Issues That Can Lead to Hidden Costs in Video Production

On our blog we talk a lot about how-to, why-to, where-to, what-to and who-to. OK, maybe more than one of those is made up but we hope you get the point. All the advice we give here is from years of producing video and marketing content for your clients. Sometimes we’re in the driver’s seat 100% - meaning the client tells us what they need and we plan, execute and deliver. Other times we’re given a script and our client comes to set to help direct the shoot. We’ve learned from our trials and tribulations, and our challenges and successes, how to execute a project as efficiently and as smartly as possible.

Our advice to you, before you take the dive (please see GIF below), is that you should be sure you are exercising proper planning. This will help you to address any hidden pitfalls and costs that may arise during video production. In other words, you want to be aware of the challenges you may have to face before they end up costing you more money than you expected. The following are some issues that can lead to hidden costs in video production and what you can do about them:

Lack of Focus

If you have too many ideas floating around, you may have too many hands in the cookie jar. This kind of interference can seriously mess with focus. It will extend the length of production and lead to more costs all around. In addition to proper planning, you must be attentive and delegate accordingly so that no one is overshooting the goal. And if you can do it, identify just one or two people on the team who know your project inside and out. They can provide feedback quickly and clearly to the creative team you're working with.

Stakeholder Buy-In

Is everyone on board (you know, the most important people AKA the people who have ‘final say’)? Are you sure? The very first step in establishing any video marketing plan is a very important pre-production tactic - ensure you have proper stakeholder buy-in for the project. If everyone is signed off on a budget, you should have no issues with costs down the road. That includes any hidden ones that may come up. And if everyone is on the same page with goals, messaging and outcomes that makes sure that re-dos don’t come up at the end of the project.

The better you can communicate with your investors AND your video production team, the fewer surprises you will have. You should never have to worry about a lack of stakeholder buy-in if you’ve put all your ducks in a row. Just remember, stakeholder segmentation will kill your budget every time. So, don’t be afraid to speak up in the beginning about all of your needs.

To make sure you address any possible hiccups, make time to revisit the budget every week/month and adjust accordingly. Not only does this demonstrate to stake-holders you care about their money, it will allow you to keep a closer eye on the production process. This also means you can better identify issues before they become serious problems.

Improper Planning

There should never be any “winging it” with video production. There are just too many things that need to be done to prepare for a shoot. Lack of direction and a plan will always lead to the most hidden costs. So whether you do these things yourself, or you hire a full-service video production team make sure you keep these pre-production tasks in mind:

• Delineate your business objective for the video.

• Define your audience and create buyer personas.

• Develop your message and write any scripts.

• Hire any talent needed.

• Establish a budget with ALL stakeholder buy-in.

• Set up marketing and sales strategies.

• Pre-production meetings and approvals.

• Schedule a professional video production team.

By far, the most important step you can take before hosting a video production team is to plan accordingly. There should be no surprises the day of the shoot. Of course, nothing ever goes 100% as-planned, but when you are well-equipped, those hidden costs will be a little less hidden. Or better yet, they won’t exist at all.

If you have any questions about avoiding the issues and hidden costs of video production, give us a call. We can help you work through any concerns you may have and help you establish a killer video marketing plan in no time.

Storyboard Media Group Helps Win Brandon Hall Awards

When the 2023 Brandon Hall awards were announced, Storyboard Media Group was excited to learn that our filming production services played a pivotal role in some of our L&D clients winning gold and silver awards.

The Brandon Hall awards recognize the best organizations from around the world that have successfully developed and deployed programs, strategies, modalities, processes, systems, and tools that have achieved measurable results.

We are proud that the content we filmed for our clients’ L&D courses (interviews, processes and procedures, brand culture and more) not only helped them achieve these highly sought-after accolades, but that the content has been, and will continue to be, used to help to train, onboard and retain employees, and build winning cultures.

The Keys to a Successful Event Video

HELP, I'M DROWNING!

We understand. Planning an event can feel that way sometimes. That’s because there's a lot to keep track of: Guest lists, catering, scripts and approvals, programming, transportation, schedules, goody bags, location, even the weather....you get the picture. Now add event video production to that list - ready to pull your hair out yet? But really, it's an incredibly important thing to get right. Your event is what we call a one-time non-repeatable event. That means the production needs to be done right to make sure you can get the most out of your video content.

STEP #1: PREPARATIONS

A production team needs to be looped in as soon as possible. There are a lot of moving parts to synchronize. It’s important to give the production team with enough time to scout the location to understand the space and where equipment can be set up. During the location scout we meet the venue staff we'll be working with. This is extremely important and should be done whenever possible. We talk with other vendors and with the venue about things like loading in and out, set up times, not stepping on each other's toes, electrical challenges, lines-of sight issues and more.

Some of the ways you can help are by providing contacts for the venue, sharing the event schedule, telling us which aspects of the event you’d like filmed, and providing a map or layout of the event, where people will sit, where the stage will be (see diagram below for an example), where the gathering places are, and where the 1-on-1’s may be happening.

Some of the things our team will need to figure out are:

• What type of lighting will be available for the event? Will it be just house lighting, or lighting brought in for the event by your team or ours?

• Will we be shooting multi-cam or single cam?

• What is the plan for audio? Will there be a dedicated audio line for us to hook up to our cameras, or will we need to provide that?

Working with you in the prep stage we’ll be able to answer all these questions and more for a smooth production.

A diagram of a recent event shared with us by our client. Things like this are very helpful.

STEP #2: DECIDING WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU

We’ve had clients whose events consisted of presentations, Q&A sessions, panels, 1-on-1 meetings, live learning lessons, interviews, cocktail hours, breakfasts and more. Some clients want every single thing filmed. Others only want one or two things filmed. It’s helpful to know well beforehand what we’ll be focusing on for you so we can adjust our team accordingly.

When deciding what you want us to film, you should also consider what you’ll be doing with the content post-event. Think about how you can use on-the-spot interviews (use them as testimonial videos for example), what kind of social media posts you will make (which parts of your event can you get makes quick, interesting, little nibbles from for Instagram?) and how you might use expert training sessions to reach new customers.

STEP #3:

Trust the process. You’ve put a lot of work into the event, and the production company has everything they need. Even still, on-the-spot challenges come up. But the better the prep, the easier those things will be to identify and fix in the moment.

Our team consists of photographers, cinematographers, project managers, audio and video experts and just about any other position that can help with your event. We’ve worked with Google, Spotify, the US Military, NY Philharmonic and others. Reach out today to find out how we can help you capture your event on camera.

Reasons Why Storyboard Group is the Go-To Partner for Exceptional Video

Top 5 Things Storyboard Media Group Brings to Your Project:

Storyboard Group stands out as a leading video production company that consistently delivers exceptional results. This listicle highlights the value that Storyboard Group brings to its customers, showcases its differentiators, highlights renowned clients, and explains how partnering with the company can help businesses create successful videos to elevate their product, marketing, and sales strategies.

1. Unmatched Expertise: With years of experience in video production, Storyboard Group possesses an exceptional understanding of the industry, ensuring high-quality and impactful video content.

2. Comprehensive Solutions: Storyboard Group offers end-to-end video production services, from concept development to final editing, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for their clients.

3. Strategic Approach: We always take a strategic approach to video production. We make sure we are aligning the content with the client’s brand identity, target audience, and marketing goals.

4. Creative Storytelling: We craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience, helping you effectively communicate your message and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

5. High Production Value: We focus on quality. Quality client care, quality project management, and quality visuals. We utilize cutting-edge technology and equipment to produce visually stunning videos that leave a lasting impression on viewers. This high-quality also helps your brand stand apart out stand out.

5 Ways We Can Help:

• Concept - We take your raw ideas and translate them into true concepts that can be transformed into video and film.

• Script writing - Writing a script is an art form. So whether you have an outline or a start of a script, or need full-service to have a script written for you, we are your go-to agency.

• Talent and location scouting - If your film needs more than just members from your team, and if it needs to be somewhere other than your office, we bring the scouting that is needed to locate actors and locations.

• Filming, photography and editing - After all the planning has been completed, we’re behind the cameras (film, video, photo) and the editing software to finish the project completely.

• Distribution and use-cases - If you’re unsure how to use your content, where it can be used, and what file formats are needed, we can help you navigate those things. We’ll talk about it at the start of your project to make sure the direction things take match up with the end use cases.

Top 4 Benefits of Working with Storyboard Group:

1. Increasing Your Brand’s Awareness: We help businesses elevate their brand presence by creating captivating and shareable content that captures the attention of their target audience.

2. Enhanced Engagement: Our client’s videos are designed to captivate viewers, resulting in increased engagement, higher click-through rates, and improved conversions for businesses.

3. Improving SEO Rankings: Video content has a significant impact on search engine optimization (SEO). Storyboard Group’s videos are optimized for search engines, helping clients improve their online visibility and organic search rankings. And we can help you use your content in a way that is best designed for ROI.

4. Developing a Competitive Advantage: With our expertly crafted videos, our clients gain a competitive edge by showcasing their products and services in a visually compelling and memorable way.

Top Ways Storyboard Group Can Help Increase Value for Customers:

Customized Video Strategies: We develops tailored video strategies that align with each of our client’s unique goals, enabling them to maximize the impact of their video content.

ROI-Driven Approach: We prioritize return on investment (ROI) for our clients, ensuring that each video produced delivers measurable results and contributes to business growth.

Multichannel Video Distribution: Storyboard Media Group assists clients in distributing their videos across multiple channels, including social media platforms, websites, and email campaigns, maximizing their reach and engagement.

Measurable Analytics: We provide detailed video analytics and performance reports, allowing our clients to track the success of their videos and make data-driven decisions for future video marketing strategies.

Get to Know the Power of Brand Stories: Elevate Your Product, Marketing, and Sales

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, the importance of a compelling brand story cannot be overstated. When well-crafted, it has the potential to captivate your audience, differentiate your product, and drive sales and brand awareness.

Top Features of Brand Stories:

Brand stories are immersive narratives that connect with your target audience on a deeper level. They possess several key features that make them a powerful tool for conveying your brand’s essence:

Authenticity: Brand stories should reflect the genuine nature and values of your brand. They should resonate with your target audience and create an emotional connection.

Consistency: A strong brand story maintains consistency across all marketing channels - ensuring a coherent and unified brand image.

Compelling Stories Told By Your Team: By introducing team members and their investment in the organization, brand stories bring life to your brand and make it (and your team) more relatable to your customers.

Engaging: Brand stories need a compelling points (history, community involvement, the mission, other things that drive the brand) that grab the attention of your audience and keeps them invested in your brand’s journey.

Top Benefits of Brand Stories:

Implementing brand stories as part of your overall strategy yields numerous benefits that positively impact your product, marketing, and sales efforts:

Emotional Connection: When done right, they evoke emotions. They help customers forge a deeper connection with your brand, leading to increased loyalty and advocacy.

Differentiation: A unique brand story - one that only you can tell - sets you apart from the competition, enabling customers to perceive your product as distinctive and memorable.

Enhanced Brand Recall: A well-told brand story lingers in the minds of customers, making it easier for them to recall and choose your product when making purchasing decisions.

Trust and Credibility: Brand stories build trust by showcasing your brand’s values, history, and commitment to delivering on promises, establishing credibility among your target audience.

Top Use Cases and Examples of Brand Stories:

Brand stories find application in various marketing and sales initiatives, allowing potential customers to visualize your brand in action and understand its value proposition. Here are five examples of brands that have effectively used brand stories in their campaigns:

Apple - The iconic “Think Different” campaign narrated a story of innovation, empowering individuals to challenge the status quo and embrace their uniqueness.

Nike - Their “Just Do It“ campaign inspired millions with stories of athletes overcoming challenges and achieving greatness, positioning Nike as a brand that champions determination and excellence.

Coca-Cola - The classic “Share a Coke and a Smile“ campaign created personalized brand stories by featuring individual names on their bottles, fostering a sense of inclusivity and joy.

Airbnb - Through its “Belong Anywhere“ campaign, Airbnb shared stories of travelers immersing themselves in local cultures, promoting a sense of belonging and authentic experiences.

Dove - With its “Real Beauty“ campaign, Dove challenged beauty standards and shared inspiring stories of real women, promoting body positivity and self-acceptance.

How Brand Stories Enhance Visualization and Value Proposition:

Brand stories provide unique ways to showcase your brand’s use cases and competitive differentiators in action, allowing potential customers to visualize the benefits and understand the value proposition.

Some effective methods include:

Case Studies: Sharing real-life examples and success stories of customers who have benefited from your product or service.

Video Testimonials: Creating compelling video testimonials featuring satisfied customers who share their experiences and how your brand positively impacted their lives.

Storytelling in Product Descriptions: Infusing storytelling elements in your product descriptions, highlighting the problems your product solves and how it enhances the lives of customers.

Interactive Content: Utilizing interactive formats such as quizzes, games, or virtual experiences that immerse customers in your brand story, making it more engaging and memorable.

Brand stories serve as the backbone of successful product, marketing, and sales strategies. You can create a compelling narrative that captures the hearts and minds of your target audience by remembering to keep your story authentic, consistent, and engaging while highlighting the unique aspects of your brand. Embrace the power of storytelling and witness its transformative impact on your brand’s success.