Video Production Services

Video Production

Ah, the video. Whether it was on the Super 8, the VHS camcorder, or the earliest digital camera or smartphone, you probably have a video memory of family or friends. Since its inception, video has played a critical part in our lives, be it movies, TV, home video, or social media. Whether your favorite movie is Citizen Kane or From Justin to Kelly, what we know as video has a lasting impression on us.

When you’re looking to add validity to your brand, influence decision-making, or capture something powerful, there’s no better tool than video—it’s raw, it’s real, and it’s humanizing. Video lends credibility and authenticity to your message.

Benefits of corporate videos

We always say, “If you *can* video something, you should.” In a marketing sense, that means showing your audience real people and real products, which can go incredibly far to establish your brand as trustworthy. If you need to show something that the eye can’t see, 3D animation is a great option. If you need to simplify complex ideas or processes, 2D animation is your best bet. But real-life video is unmatched in its ability to convey a message from one person to another.

In some cases, you need video to establish credibility. Perhaps you offer a service or process to clients that we could animate. Great! We’re happy to do that. But if you want to show evidence of its effectiveness, video is the way to go. Animation can be a super-effective, attention-grabbing marketing tool, but video means no calling BS. It means taking “show, don’t tell,” to a level that will capture not only your process, but also your viewers’ trust.

Video means believability. Customer testimonials, interviews with your CEO, and moments documented by the real people in your business are greater than the sum of their parts, establishing you as sincere, relatable experts in your industry.
Video means vastness. What if your facility, campus, or industrial plant is too vast to model? Drone videos can capture the breadth of your business on the ground.
Video means relatability. Humans connect to other humans. As marketers, we know this works. Sales are driven largely by emotion, and we don’t mean weeping with joy. The simple fact is that human emotions are touched by the human experience; if we can relate to a thing, we’re more likely to view it favorably. And video can capture that human authenticity.
Video means a lasting impression. Think of your favorite movie again: why does it stick with you? Because it feels real and triggers emotion. Animation is great for showcasing products and explaining processes, but sometimes you need your audience to know the real you. Video accomplishes that.

Video production case study: Solugen

Our work with Solugen is a great example of how live action, motion graphics, and photography can work together in a high-tech explainer video. Bear with us while we give you a little background from an oil and gas perspective. When iron sulfide corrodes and breaks down inside a pipe being injected with water, its particulates get coated with oil and build up into a dense, stinky clog. The important thing to remember about this substance is that it’s called schmoo. Yes, SCHMOO. Anyway, the geniuses at Solugen developed a product that essentially dissolves the schmoo and separates the oil from water, allowing operations to carry on without the downtime required to scoop out the schmoo. This is a big deal!

We could’ve done a kick-ass animation to show how this product works, but using video meant that Solugen’s product claims wouldn’t stoke doubt—we could show it working. That’s a huge benefit video brings to the table. We filmed the solution in action, breaking up some schmoo in a beaker (as one does), boosting Solugen’s credibility to potential clients.

Video production case study: SMA

Another way to build trust with clients, prospects, and leads is through human emotion. A lot of our corporate video clients want to bring a face to their businesses, showing the people behind the logo or value prop. SMA Technologies, an expert in IT process automation, wanted to do just that and showcase their executive leadership through serialized video content. The result was warmth, human connection, and even raw emotion—something we don’t often see from CEOs and other corporate leaders. In a perfect example of “show, don’t tell,” we captured who these leaders are as people, highlighting not just their confidence, but also their vulnerability.

Our video production process

Our video production process is fairly straightforward, but every project is unique, so there’s no one way to do everything right. Once we understand your needs and vision, it’s all about finding the right spot.

Location scouting. Whether it’s on-premises or off, we’ll find the perfect backdrop for your story. Your location and environment will tell a story all on their own, so the context has to fit the message.
Script writing. We never just wing it! Even if you’re opting not to use voiceover or a spoken message, we need to nail down the video structure and sequence.
Talent selection. Not everyone is comfortable on camera, so we often hire professional actors as spokespeople or brand messengers, if you will. We’ll scout out the best candidates and give you a short list for final selection.
Lights, camera, action. We arrive on location with all the lighting, camera, and audio equipment we need—then we’ll stage the environment. The actual recording could vary from just a few hours to a few days, depending on the script and shoot conditions.
Editing. This is where the real magic happens. We stitch together all your best takes and smooth it out into a solid narrative that holds the viewers’ interest just long enough. We’ll also perform any color correction at this stage to ensure a cohesive look throughout.
Final polish. Once we’ve edited a rough cut, it’s time to fine-tune all the details. We’ll add any motion graphics or animations at this stage and ensure the sound is balanced and consistent.

No two videos are exactly alike, so your process may vary a bit from our list. But no matter what the process, video can be a strong brand validator that grabs attention across your social network. In 2019, respondents to a Limelight survey averaged six hours and 48 minutes of video viewing each week—up nearly 60% from just 2016. In other words: it ain’t goin’ away.