A mini corporate video.

Something that will show the true scope and capability of your corporation and what it has to offer. 

Just like every video we make, a high quality production is assured

Included with your video:

> A professional 1080HD video shoot

Using equipment such as:

> A steadicam

> A crane

> Top quality sound recording equipment

And everything else you would expect from a world class video production company.

The corporate world of 2012 has to make itself attractive to a new type of client and consumer base

The buyer of today has all of the information they need at the end of their fingertips – quite literally.

All they need is Google.

So how do you persuade them that it is you – and not your competitors – that can provide them with what they want?

That’s our job

Rossiter & Co will make – and keep – your target audience interested in what you have to offer.

Each mini corporate video is around two minutes long. A viewer doesn’t want or need anything longer.

They want to make an instant decision. It’s either a yes to what you have to offer or a click back to Google.

Our mini corporate video will show all of the benefits of your product or service within these two minutes.

How can we be so thorough in two minutes?

We believe that videos should be short, simple and concise.

A 5 to 6 minute film – the standard size for ‘corporate video production’ is too long for the web.

A viewer does not appreciate being overloaded with information – especially any that could be considered useless. 

It’s quality – not quantity – that counts.

The use of graphics, voice-over and standard visuals means your message can be explained – in detail – over a short amount of time.

The key to a mini corporate video, is that it can be used as normal for presentations, in your foyer, or on DVD if you want. But importantly, it’s also perfect for your website. 

For other video examples of this, look here.

Not only will Rossiter & Co provide the high standard that is needed for such an endeavour, they will do it in 3 – 4 weeks!

We have also embraced HTML 5 in our video player, which means the videos we produce can be played on just about any medium – including:

> PCs

> MACs

> Apple iPad

> Smartphones

And more!

Guiding you through the production process

Producing a mini corporate video may sound like a complicated process.

And it is – for us.

For you – the process will be easier than you think.

We know you will want to have as much involvement as possible. All scripts and storyboards will be approved by you before production starts.

And if you are involved in production, then we will provide a guiding hand at any time it is required.

A video director will coach and direct you, even if you’re naturally a good speaker, a little dirtection will go a long way. If a teleprompter is needed, then one will be provided.

All you have to do is sit back, relax and tell us how you want it to be.

For more information, please visit www.rossiterandco.com/mini-corporate-video.

We know a local freelance editor who claims she can produce these for us quite cheaply.

While the price is undeniably attractive, I’m still uncertain if I should buy from her.

What do you think?

CEO
Business Services Consultancy
Manchester

A: A professional web video company provides certainty.

They have the website. They have the portfolio. They have the experience.

And they can provide evidence of this as and when you ask for it.

Can your freelancer provide the same?

Maybe.  They can certainly provide a cheaper service.

But the word ‘cheaper’ seldom means better value.

What you really want to do is pay less for more.

Before you agree anything with your freelancer – ask yourself:

> “Will a be paying less for more?”

> “Or will I be paying less for less?”

What a professional video production company can bring to your animated web video

You can almost guarantee that a professional video production company will have state of the art equipment.

If they don’t – they shouldn’t call themselves professional.

This is very important when it come to animation.

A viewer of 2012 has high expectations.

What is state-of-the art computer generated animation created on an expensive high-tech PC is seen by a modern audience as ‘the norm’.

If you’re wanting your animated web video to be a one time investment then you want it to:

> appeal to the high expectations of a modern audience

> and be future proof.

It has to stand the test of time.

Not only can a professional video production company do this – but they will prove to you they can do this.

By showing you their past work and – in the early stages of production – a schedule detailing the exact step-by-step process they’ll be working towards.

Can your freelance animator (or is it just editor?) do that?

The last thing you want to be doing is buying a new freelance video every year.

The freelance market

In recent years, basic production equipment and editing software has become relatively cheap.

Non-professionals purchased these things and started doing freelance work as a ‘sideline’.

This is all well and good for novelty events.

People who want a film made for their wedding or birthday and are looking to save money tend to use freelancers.

They are a cheap solution.

And freelancers work just fine for them.

But they don’t work well for business.

You’ll already have an idea of what you want your videos to look like.

But I’m guessing you’ve yet to develop a script.

If you’re going with a freelancer, make sure you have one.

Freelancer’s don’t do scripts – or storyboards.

A lot don’t even provide a schedule.

This is – after all – probably their part time job.

So it’ll be done when it’s done.

And then there’s the animation – make sure you scrutinize their portfolio.

And if they don’t have a portfolio to scrutinize – bid them a polite but firm “goodbye”.

Choosing between the freelancer or video company for your web video

If you want to make a short-term investment and are not particularly bothered about quality or reliability – then a freelancer is the right choice for you.

If, on the other hand, you want something that will work and last – go for the video company.

The extra cost is an investment worth making.

Click her for more information on web video production.

Something for both solicitor firms and independent freelance lawyers!

Corporate videos specifically designed for those in the legal profession!

Caters for all sectors

From family law to commercial litigation, from partnership law to divorce.

No matter what you or your firms specialised field is, a web video can be made to suit your image and boost your credibility.

A video package that caters just for your industry – starting at £749!

A web video will put you ahead of the game.

It’s an investment worth making when you consider what it can do for you – get you more clients.

Web video has a significant influence on web users purchasing habits.

Research shows that people who view a web video are more likely to purchase or sign up to your product or service.

And how much does the average client pay for legal services?

Whatever it is – just don’t let them give it to your competitors.

What you get from us

As with every video we make, our solicitor video production offers:

> A professionally written script

> A professionally designed storyboard

> True 1080 HD definition

> High quality music and sound design

> Top-of-the-range graphics and animations

> Professional voiceover

Just take a look at this example: 

Watch Video

And with a turnaround of 2-4 weeks – there is no need to wait!

Click here for more information on our solicitor video production.

A web video is the perfect tool for showing what your learning establishment is really about!

There is no better way to get your message across.

With a web video production you can:

> Show the viewer what facilities your school or university has.

> Show the viewer what your education establishment specialises in.

> Show the viewer why your school or college is the right choice for them!

In other words – you can show the world what makes you different.

How a web video production does this

Whether it’s for a school or a university, a video on your website will boost your profile. In fact I’d go so far as to predict by 2015 all school and college websites will have a video on their home page.

Just ask the large number of educational establishments that have one.

For a school or college, it can:

> Stop the worries of anxious parents and family members

We all want the best for our children.

A web video production will help you put a family’s minds at rest – use it to show them your school as a secure and nurturing place.

> Show off your achievements

Whether it be an excellent Ofsted report or brilliant GCSE and A Level results – a web video production can be your megaphone on the internet!

> Describe the benefits of further education

College or sixth form – which is better?

It’s obviously the one you offer – use the web video production to tell them why.

For a university, it can:

> Explain why your university is better than others.

Less and less people are going to university – the student market is being downsized. And university marketers know it.

Now is the time to act.

> Sell to overseas students. They are the “new client”.

People from all over the world see British universities as the benchmark of higher education – and they are willing to pay them!

> Help you shout about what you do best

Every university has it’s own area of expertise.  

Let a web video production tell the world about yours.

A web video production doesn’t just have to be for the web

A True 1080HD MP4 video doesn’t have to be exclusive to the web – it can easily be transferred to DVD’s.

After all, the last thing a family wants to do is huddle around a PC screen.

And DVD’s aren’t expensive – they could very easily be distributed with your establishments prospectus on film.

This is the perfect way to provide an initial overview of your school or university.

Or why not use it in a presentation?

Whilst other places of education are using a boring slide-by-slide projection to show what they have to offer, you can use your web video production.

Why not give your presentation the wow factor – leave your audience in no doubt of what you are offering!

Remember: The amateur home presenter has to be your professional presenter. So help them get it right. 

Why a web video production is needed for schools or universities

Due to a number of factors, such as …

> growing population

> rise in tuition fees

> online courses

> international study

… the competition amongst places of study is growing.

In 2012, you no longer just have to think about getting the students with the most potential.

You have to think about getting students which is little bit more than a few press friendly articles or some “youtube”.

Click here for more information about getting a web video production for your school or university.

Need a highly skilled professional that can operate it?

Need it quickly?

There’s good news!

Rossiter & Co have a new camera operator and crew service available!

Operator & Full Kit – £325.00 per day

15 ft crane – £150.00 per day

And we are available to hire all over the UK!

Managed by our long-time crew leader Matt Routledge, we provide everything needed for the professional shoot of 2012.

From adverts to feature, from fact to fiction, we’ve got it covered!

Equipment includes:

Canon 7D FULL HD Camera

Sony Z1 HDV/DV Cam/ DV Camera
DXA SLR Sound Unit
Canon 24-70mm
Canon 50mm lenses
Sigma 14mm lenses
Canon 70-200mm lens
Fisheye 8mm 3.5
Full HD Underwater Cam
Canon Batteries x 5
Sennheiser Wireless Mics x2
Rode Boom mic
Glidetrack
Zoom H4N Sound Recorder
15ft Camera Crane
Speedlite Flash YN460-II
Rode Deadcat Windshield
Rode Boom grip
Steadicam Merlin
Rode Boompole
Manfrotto Monpod 561B
15mm Rail Rod System
Follow Focus>
Matte Box
Manfrotto Tripod
Red Head Lights x 3
Dedolight kit x 3 (with Projector Lamp)
Sony ECM-44B Wired Mic
EX pro RF153 Reflector
Lilliput 7” Monitor+Shade
LED Hotshoe light CN-160
Canon Battery Grip
Canon Timer Remote
Sandbags x 3
Pico Portable Dolly
Gels
Scrim
Green screen
White screen
Teleprompt
2 x floods / studio lights

Anything and everything you need for a full and professional shoot at a price that can’t be beaten!

Click our Camera Op & Crew page to find out more or call us on 08453664131.

2012 has seen it become the ‘norm’. 

But why is this?

Since winter 2011 tablet and ebook ownership has nearly doubled (Hubspot) . Is it all down to the Apple iPad or are there other contributing factors?

The iPad has certainly changed the way we can view video.

Its mobility, yet large screen, allows for total convenience – you can use it at your leisure in any place that allows for wireless data transfer.

And with the success of the iPad came other tablets from other manufacturers.

Companies like Samsung and HTC released high performance tablets that ran on Google’s Android operating system.

And Microsoft has modified its operating systems for the tablet market.

Windows 7 – for example – was promoted as being tablet friendly upon its release.

So, both the hardware and software of recent times has allowed for the use of resource intensive applications. 

While mobile phones are are reaching a similar spec, the low battery life is definitely a factor that makes it easier to watch video on a tablet. 

Media Players

All iPad, Android and Windows tablets have the capability to play True 1080 HD MP4 videos.

Despite the small size of these machines – there is no compromise in their video playback.

So businesses can produce the highest quality videos possible and not have to worry about a reduction in quality when they are played on a tablet.

So they have embraced web video – and more recently B2B web video.

B2C is still very important to a corporations reach – but B2B raises a number of new opportunities.

> If your business provides business services then it can act as a direct means of advertising

> It allows your business to be viewed by current and prospective clients – as well as those companies you wish to build a relationship with

> It’s cheaper to put a video on a website than it is to launch a mass advertising campaign

> And it simply makes sense to use B2B web video – if optimised correctly then businesses that want to use your services will find it.  And you.

It is also prestigious.  Especially if it is viewed by a company that doesn’t have one – it will make you stand out.

Video viewed via phones and tablets

According to webvideouniversity.com, people who view videos on tablets and phones watch them – on average – 2.5 times longer than they do when viewing them on a desktop.

There is a natural appeal for video on demand.

This statistic is the same for both the everyday consumer and the time-pressed CEO.

In fact, it’s probably more relevant for the time-pressed CEO – why wouldn’t they want to have the option of viewing something as and when they want to?

So, the dramatic increase in the use of B2B web video should not be surprising.

It should be expected.

Click here for more information on B2B web video.

Here are 10 recent web video statistics –  as evidence:

1. Retail site visitors who view video stay two minutes longer on average (Comscore)

Most people ‘surf’ the web – they go from site to site trying to decide on what to buy.

A video will keep them browsing your site for two minutes longer – longer time on site usually means they are more interested in your company and are more likely to buy.

2. People who view a web video are 64% more likely to purchase than other site visitors (Comscore)

An investment in a web video will give you more paying customers.

There’s nothing more to say really.  Basically, web video makes people want to buy more.

3. Retail sites with video increase conversion by 30% (L2 Specialty Retail Report)

If you are wanting to ‘sign-up’ a customer to your site or service, web video is the way to go. Imagine, a third more people enquiring with your business.

4. Mediapost reports that product videos play a key role in consumer purchase decisions, citing a 9x increase in retail video views at the start of the 2011 winter holiday season. (MediaPost)

Video can demonstrate your products, show their advantages and engage you audience much more quickly than text. 

5. In a keynote address at CES, YouTube’s Vice President of Global Content Robert Kyncl said that video would soon be 90% of Internet traffic. (Forbes)

This includes both social and corporate web video.

So, if you don’t implement video on your website – you could be missing out on this huge predicted search growth. 

6. 50% of smartphone users watch web video on their mobile device. (Google Blog)

Your potential client base no longer just consists of people using a desktop computer.

People have the ability to – and want to – access your site and view your web video wherever and whenever they can.

So make sure you video is mobile ready!

7. Video and other multi-media product viewing options were rated more effective than any other site initiatives in an Adobe survey of almost 2,000 interactive marketers. (Adobe)

Here’s the proof, video works. Thousands of marketers are already using it on their websites – are you?

8. Over 90% of shoppers in a recent survey found web video useful in making purchase decisions (Internet Retailer)

And why wouldn’t they.

Customers don’t want to read any more – they want you to tell them what’s on offer.

9. Forbes Insight found that 59% of senior executives prefer to watch video instead of reading text (Forbes)

You may be one of these. 

Well, if web video’s good enough for your customers …

10. Video in email marketing has been shown to increase click-through rates by over 96% (Implix Email Marketing Trends Survey)

Again, it comes down to the fact that most people would rather watch a video than read an article. 

And it’s much more visually appealing to click a click with a graphic in an email than just a text link.

What do these statistics prove?

That web video is the future – and that those companies that do not embrace it are at risk of being left behind.

Consider the fact that pretty soon 90% of all internet traffic will be for web video – will people really bother with your website if you don’t have one?

And we’ve not even considered the additional SEO that a well implemented web video will bring to your website. 

Web video is the business card of the 21st century.

It has become the only way to tell people who you are and what your about.

Click here for more information on web video.

I think the first thing that springs to mind as a camera op, is being able to film the top CEOs of companies without breaking a sweat. Kind of difficult if you are filming in Dubai, but luckily we had a conference room at the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel to thank for staying cool.

The job was to film interviews with numerous CEO’s from different countries all working for the construction company ‘Hyder Consulting’.

Resourcefulness was top of the agenda here, as all the interviews needed to be filmed on a black background for editing purposes and we were shooting in daylight hours. So across the curtains went and fortunately packed for the trip was a handy piece of black fabric to act as our black background. Pinned together by two crocodile clips to the top of two lighting stands it did just the trick, as in camera the screen was showing a nice black background.

Now for the interviewees, seated in time slots of around 30 minute per person.. each turned up and sat in a chair just in front of the black screen, ready for interview. I lit them with three heavily diffused Dedo lights and this was giving us a nice image in camera.

Next up was to attach a clip microphone to each interviewee, occasionally things don’t run to plan and during the interview if there is fidgeting or even deep breathing from the interviewee, there’s no where to hide if using a clip-on microphone.

The key is always to make sure your interview subject is relaxed, so it it goes wrong, crack a joke and deal with any issues during that time.. such as re-adjusting the microphone.

Whatever the issue, it is sooo important to never lose your cool and not let people who could already feel nervous, have a reason to feel even more nervous.

As a camera operator it is your duty to always remain calm, be attentive to the client’s needs and always keep a cool head.

At the end of the day I filmed 10 interviews, we met our schedule and the client was very happy.

All in all, a good day’s work.

Have a look at my new showreel on the Camera Operator page

Training Manager
Surrey
UK

A: One of the most important things about making training videos is making sure that their content is thorough.

Every step-by-step process of what your are teaching must be explained in explicit detail. 

Click here for more information regarding training video production.

There are many reasons why the business of 2012 needs a mini-corporate video.  

We’ll give you 8 to start with:

> Premises and facilities need to be seen to show the scope and capability of your organisation

Dress to impress.  You’ve spent money on your workplace – show it off as the professional hub of expertise that it is.

> Replaces the factory visit – brings the factory to the buyer

Having to visit a place is a major inconvenience for a buyer.  Why not save them time, money and energy by giving them a video based tour.  

They’ll appreciate it.

> People don’t read text – especially technical descriptions of services and facilities

You’re not going to impress a client by boring them!  Show them a mini-corporate video – it will be quicker, easier and more digestible for them.

> Prestige – stand out from the crowd!

Not every company has its own mini-corporate video.  Having one will show people you mean business!

> Get the best possible message in the shortest possible time

A mini-corporate video can be concise yet detailed.

It’s also expressive!

In just a few miutes you can show the viewer everything that’s relevant to them without jeopardising their schedule.

> Can be used in Powerpoint

Playing a video at the beginning of your presentation will give both yourself and the institution you represent instant credibility.

People who are used to a boring slide-by-slide Powerpoint presentation will automatically take note – this is different.

They will stay to see if it’s special.

> Take advantage of a full media mix

There are many elements to a mini-corporate video.

A professionally made mini-corporate video will feature graphics, animations, titles, smooth transitions, voiceover, crisp audio and high quality music.

It will also be made to a True 1080 HD standard.

This will require a scriptwriter, director and crew – but as long as they are professionals who do their jobs to a professional standard – it will be worth the extra expense.

> Availability of video hosting – reaching everybody everywhere no matter what they are using

A mini-corporate video, using professional business video hosting, can be played on any platform.

Such as:

> IPad
> IPhone
> An Android tablet
> An Android Smartphone (such as a Nexus or a HTC desire)
> A Windows phone
> A PC using either Windows, OSX or Linux
> An Apple Mac

It’s also worth bearing in mind the importance of using a True 1080 HD MP4 format.  This will not only make your mini-corporate video look good – as it gives high quality but relatively small file sizes, but will allow it to be played:

> On YouTube

>On Vimeo

> On a uniquely embedded video player

And easily shared on social networking sites.

Who wouldn’t want their video ‘liked’ on Facebook or ‘Tweeted’ about on Twitter?

Doing this will also give you exposure.

People will not need to find your video – your video will find them.

And a properly tagged web video in your site-map boosts your SEO ranking on Google.

So, having a mini-corporate video is an all round winning solution to your marketing needs.

Click for more information on mini-corporate videos.

We’re optimistic about selling in the international market.

We would like a video to promote this but we are worried about possible language barriers, especially in regards to Chinese and Arabic as those are some of the markets we’re interested in.

Can you please offer me some pointers  for a multi-language video production, and advise whether it could be a solution to our problem?

Yours,
MD
Healthcare Company
Glasgow
Scotland

A: A multi-language video is essential to put your business on the world stage.

There are many advantages to producing an English video, which you can also release with  multi-language versions – not least the massive foreignspeak markets it can penetrate.

And – as you’ve already appreciated – it gives you an advantage when you’re trying to introduce your product to new emerging markets and especially into large already established international consumer groups, forums, and facebook pages.

This is something that the web has not only made possible – but made the ‘norm’.

The Global Marketplace and you

The web has enabled globalisation to truly take its place as the business development engine of the 21st Century.

And now, international business has never been more connected.

20 years ago – for most companies – it would have been impossible for individuals outside of the UK to buy your product.

Unless they were buying in bulk through trade B2B routes – and even then it would have been difficult. It would have required a rep or an agent visit.

And all this was costly – in both time and money.

In 2012 it’s not even something we should think about.

Instantaneous and cheap, the local high street has become the world.

The only problem is that web competition for your – and other’s products – is getting stiffer.

The competition has increased.  You need something special to make you stand out from your international competitors.

Obviously a multi-language video will go a long way towards providing this special solution.

Like with any video, the script is the first stage.

This script needs some extra considerations though.

Because a script is the engine that drives the video, it isn’t just a simple case of writing it in English and then translating it.

The cultural differences that different nations have with regards to timing and structure must be taken into consideration – particularly idioms, and the natural pace of a language (Russian for example, takes 15% longer to say)

The pacing of the video has to be digestible to all viewers – whether or not they speak Chinese, Arabic or English (in other words – write simply and speak slowly)

Taking the voiceover as an example, it has to be appreciated that sentences in some languages are shorter or longer than sentences in English.

If a video was made in English – and then the voiceover and onscreen text was simply changed to either Chinese or Arabic – the pacing of the video might need to be altered in a way that misses its message and impact.

Why a well made multi language video will sell for you

In the words of the former West German chancellor Willy Brandt:

“If I’m selling to you, I speak in your language.  But if I’m buying, müssen Sie Deutsch sprechen”.

Or “I speak in German”.

It’s obvious what he is saying – when we sell to somebody, we must adapt ourselves to their way of ‘doing things’.

They will not buy from you otherwise.

So it’s good that you’ve shown some consideration.

The buyer/s will appreciate it and new markets will be open to you.

So yes – a multi-language video is the solution to your problem.

Click for more information regarding multi-language videos.

We have a new Vidshort!

A short, accessible and easily digestible professional low cost video that will act as an ultra-informative calling card for your company – allowing you to show it’s scope and capability in 30 seconds!

And the price is right too!

Packages we offer

There are three Vidshort options.

> Vidshort photo – from £399

This vidshort package is a 30 second animation made up of images, and will convert more visitors to sales than any banner or rich media..

The pictures are from a professional stills library and are accompanied by professional voiceover, captions to re enforce the message, and music.

Scripts and storyboards will have to meet with your approval before production starts – so the final video is exactly what you want.

Want extra footage? It’s only £50.00 for an extra 10 seconds!

> Vidshort film – from £749

Similar to the above specification, except 3 professional standard library video clips are provided as well as the photographs.

The use of video clips will make the vidshort far smoother and more fluid in its appearance and make your video really sparkle. .

Extra footage is £85.00 for every additional 10 seconds

> Vidshort film+ – from £899

This time, 6 library video clips are used – allowing your company to boast a visually stunning presentation of what you have to offer, for maximum impact at an affordable cost.

The extra footage price stays the same – £85.00 for every 10 seconds.

Each video is individually tailored to fit your website! With matching colours and fonts – so it seamlessly fits with your Corporate ID. 

Average turnaround for each video is fast, only 1 – 4 weeks!

A quick and easy way to show what you have to offer and make you stand out from your competitors!

As with all of our videos – the most professional of standards is guaranteed.

For more info, please visit our vidshort page

The business of 2012 – whether it be large or small – has at least two offices.

> The physical one (i.e a place of work)

> and the internationally accessible one, the website.

Your physical office will probably have a receptionist or somebody to answer the phones.

Why shouldn’t your website be just as welcoming?

How the video can be deployed

In order to receive the most attention it must be placed in a prominent area.

Ideally, at immediate eye level.

The majority of computer screens in 2012 are 16:9 widescreen.

This should also be the case for your video player.

As should be the player’s location.

The viewer does not want to find your video – your video has to find them!

It has to be the first thing the viewer sees – or maybe they won’t see it at all!.

As I said earlier, the website is your office. Every office needs a front-of-staff.

For your website, this is a video.

Brevity and your video’s runtime

A home page video does not have to be long.

After all, how long does it take to offer somebody a welcome?

Around 30 seconds should do it.

Make sure your message is concise and well summarised – nobody likes to read anything that is longer than it needs to be.

You may feel you need to tell the viewer every point that matters – but I’d suggest that the viewer will appreciate a level of brevity.

And the option to learn more about your services – by themselves – as and when it suits them.

Something that they will definitely do once they have looked through the window of your video. Give them a taste and they will want more.

Quality of your home page video

Streaming directly from a video hosting site – such as YouTube or Vimeo – can be detrimental to the video’s playback.

The video player has to be embedded onto the HTML of your homepage – and the player itself has to be coded.

This is easier said than done.

If you don’t know how to do this yourself, get a professional to do it.

Better yet – get a professional to both place the video on the homepage and make the video itself.

That way you are guaranteed something that’s up to a professional standard.

This is the best way to let people know you mean business – that your company is professional, efficient and can be trusted – in other words – a credible supplier.

Putting it on your homepage will enable your website to start as it means to go on.

For more information on web video for your home page, please click here.

Communications Manager

International PLC

London SW1

A: A talking-head of the CEO is a great way for those at the top to communicate with colleagues.

This is especially true if you have a large workforce.

Getting your message across to absolutely everybody at an individual level would be difficult – if not impossible – if handled any other way.

Though the actual process may be easier than you think – there are a few things to consider:

> The voice of God! – or the CEO if that’s your preference

The leader of your company has to portray an image of approachability whilst at the same time retaining his or her impression of authority.

For this to work, it is imperative that the sound recording equipment is top notch.

It must be able to identify the CEO’s voice and separate it from any needless background noise.

And there is always some background noise – no matter how quiet it may be.

> Improvisation may be the key

A script is – of course – essential.

But it may not accurately convey your CEO’s personality.

Making sure that he or she is comfortable with what they are saying is vital for the tone of the video.

Before the shoot starts, make it clear that they are in charge.

You should give them as much freedom as possible – though make sure deviations do not take anything away from the actual theme of the message.

Technical Considerations

Your international CEO can only look their best when both the sound and vision of the video are at their best.

It’s important that you use top-of-the-range equipment.

A professional studio kit that contains high-quality camera’s, mic’s and lights (amongst other things) can be very complex in its workings.

Your shoot requires an expert crew – a group of people that can both operate the equipment and direct your CEO at the same time.

It need not be complicated if done correctly.

In fact – in the right hands – it can be a relatively quick step-by-step process:

> Lighting must be set up in a way that shows the subject (your CEO) at his or her best

> If the CEO would like to use a tele-prompter, make sure one is provided

> The camera must be framed correctly – a mid-shot is usually best

> The camera must be focused

> Background must be established – it could be an actual location (such as on office) or a green screen could be used and a graphically produced setting could be put in during post-production

> Begin sound recording

> And – as long as everybody is comfortable – action

So the shoot went well?

Is the CEO and everybody else happy with the shoot?

Before a final answer is given, make sure they watch it back on either the camera display or a monitor.

Viewing this will give your CEO the opportunity to view raw product and will help them feel more confident and comfortable with the prospect of doing another shoot in the near future.

For more information regarding filming your CEO for video, please click here.

Web video.

A typical corporate video in 2011 and before was around 5 minutes long.

This was because it was typically made for one-to-one meetings and shown on a DVD – where you have a captive audience.

In the lead-up to and beginning of 2012 the corporate video has typically been shortened to around 2 minutes.

Instead of DVD, it is broadcast on the internationally accessible web.

For the web we need to provide the same solution in a two minute format.

We call this a mini corporate video.

Similarities between old corporate video and new web video

Web video has kept a lot of things from corporate video.

Such as:

> The same purpose for production

You may want to promote your business to new clients as well as stay relevant to current customers.

> The same methods of production

Interviews, voice-overs, graphics and post-production are still needed – they just need to be more relevant and concise.

Difference between old corporate video and new web video

For improvement to take place, changes must be made.

Such as:

> Time of video

As mentioned before, web video is typically 3 minutes shorter than corporate video.

This can be considered an improvement as a shorter video is more appealing to a modern time-limited audience.

Accept brevity – you may feel your message needs more than 2 minutes but modern professionals simply don’t have the time for this.

Less is more.

> Playback format

Pre 2011, corporate videos were usually played on DVD’s.

This was usually to cater for person to person business meetings.

The benefits of playing it on the web is that you can reach a wider audience of just about anybody.

It’s up to you: use it to attract new clients or – like old corporate video – use it in face-to-face meetings.

If using it for the latter, why not implement it into a presentation?

> Cost

Web video is considerably cheaper than corporate video.

A shorter run-time means a shorter production time – reducing the cost of the actual shoot.

And with a DVD hard copy being unnecessary there is no need to buy a disc and spend extra on postage & packaging.

> Extra options and more opportunities

Is there any such thing as a 2012 corporation without a website?

Not really.

More and more businesses are having a video on their homepage.

As you will already know, getting a client to a website is difficult – but getting them to stay can be almost impossible.

Tell the client ‘who you are’ the moment they view your site.

Why make them work for the information having to find an info tab and then read a company description?

Let video do the work for them. They’ll appreciate it.

How corporate video became web video

The onset of social media and total accessibility to the web made it inevitable.

People who visit the web – whether it be for social, commercial or corporate reasons – respond to a video.

They no longer respond to text, audio or simple images – at least not as effectively as they do a web video.

Not having time for the traditional ‘here’s our story’ 10 minute corporate video, your clientele has opted for a more efficient 2 minute web video.

A web video that tells them what they want – and nothing more.

Corporate video is fading away.

The Zeitgeist that is web video has taken its place.

For more information regarding the differences between corporate and web video please click here.