelites than reading about it in a text book. 
Documentary brings out the voyeur in us, with our arguably unhealthy obsession with looking into people's lives. We ask why, but it's simply human nature. The Greeks sculpted stunningly breathtaking statues of us, Shakespeare wrote plays on the intricacies of the human psyches and the human conditions, and we, who live in the digital age, film it.

It can either bring people together or pull them apart. With the world opening up a little more, as it were, there are more opportunities to film different cultures in different geographical locations. You can follow Simon Reeve through Greece from the comfort of your own home and you can journey to these exotic places through the documentary and learn more about cultures and the beautiful world we live in.

 It's no wonder the documentary has survived and thrived for so long!

 #FilmWithTheDragon

What Brand Image Are You Portraying Through Your Video?

Working Wednesday: What Brand Image Are You Portraying Through Your Video?


We are starting to get to grips with the New Year, and with it new technologies and trends, but still promotional videos (albeit much more popular) are not seriously taken into consideration when doing marketing budgets.

There is still a large notion that you can get a promotional video shot on high quality equipment for cheap. The costs simply don't add up.

As a consumer, you wouldn't want to see an advert on TV or online for a high street brand, or car brand that was shot on a phone or tablet and edited by someone who got savvy with i-Movies, it would put you off the brand. So don't do the same to your consumers.

There are many companies that get seduced by the beaming 'videographer' who assures you that for a few quid he will shoot and edit your video on his camera. But please beware, as there are probably a lot of talented people out there doing the same thing, there are a lot of people who are inexperienced and will deliver low quality and usually jumpy edits.

Promotional video should be seen as an investment, you should seek out professionals who know how to sell through video and chances are you are going to make the cost of the video back with interest! A good video is attractive, and these videos get shared, this means more views, more likes, more website views and ultimately more converted customers!

Don't forget that this low quality video is portraying your brand. Your customers are not only after your product, they are looking to buy from your brand, as chances are you are not the only one selling what your selling. It's your brand that differentiates you from your competitors, so make sure your brand image is top notch!

There's a saying "Branding is what people say about you when you are not in the room" so make sure you leave them with a good impression.

Drone Fever

Working Wednesday: Drone Fever

With the rise in the use of Drones, we thought it only fitting to mention it in this weeks Working Wednesday post.

Drones are great because they can achieve shots that we would otherwise find hard or a lot more expensive to get. This also means that we can incorporate these shots into our storyboards and make for a much more interesting, exciting and beautiful production to watch.

Many people are using them as an exploration tool as well. For example Channel 4 are coming out with a series of shorts called "Drones in Forbidden Zones". As seen below, these show places that are either too dangerous or forbidden for people to enter - Especially with camera equipment!


So keep the Drones in mind when you write your concepts and storyboards, they will bring added depth to your production!

#FilmWithTheDragon

Production: From Pre to Post

Working Wednesday: Production: From Pre to Post


This week we will talk through the main stages of production so here is a scenario.
You have won your client and the budget is agreed, they want a promotional video, where do you start? Pre Production.

Pre Production:

Step One: Get organised. You have your budget and script/ storyboard, now you need to list your crew and book equipment!

Step Two: Insurance. A main thing to think about is insurance and liability, you need to make sure you and your crew are covered by any eventuality to avoid any unforeseen and expensive costs. There are many insurance companies that specialise in film that you can call around for the best price.

Step Three: Location, Location, Location. Make sure you have your locations secured, and do a recce. Do you know where the nearest hospital is? Police Station? Where and what will your crew eat? And if your outside, do you need generators for your equipment and shelter for your crew?

Step Four: Scheduling, once you have secured your crew, equipment and locations you need to write a production schedule. What scenes are you going to shoot where and when? Don't forget you don't need to shoot your scenes in order. For example, if you have scenes 1, 5 and 9 in a barn, don't go back three times, shoot them all whilst you're there.

Step Five: Once you know what days you are in each location, you need to produce a call sheet. This acts as a mini schedule each day. It tells your crew what time they need to be where, important information and contact details, and even in what order you will shoot scenes. When writing this it's essential you take into consideration the little things, for example if you are outside in winter, it will get darker quicker, if you need the daylight you need to start earlier to leave yourself enough time - always overestimate how much time you will need. Also don't forget to write in lunch breaks! A crew is like an army, it runs on it's stomach!!

After all that your are ready to 'get rolling'!

Filming:

Step One: Whilst you may have prepared for any eventuality, it's important to remember that just because you have spent a large amount of time in pre-production anything can go wrong, you need to swiftly deal with it any problems as they arise and move on, there often isn't time for a minor panic, you can save that for wrap!

Step Two: Follow your schedule as best you can, we all know things can change on the day, so be flexible but don't jeopardise your other shots.

Step Three: Enjoy it!

Post - Production:


Step One: You've had a successful shoot, you've got great footage, now it's time to shut yourself (or your Editor) away and edit. Don't forget to keep to the concept and script and bring in a fresh pair of eyes every now and then to get feedback.

Step Two: Once you have your shiny, polished, amazing new video, post it around and promote it! You and your crew worked hard on this so send it around to make sure as many people see it as possible!

Trade Shows


Working Wednesday: Trade Shows

Recently our team have been visiting trade shows to spread the word about Dragon's Egg and our promotional video services, and we have been visiting some exciting expos!

The Boat Show

The Boat Show was held at ExCel in London and displays all the latest kit and technologies in the marine world. Our Sales person was surrounded by Sunseekers, Range Rovers and crew wear. 


AEG International

This show was one of the most fun this year. The AEG International Show/ Visitor Attraction Show is where everyone in the gaming and visitor attraction industries gather for seminars and to boost their businesses. What was interesting to see were the latest technologies for the visitors, for example a wrist band that holds all your information that you can even use for purchases within the park! (They are also waterproof for those Water Park lovers!)

Fun

Working Wednesday: Fun


It is almost finished!
And tomorrow the long awaited third and final part of the 'Insight' teasers titled 'Fun' will be released. 
We previously had 'Recognition' where our heroine starts to see a change in herself, 'Desire' where she yearns for the change and of course we end on 'Fun' where she embraces the change.








#FilmWithTheDragon

Business Networking 101

Working Wednesday: Business Networking 101

For most, when we talk about "Business Networking" it sends shivers down their spines. When you Google Business Networking the definition that comes up is "an effective low-cost marketing method for developing sales". To me that sounds dreary.

Yes, business networking is an excellent way to generate business development as people like to do business with people; but this does not mean it needs to be a feared, tiring and sometimes boring event. If this is how you feel, turn that feeling around and see it as an opportunity to meet "your" people. By this I mean the people who can help you and your business, or who you can help. 

At these events, meeting people, getting to know their company/service or product and listening to their needs, then explaining how you can help is much more favourable than having your polished sales pitch ready to throw at anyone who will listen. Show a real interest in the people around you and ask great questions, if you do this you will be more memorable.

The most important thing to remember is that "there is no such thing as a waste of time" if you aren't lucky enough to get a hot lead, or that big client you wanted, you have experienced and learned. For every person you speak to you become braver to initiate conversations, now don't "work the room" you are not there to gather as many business cards as you can physically fit in your pockets, you are there to strike up meaningful and lasting relationships with people. These are the people that will possibly refer you to a potential client.

Another thing to ease you into these situations is that even the most seasoned networker (you know the person I mean, they seem to have it together at all times and know exactly what to say and when, they are usually the people with a flock around them) are nervous too. You are not alone! But if you notice, these people smile and engage, they use that nervous energy and turn it into excitement, excitement is contagious. 

So, that event you don't want to attend, go. Wear a smile, know your service or product, show a genuine passion and enthusiasm, and listen to others. You'll leave a lasting impression which makes following up that little bit easier.

Happy Networking!

The Rise of Corporate Video

Working Wednesday: The Rise of Corporate Video


Corporate Video. I know what you're thinking... boring! I'm here to tell you it's not. As mentioned in a previous post 'Video Advertising, What's The Big Deal?' video is quickly becoming the best way to advertise and promote your services as well as to communicate within your establishment.

 Corporate videos have gone through an evolution of sorts, we started with shots within the office and people typing away, and a voice over that sends you to sleep, only to be suddenly awoken by the logo of the company to symbolize the end of the video and the end of your suffering. And now, the corporate videos are starting to be more interesting by having more variety in them.

However, this video for Risual takes it to a whole new level:

The Beauty Of Film Part Two

Working Wednesday: The Beauty of Film Part Two


Last week we gave you the simply amazing trailer for The Hateful Eight. Shot on 65mm with it's full release in Ultra Panavision 70.

Below is a clip by the cast and crew introducing this exciting film!



Enojy!

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The Beauty of Film

Working Wednesday: The Beauty of Film

Filmmaking is an Art

Gone are the days of shooting on film, or are they. Now with an industry saturated with digital cinema cameras film has slipped to the sidelines. Discussions of film have divided filmmakers, with many stating that they can't tell the difference between shooting on film and digital, while the other side heavily disputes this.

With quick changing and developing new technologies, shooting on digital allows you to flex your creative muscles more, and make more weird and wonderful shots. Shooting on film can limits this.

Here is the trailer for Tarantino's new film 'Hateful 8' that was shot on 65mm.


Film or digital, its the people that make the picture, but film will always be that little bit more magical to watch, depending on what you're going for!

Here are also some stills our Editor took on the 1980's Yashica FR.










 

Making Content

Working Wednesday: Making Content 

Making the right content for your business is absolutely paramount. 

Marketeers want to tell captivating tales that entice the audience to want to know more, and thus more about the brand. Especially now that there are so many way of ducking and weaving out of having to be 'subjected' to advertising.

David Messinger explains it perfectly in his article "4 Lessons Hollywood Can Teach Brands About Winning Big Audiences" in AdWeek. He explains that marketeers could learn from Hollywood on producing innovative, mind capturing content. As, arguably, no one does it better than Hollywood

For the full article from the man himself, click here

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(Taken from AdWeek)
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