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In recent times, we've seen a lot of misinformation around corporate communication and corporate films. So we've produced an article setting out what we hold as the eight key steps to creating the most effective corporate films. No acronyms or jargon included. Just a way to make the most of your voice, in these ever-evolving times. We hope it helps. Production... Made Simple.
As we evolve within our ever-changing circumstances, using film content to communicate is more important than ever.
But communicating ideas through film can be wildly confusing and is often deliberately convoluted. Especially with safety always at the forefront of our minds.
So much so that we built our entire LiteSwitch TV offering around the ethos and belief of “Production Made Simple.”
No jargon. No hidden fees. No Stress.
In our years of working alongside huge brands to create beautifully diverse content, we have grown to understand the pressures you endure.
We understand that your decisions, when encased in the granite of film, can feel like eternal displays of your personal competence. We hope to alleviate that...
So, with that in mind, we have put together a few simple, timeless thoughts that may help you navigate the world of corporate film ‘production’ with a little more confidence.
Consider this a global view - the things that may be worth a thought - before pressing ahead.
1. Authenticity
Authenticity is absolutely key. Communicate with a tone of voice steeped in honesty and integrity. Big claims and exaggerations are counter-productive to your ultimate goals. You don’t need to create a persona... you just need to be yourself. Doing so engages your audience, builds trust and instigates growth.
2. “What do you want to say?”
“What do you want to say?” is the one question you might ask yourself. “What do you want your audience to know?” is a much better question. Make a short list, say what you want to say, then stop.
Always try to answer more questions, than you ask. It is much more satisfying for the viewer and it builds into the “shareability” of the piece. Thinking about how you would like the viewer to feel after watching your film often helps too.
3. Be specific
All businesses are built by humans. (For now!) So address people directly. Say someone’s name, mention their job title, mention the actual department. The more specific the better - it shows care, effort and attention to detail.
If your ambition is to lead by example, this one is essential.
4. Recycle
Re-purpose a film you’ve already created, across multiple different digital platforms. Break down that film into micro-content and re-use those for social media and adverts. A single three-minute film already on your website could yield a further four or five 20-second shareable gems. All of which can help drive engagement back to your chosen location.
5. Use humour
When done right, self-deprecating humour can be absolute gold. Don't be afraid to occasionally lean into areas you know you need to improve on. Or conversely, lean away from any rigid, stuffy, reputations you may have built up. Your audience will thank you. Now, we’re not suggesting you be frivolous with past failings; just be gently self-aware.
6. Celebrate
It's ok to celebrate 'celebrating'. You have a company event... and now, not all colleagues can attend. Don’t hide away, it doesn’t help to breed confidence. Share those key moments, in an inclusive way. Live streams and event films for those not physically able to be there are amazing. The absent parties can then become very much part of that incredible story; and the echoes of how people felt at that event can remain for years.
7. Stay safe, not silent
Now is absolutely the time to maintain the essential osmosis of conversation. Keeping your colleagues and clients informed and included will be vital to every relationship you have. Again, this feeds back into being authentic. At LiteSwitch, we have fully adapted our film support to provide socially distant solutions that really work. Film content produced remotely, at a distance and delivered online.
It can be done at a distance. It should be done to feel closer.
8. Work at your pace
If you're unsure about using something like animation, start very small. Get a feel for the process, see what works for you. Look at other examples that have really impressed you and work back from there. “I like this but can we create a simpler version?” Then when you're more comfortable, you can start to plan your masterpiece.
Corporate films really do breathe new life into your key messages. They can generate dynamic, measurable results, so use these to explore the effectiveness of your communication.
Stay agile, and actively, honestly engage with people who show an interest. This is where the progress resides...
At LiteSwitch TV, we genuinely believe that you can make production, simple. Even socially distanced, safely produced films. These eight ideas go some way towards achieving that goal.
Essentially, we are just trying to have valuable conversations.
So don’t see your films as having to be everything to everyone. Consider them the start of something. A genuine, engaging conversation.
Yemi Sawyerr
Founder & Creative Director
LiteSwitch TV Ltd
info@LiteSwitchTV.com
(In our next article, we’ll cover the macro view. The actual act of filming and the day of production itself).
First published on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pulse/8-essential-keys-genuinely-effective-corporate-films-yemi-sawyerr