video production

March 18 2025

A step by step guide to planning a video production shoot

All your questions answered in one place! If you’re in the Washington D.C., Arlington or Northern Virginia area, Striking Media can help!

From concept to delivery: A video production shoot involves multiple stages, from pre-production to post-production, from concept to delivery. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Pre-Production (Planning & Preparation)

Goal: To plan and organize everything needed before filming begins. Planning equals success. Click here to download our PDF guide.

Concept Development: Why does pre production matter so much for a video production shoot? This is where the idea for the video is born and the planning to create the most impactful content begins. The goal is to define the message, target audience, and style of the video. Every project and client is different. If you have the idea fully crafted – that’s fine! If you do not at all – that’s fine too! Remember your video production company does this every day – they are experts and they will guide you through.
Interview questions or scriptwriting: Once you determine if a script is required – maybe a teleprompter is being used or a down the camera lens delivery, or an interviewer will be asking questions, this is the base of your content. Striking Media does pre-interviews as a matter of course, sometimes the gems appear before the cameras are present. Our current project with Northern Virginia Family Services is lined up to be a success thanks in part to the visibility achieved through our pre-interviews with family advocate Paloma and NVFS team member Amy. Pre-interviews are a great way to build trust and rapport. On the video production shoot, the best interviewers will go with the conversation, not stick rigidly to a list of questions. Curiosity makes the best content! Although we can’t yet share the 2025 content, here’s a reminder of the 2024 NVFS project.

Storyboarding: Visualizing the scenes through drawings or animations to plan camera angles, shot compositions, and transitions are a step providing clarity of vision. It is important for the client to sign off on these creative ideas before production day.
Casting: Finding actors or talent (if needed) for the video. Again, your production company will have resources for talent scouting.
Location Scouting: Choosing the location where the video will be shot. This can include renting studio spaces, getting permits, or setting up sets.
Scheduling: Setting the dates and times for the shoot, ensuring that everyone is available. Also be mindful, if an actor is not needed until the afternoon, do not call them at 9am. Everyone appreciates efficiency!
Crew & Equipment Hiring: Assembling the necessary crew (director, camera operators, sound engineers, makeup artists, etc.) and establishing equipment required (cameras, lights, sound gear, etc.)
Budgeting: Establishing a budget for the project to cover expenses like location fees, crew wages, and equipment rental.

2. Production (Filming the Video)

Goal: To capture the video footage according to the script and storyboard.

Setup: Arriving on location and setting up all equipment. This includes positioning cameras, lighting, and sound gear.
Rehearsals: The crew – and actors if they are on set – rehearse the scenes to ensure smooth shooting and to work out timing or blocking.
Filming: The director guides the crew and actors to film the scenes. Multiple takes may be required to capture the best performance or angle.
Direction: The director gives instructions to the actors, crew, and camera operators, ensuring everything is on track.
Sound Recording: Capturing high-quality sound is essential. This includes dialogue, sound effects, and environmental sounds. There are a multitude of audio options, from lavalier microphones to boom microphones. Your team will set you up for success and should have checked exterior uncontrollable noise ahead of time for example if you are filming near an airport.
Lighting Adjustments: Proper lighting is essential to set the mood and ensure visual clarity.
B-Roll: Filming supplementary footage, such as background shots or close-ups, to add visual interest and flexibility in editing. We have short attention spans and this is visual storytelling so remembering how you are showing your story is key.
Wrap-Up: Once all the shots are completed, the crew packs up and moves out.

3. Post-Production (Editing & Finalizing the Video)

Goal: To assemble and refine the footage into the final product.

Editing: The video editor cuts and arranges the footage from your video production shoot based on the script and storyboard. This includes removing unusable shots, syncing audio with video, and applying transitions.
Sound Design: Adding music, sound effects, and dialogue enhancements to create the desired auditory experience.
Color Grading: Adjusting the color and lighting in the footage to create the desired visual tone.
Visual Effects (VFX): Adding any special effects, such as animations, CGI elements, or compositing.
Motion Graphics: If needed, incorporating graphics or titles (e.g., logos, lower thirds, or subtitles).
Final Review & Revisions: The director, producer, and clients (if applicable) review the video and request changes or revisions. This may involve several rounds of editing.
Sound Mixing: Finalizing the sound, including balancing levels, removing background noise, and ensuring clarity.
Exporting: The final video is exported in the desired format, ensuring it’s ready for distribution (online, television, DVD, etc.).

4. Distribution (Sharing the Video)

Goal: To deliver the final product to the intended audience.

Delivery: You will receive a downloadable link. Be sure to download it before it expires.
Publishing: The video is uploaded to the appropriate platform (e.g., YouTube, social media, TV networks, etc.).
Marketing: If it’s a commercial or promotional video, marketing strategies may be implemented to get the video in front of the target audience, such as social media campaigns, SEO optimization, and paid ads.

These steps were followed in Striking Media’s recent collaboration with Easterseals. In creating video content for their upcoming gala, we captured two incredible storytelling opportunities and the feedback was outstanding. Immediate feedback was “Everyone really liked Lauren’s story! You captured her spirit and her story really well.” Looking for a reminder of our 2024 Easterseals work?

We’re often asked how long does it take to plan a video shoot … although this depends on the project, two weeks pre production is ideal to become organized and create a shared visibility.

Production is a puzzle that is crafted with care and love. Place your project in the hands of a production company that you trust and you should have outstanding results.

Get in touch with Striking Media today contact@strikingmedia.com.

June 20 2024

Crafting Compelling Narratives: A Guide to Video Production for Non-Profits, Associations, and Companies

As we delve into the digital age, it’s remarkable to note that 91% of consumers prefer video content, making it an indispensable storytelling medium for businesses. This statistic highlights the increasing demand and effectiveness of video content in engaging audiences. Whether the objective is to elevate awareness, foster community engagement, or showcase your services, embracing video production can significantly amplify your message’s reach and impact. This guide serves as a comprehensive toolkit for you across the spectrum, focusing on refining scriptwriting, mastering teleprompter techniques, and creating resonant branding narratives. Our goal is to empower you to leverage the dynamic power of video production to its fullest potential, ensuring your stories not only captivate but also inspire action.

The Foundation of Effective Video: Script Writing for Video Production

The success of any video starts with its script. A compelling script is the backbone of effective storytelling, serving as a roadmap that guides your video’s direction. Here are some universal tips for scriptwriting that might resonate with your audience:

Understand Your Audience: Identify the needs, interests, and challenges of your audience. Whether it’s donors, members, or customers, tailoring your message to their concerns is key.
Clarify Your Objective: Define what you want to achieve with your video. Is it to inform, inspire, persuade, or call to action? Your objective will shape your script’s narrative.
Keep It Simple and Authentic: Use clear, accessible language – a conversational tone – that speaks to the heart of your audience. Authenticity fosters connection and trust.
Consider a voice over artist – some videos call for voice over and the value of this cannot be underestimated. A professional voice over will add to the power of the messaging. A non professional can be distracting to the audience.
Incorporate Storytelling: Stories have the power to engage emotionally. Share real stories of people or communities your organization has impacted to make your message more relatable and memorable.
End with a Clear Call to Action: Guide your audience on what to do next. Whether it’s donating, joining, or learning more, make the next steps clear and simple.

Whether your company is celebrating an anniversary – such as Arlington Chamber of Commerce currently celebrating their 100th year or key moment in your journey, a timeline video, scripted with testimonials can serve beautifully to illustrate progress and excitement as you look towards the future.

Arlington Chamber of Commerce Timeline – this is an example of 100 years documented and celebrated, shown at the annual gala and again at other celebratory events throughout the year.

Teleprompter Tips for Authentic Delivery

A teleprompter can be a valuable tool in ensuring your message is delivered smoothly and professionally. Here are some techniques to help you maintain authenticity and engagement:

Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your script to reduce reliance on the teleprompter and make your delivery more natural.
Match the Teleprompter Speed to Your Pace: The production team will adjust the teleprompter’s speed to match your natural speaking rhythm to avoid sounding rushed or mechanical.
Eye Contact is Key: Maintain eye contact with the camera to foster a connection with your audience, making them feel you are speaking directly to them.
Be Yourself: Allow your personality to shine through. Natural gestures and expressions make your delivery more engaging and personable.
Smile! Show warmth and confidence will radiate from you!

Virginia Heart recently commissioned Striking Media to create a series of videos to inform patients about procedure details. All nine videos were produced using the teleprompter and either broll or technical medial imagery. Each video- reading to about 3 minutes long – was read by a specialist doctor with a different cadence and style. Striking worked throughout the day to make each doctor comfortable and set the speed to their natural rhythm.

Here’s the final result of one of the videos, focused on Sleep Studies.

Weaving Your Brand into the Narrative

Whether you’re a non-profit, an association, or a company, your brand’s values and identity should be woven into your video. This strengthens your brand’s presence and ensures consistency across all communications.

Reflect Your Core Values: Ensure your video reflects the core values and mission of your organization. This builds brand integrity and trust.
Consistent Branding: Use logos, colors, and visual styles consistently to reinforce brand recognition.
Leverage Your Unique Voice: Maintain a consistent tone and style that aligns with your brand’s personality. Whether it’s inspiring, educational, or supportive, your brand’s voice should be recognizable in every frame. They should be present in intro / outro pages, lower thirds and graphics.

Leadership Center of Arlington, previously Leadership Center for Excellence recently rebranded and Striking Media stepped in to rebrand all existing videos as well as producing a new branding video to celebrate the momentous occasion. To ensure all branding is inline this was an absolute priority for the launch.

Video production offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with your audience on an emotional level, whether you’re aiming to drive change, build community, or grow your business. By mastering the art of script writing, utilizing teleprompter techniques for authentic delivery, and embedding your brand’s narrative into your video, you can create powerful, impactful content. Remember, at the core of every successful video is a story that resonates, a delivery that connects, and a brand identity that reinforces your message. Embrace these principles, and watch your organization’s story unfold, captivating audiences across the board.

January 31 2024

Drone Videography: Sky’s No Longer the Limit

Drone technology has revolutionized videography, offering once unimaginable perspectives. With advancements in AI, drones are now more autonomous and capable of navigating and analyzing environments with unprecedented precision. This technological leap is not just about capturing breathtaking aerial shots; it’s about telling stories from a vantage point that ground-level cameras cannot reach.

Consider the potential impact for a range of sectors:

Executive trips: Offering an aerial view of incredible locations celebrating the employee experience – aimed at retention and recruitment
Nonprofits: Showcasing the scale of environmental projects from above, making the message more compelling.
Corporate Events: Offering a bird’s-eye view of trade shows or corporate gatherings, providing a unique perspective of the event.

Here is an example of drone footage showcasing the incredible destination trip that the top sales people at SmartRoof enjoyed in December. As you will see, the drone footage elevates their brand and really celebrates the experience.

But with great power comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to

compliance with evolving safety and regulatory standards. This includes respecting no-fly zones, especially in sensitive areas like Washington, D.C.

The FAA and Drone Regulations in Washington D.C.

In the heart of the nation’s capital, strict no-fly zones are enforced due to national security concerns. The presence of critical government infrastructure necessitates these measures. The FAA rigorously enforces these regulations, and drone operations are off- limits in these areas without specific authorization. This stringent control is essential to prevent potential security threats from unauthorized drones.

Furthermore, when traveling with drones, you are advised to check location regulations and be aware, you might be charged a fee at customs.

Vertical Videos: The Rise of a New Format

As most of the internet’s user base engages with content on mobile devices, vertical videos have become increasingly important. Platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram are driving this trend, where the vertical format ensures optimal use of screen real estate.

Why Vertical?

Optimal Screen Real Estate Utilization: Vertical videos fill the entire screen on mobile devices, creating an immersive and focused viewing experience. This is crucial in a world where mobile devices are the primary medium for content consumption.
Enhanced Engagement: Studies have shown that vertical videos have higher completion rates and engagement levels, particularly on social media platforms where users are scrolling through feeds.
Adaptation to Social Media Trends: Social media algorithms favor content that maximizes user engagement. Vertical videos, being more in line with these platform preferences, tend to perform better in terms of visibility and engagement.

Below is an example of vertical content created for The University of Exeter. This is the short version designed specifically for social media. Longer versions of this content exist in both 2 minute and 5 minute form.

Content Suitability and Creativity

While the vertical format has its advantages, it’s essential to match the video format with the content type:

Ideal for:

Social Media Clips: Quick, engaging content designed for platforms like TikTok or Instagram Stories.
Short-form Content: Ideal for bite-sized storytelling or advertising where message delivery needs to be concise and impactful.
Mobile-Centric Audiences: Content specifically tailored for an audience predominantly accessing via mobile devices.

Not Ideal for:

Sweeping Landscapes: Where the objective is to capture wide, panoramic views.
Large-scale Events: Such as concerts or sports events, where a horizontal frame can capture the scale and atmosphere more effectively.

2024 is going to be an incredible year in digital media content. Videographers will create highly immersive projects that transport viewers, stakeholders, partners, and clients into new worlds we could never have imagined in the past. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of such innovations so your business has actionable video information showcasing essential information, events, future endeavors, and more.

December 18 2023

Videography Mastery: Crafting Impactful Marketing Videos for Small Businesses and Generating Inspiring Ideas

Videos are hot right now — just take a scroll through social media or the web. From cute pet clips to powerful documentaries, video content grabs attention. The actual global average of video consumption per person is even 100 minutes per day, which is staggering when you think about it.

Video content works, and as a business, if you want to stand out and get eyes on your venture, it’s something you’re going to need to produce.

As a small business, you’ve likely heard that quality videos are expensive and time-consuming to produce, but this doesn’t have to be the case! Here’s the thing: 86% of marketers now use video in their strategies because it powerfully drives engagement – so whatever the budget spend, it’s worth it!

Video content has proven itself a vital medium for connecting with and exciting audiences in an increasingly noisy world. So, your business needs to be producing videos if you want to stand out and win more customers.

That’s what this article is all about — video marketing tips to boost your small business without breaking the bank. We’ll cover creative ideas for intros, testimonials, explainers, and more.

The goal? Compelling video content that captivates viewers and converts them to loyal customers. Let’s dive in!

Engaging Your Target Audience with Effective Marketing Videos

Video content grabs attention and stirs emotion through compelling visual storytelling. Just think of any engaging YouTube video, commercial, or social media clip you’ve ended up watching all the way through. These stories succeed by drawing us in and capturing our interest.

So, how can you share your brand’s story effectively through video? The key is conveying messages your target audience can relate to.

Utilize diverse formats like product demos and customer testimonials. A product video might show how you tackle a common problem your customers face. Meanwhile, testimonials highlight real people who’ve benefited from what you offer.

Remember — it’s all about creating content that feels genuine and speaks to your viewers’ needs and interests. Building these connections compels audiences and gets results.

What are the Benefits of Video Marketing for Small Businesses?

Leveraging video content brings an array of advantages that can give small businesses a competitive edge. By maximizing the top benefits, you get the most bang for your buck:

Increased Engagement: Video grabs more viewer attention than text or images alone, boosting engagement. Compelling visual storytelling helps pique interest and build connections.
Emotional Connection: Videos establish emotional bonds with audiences. Injecting feeling into campaigns makes a profound impact, fostering loyalty.
Wider Reach: As video popularity has surged, it’s become vital for reaching more people creatively. Videos showcase personality and can be easily shared across channels.
Improved Search Performance: Optimized videos can strengthen search rankings and drive more website traffic. Adding video often lifts organic results.
Simplifies Complex Ideas: Explainer videos simplify complicated concepts clearly. This builds understanding, trust, and sales.
Boosts Conversions: Putting videos in emails lifts open and click-through rates. Strong thumbnails entice people to watch and convert.
Gathers Testimonials: Authentic customer videos build trust and credibility. Capturing real experiences fosters deeper connections and interest.
Scalable Content: Video marketing scales for all budgets and business sizes. You can produce quality content through phones or professional shoots. Invest to match your growth stage.

By tapping these perks, video attracts and engages viewers while delivering real business growth. Keep each factor in mind when building your video strategy.

Creative Video Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses

You don’t need a big budget or viral ad to produce quality videos. There are plenty of innovative ways to create great content that engages your audience.

Here are some ideas to help your small business stand out:

Introduction Videos: Making a Strong First Impression

Intro videos give you a chance to make an eye-catching first impression, shaping your brand identity. Convey your business’ essence engagingly by showcasing personality, values, and what makes you uniquely valuable.

Tips for an Effective Intro

Keep it short and sweet
Spotlight compelling storytelling
Highlight what makes you stand out

This is your chance to showcase why potential customers should care. First impressions stick, so put your best foot forward with an authentic, approachable intro that:

Clearly communicates your competitive edge
Feels genuine and relatable
Grabs attention with a short, creative concept

Take time to script an opening story that draws interest. Pair it with a memorable scene to capture viewers. With solid messaging that resonates, your intro video can drive meaningful connections right from the start.

Explainer Videos: Simplifying Complex Ideas

Explainer videos condense complicated ideas into engaging, understandable content. Animation is ideal for expressing intricate concepts clearly through visuals and tight scripting. Use techniques that hold attention while conveying value.

Best Practices

Use straightforward language
Incorporate striking visuals
Maintain a steady pace
Elucidate convoluted topics so viewers walk away with clarity

Viewers have limited time today. Videos under 90 seconds can successfully demonstrate multifaceted ideas through:

Simple narration, text, images, and motion graphics
Scenarios relevant to customer needs
Storytelling elements that resonate
Simplifying complex details into comprehensible soundbites

With strategic messaging and dynamic visuals, you can create explainer videos that inform and captivate quickly. Audiences will comprehend even the most complex offerings.

Testimonial Videos: Establishing Trust and Credibility

You know those videos or ads where they drop in customers saying how good a product or service is? OMG, this app changed my life, and the sorts? Well, that’s exactly the definition of a testimonial video.

Testimonial videos highlight real customer experiences, establishing trust and credibility by featuring endorsements. To maximize impact, choose stories that connect with your target audience’s needs and goals.

Presenting relatable stories that convey your offerings’ value can resonate deeply, bolstering confidence in your brand. The most convincing testimonial feels genuine and addresses specific pain points.

Best Practices

Keep videos succinct and transparent
Focus on outcomes viewers care about
Let customer emotions and reactions come through naturally
Invest in high-quality production value

With authentic, engaging testimonials, you can:

Foster meaningful connections
Demonstrate why your business deserves attention
Allow satisfied customers to share their positive transformations after working with you

This builds familiarity and motivates viewers to become future brand evangelists.

Behind-the-Scenes Videos: Connecting on a Personal Level

Behind-the-scenes videos spotlight your business’ human side, offering an inside look at daily operations. This glimpse builds emotional bonds and trust with your audience. Emphasize transparency, authenticity and honest portrayals of your team’s efforts to capture authentic moments.

This candid peek not only fosters trust but also sets you apart from competitors by showcasing your uniqueness. Viewers crave insider access. So pull back the curtain!

Best Practices

Highlight team camaraderie
Showcase failures and wins that shaped your brand story
Give VIP access to areas typically reserved for employees only

Candid behind-the-scenes access allows you to:

Form personal connections
Demonstrate what your business stands for beyond profits
Let audiences discover what makes you tick and compels you to innovate

This is how to resonate emotionally and inspire genuine loyalty.

In summary, video content hands small businesses huge opportunities to engage viewers, build trust, and shape a distinctive brand identity. We encourage you to discover these creative video concepts and leverage compelling visual storytelling. It’s time to transform your narrative and make a phenomenal impact!

Start Your Videography Journey With Us

Start your voyage into video mastery with the pros at Striking Media. From intro videos to behind-the-scenes exclusives, our team has the skills and experience to produce game-changing content tailored to your brand and audience.

See what makes our small business video production shine and sets us apart. Book a consultation to strategize how custom videos can help you better connect with consumers and propel your mission upward.

Let’s jump into the exciting world of visual media together!

October 30 2023

Lights, Camera, Action: The Importance of Being Prepared for a Video Shoot

In 2022, video accounted for 65% of online traffic, a 24% increase from the previous year. This staggering statistic highlights the paramount importance of videos in our daily lives. With platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and the ever-growing spectrum of streaming services, the need for outstanding video content has never been higher. As a result, meticulous preparation for a video shoot is essential to ensure content resonates and makes a mark in today’s saturated media landscape.

Understanding the Video’s Purpose and Audience

Before embarking on any video shoot, it’s essential to pinpoint who is the audience and what platforms will it be shown on. Is it promotional, aiming to sell a product or service? Perhaps it’s educational, seeking to inform or instruct. Or maybe it’s purely for entertainment, designed to engage and captivate.

Once defined, the content must be tailored to resonate with the target audience. This ensures that the final product will not only achieve its objective but also captivate its viewers.

Pre-Production Planning

A well-laid plan is the foundation of a successful video shoot. This begins with a series of pre-production meetings, brainstorming, listening to the client, and sharing examples of work we all like (or dislike!). Then comes scriptwriting, turning the idea into a structured narrative, followed by creating a storyboard. Then comes the selection of the perfect location. If a studio is needed, be sure it’s the right space for you. Warning: not all studios are soundproof – some promote themselves as studios but are more for photographic (no audio) work. Some studios come with equipment, and some come with none. It may be required to obtain permits and ensure the location is easily accessible for the crew and equipment. Your crew will appreciate an elevator – minimal stairs, please!

Technical Preparation

The gear is vital and you are paying your crew to know what equipment will best suit the needs of your production. Technical planning will happen offline, a task the client is not asked to think about. A good crew will have plentiful kit and a deep knowledge for how to use it. A comprehensive equipment checklist ensures nothing is forgotten – from cameras and microphones to lights. If you are dreaming of drone footage or go-pro footage, speak up! Your crew will do your best to tick every box for you, but beware, especially around Washington DC, no-fly zone rules are in place. Your crew will be thinking about all the details so you don’t have to – from visual and audio details such as controllable audio from AC to the flight path, ensuring crystal clear sound quality, which can make or break the viewing experience.

Logistical Considerations

Time is of the essence. Every moment on a shoot costs money. Proper scheduling ensures there’s enough time for setting up, shooting, and much-needed breaks. Your producer should always have a contingency plan in place, be it for bad weather, equipment malfunctions, or other unexpected challenges. And let’s not forget budgeting – knowing where every dollar is allocated ensures no unpleasant financial surprises. Ask questions during the planning phase, to get a sense of the depth of organization and planning your team will offer.

Importance of Rehearsal

Practice makes perfect whether it’s a script, a teleprompter read, or an interview. Familiarizing with scripts, scenes, and transitions is essential. It helps reduce errors, prevents countless retakes, and ensures everything runs smoothly on the day of the shoot.

Post-Production Preparedness

The shoot might be over, but the work isn’t. The edit is just as creative as the filming itself. Once filming wraps, your team will organize clips, create an efficient editing workflow, and plan for review rounds to fine-tune the end product.

Case Study: A Successful Video Shoot

Let’s dive into a real-world scenario: Striking Media’s recent filming with the Diener School for their Capital Campaign video Diener CC.

Filming with faculty, parents and students, the day was busy with multiple locations and logistics. Here’s how meticulous planning ensured success:

Pre-production meetings: Multiple planning meetings ensured that we knew exactly what content we needed to capture on filming day and the order in which it would all take place.
Timelines: Clear deadlines were set for the delivery of questions, identifying which students would participate and what content we wanted to capture to highlight the fundamental needs for the capital campaign.
Logistics: A single point of contact was established between Striking Media and Diener School ensuring clear communications, and a timeline for the day of filming.

The result? With all stakeholders informed, responsive, and on the same page, the shoot was a resounding success. It was a truly fun day where everyone had a sense of gratitude that this was our working life! It also dispelled all myths around ‘not working with children’ because these children were AWESOME!

The mantra is simple: preparation is key. From understanding the objective and audience, through rigorous planning and rehearsals, to post-production finesse, every step matters. When everyone comes together, aligned and ready, magic happens. Lights, camera, action!

September 27 2023

How to Work with a Video Production Company to Achieve Your Marketing Goals

Video marketing is increasingly critical in today’s digital world. For those who feel the need to enhance their marketing success, working with a video production company can help you achieve desired outcomes. Here is a brief step-by-step guide through the process of efficiently working with a video production company.

Understanding Your Marketing Goals

Before you even begin working with a video production company, you need to have a good understanding of your marketing goals. This is critical for being able to effectively evaluate which company will fit your needs. There are three major steps at this stage.

Identifying Your Target Audience

Your target audience is who you will keep in mind during the process of developing the video. Understanding your audience’s demographic and psychographic characteristics is critical for tailoring your communication. You may even segment your project into multiple audiences. Striking Media will take the time at the first step of the production process to identify who your audience is, what platforms they view and how to best reach them.

Determining Key Messages to Communicate

Once you have a good understanding of your audience, you need to identify the key messages that you wish to communicate to them. These messages will serve as the basis for constructing a video. Typically, these messages may be informational (learning about a new product), persuasive (identifying a call to action), or even value-driven (associating your company with certain characteristics).

Setting Measurable Goals & Objectives

The final part of this introductory step is to create goals for your video marketing project. Goals should typically follow the SMART format – they should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Writing effective goals will be useful to evaluating the success of your efforts and your partnership with a video production company.

Choosing the Right Video Production Company

Before you begin working with a video production company, you need to find one that meets your needs. Like selecting virtually any place for a partnership, this typically involves research.

Research and Recommendations

Start by doing what virtually everyone does – turn to Google. Find video production companies in your area and review their ratings and recommendations. Look at Google My Business Reviews. Another effective tip is to use Linkedin as a tool. Further, ask colleagues at different organizations if they have any recommendations or experiences. Ideally, you’ll be able to narrow your list to a handful of companies. Reach out and talk to them – all good production companies are open to a discovery conversation.

Portfolio Review and Past Work Analysis

It is often said that the best predictor of future success is past success. Thus, it makes sense to review the portfolio of the companies that you are considering. Think about several things when looking at their past work:

Does their aesthetic match what you want for your brand?
Are messages communicated effectively?
Do they get your attention and keep you engaged?

Aligning the Vision: Making Sure the Company Understands Your Goals

Of course, you also need to ensure that the company seems to understand what you want out of the project. After all, a video production company will not deliver a quality product if they are not on the same page. When discussing your product, ensure that they understand your brand, the tone of the message, and other things important to your company’s identity.

Budget Considerations

Finally, many decisions may come down to looking at your budget and the quoted price tag for the projects. Like most things in life, you tend to get what you pay for. Thus, a quote that seems too good to be true, may be. However, you will typically find that quotes often fall within a certain range based on your project. Evaluate those that fit within your budget based on the aforementioned things. Consider ancillary costs that may apply to your project, such as a voice over artist, or graphics.

Pre-Production Planning

Once you’ve selected a video production company, it is time for pre-production, which is essentially a videographer’s term for the planning process. This includes the following steps.

Developing a Creative Brief

A creative brief is a document that outlines the different deliverables for the video. It will tend to include the following sections, which you created during the first step of this process.

Background
Objectives
Target Audience
Key Messages

Collaboration and Communication: Setting the Right Tone

During pre-production, you will work with the video production company to outline the overall tone in which you want to communicate the message. You might want to communicate your key messages with humor, urgency, persuasiveness, genuineness, warmth, or some other method. Determining this can help you effectively collaborate as the project develops.

Timeline and Milestones: Establishing a Realistic Schedule

Key to any project is creating a thorough timeline. Typically, it is effective to set a series of small goals – or milestones – that help you move forward towards the final product. It is important to be realistic when considering how much time different aspects of the process will take. A professional video production company will help you understand what can and cannot be done on certain schedules as well as what tradeoffs may be needed to meet certain timelines.

Production Phase

The production phase entails the creation of the concept for the video and the actual filming process. It is typically broken down into several different components.

Scriptwriting, Storyboarding and Content Planning

Scriptwriting denotes the process by which the content of the video is created. Meanwhile, storyboarding provides a visual representation of the video. You can think of storyboarding as somewhat of a comic book, giving you a visual lens of your storytelling. This process helps you to get a sense of the shots that will be needed and how to achieve them. Pre production interviews would also be done at this stage.

Location Scouting and Set Design

When you determine the intended setting of the video, your production company will engage in location scouting. This involves finding a suitable setting for filming that allows quality video content to be filmed. Professionals can evaluate locations based on aspects such as lighting and the uncontrollable noise at a location, which could be air conditioning, being under the flight path or traffic noise. Once a location is selected, permits may be acquired and details such as set design will be discussed. A rented location, or a client’s office space can be dressed to look good on camera and create the right tone. Striking Media has props they can bring along to dress a set ranging from bigger items to a simple vase or books.

Casting and Crew Selection

The video production company will spend time casting roles for the video as well as bringing in crew. Many companies will have their own crew members or trusted independent contractors they frequently work with. Depending on the concept for the video, casting may involve hiring actors or using some of your organization’s staff.

Filming: Logistics & Coordination

The final step of the production process involves filming. Here, everything done so far comes together as your video production company will shoot the various scenes needed to make your video. Just like you may have seen in the movies, there will likely be multiple takes while feedback is provided to get the best shots possible.

Post-Production

If production is seen as the part of the process where the video is created, post-production can be viewed as the time where it truly comes to life. Below are the various steps that will occur.

Editing and Assembling the Footage

Professionals at your video production company will work to edit the clips and string them together into a coherent story. This typically involves selecting which takes best represent the tone and concept for the video. Once this is completed, the next step focuses on aesthetics.

Adding Visual Effects and Sound Design

The next stage involves editing for aspects such as lighting and clear audio. Your video production company will also add in any visual effects or sounds that need to be included. After fine tuning these aspects of the video, it will be time for review.

Review and Feedback: Collaborative Adjustments

The production company will advise on the timeframe between completion of filming and delivery of the video. Once the first version is prepared, you will be able to review the video. Here, you will want to reflect on how well it fits your concept and goals. You can work together to make tweaks to the video that make it better fit the desired final product. A professional video production company will be able to help let you know what can be adjusted.

Finalizing the Video: Preparing for Launch

The final post-production step involves creating the final copy of the video. Once this is done, the video will be ready for you to launch!

Distribution and Promotion

With the video finished, you will get busy with the launch. However, your job is not yet done as there is still important marketing work to be done.

Choosing the Right Platforms for Distribution

An important decision is to identify the optimal platform for your video. In the digital age, this likely includes identifying which digital channels make the most sense. You will choose from things like Linkedin, YouTube, your website, TikTok, Facebook, and other social media platforms.

Promotional Strategy: Leveraging Social Media and Other Channels

Speaking of social media channels, you will want to utilize your organization’s social media to heavily promote your video. This is key for drawing viewership in. One of the benefits of modern video production is that a video can easily reach a wide audience through effective social media promotion, increasing your likelihood of hitting your goals. Behind the scenes photos are a fun way to share content and gauge interest.

Monitoring Engagement and Gathering Feedback

As you promote your video marketing, you’ll want to pay attention to the metrics. Things like built-in social media analytics can be used to gauge the popularity of posts of your video while other aspects (such as YouTube’s analytics) can provide more general information about the performance of your video.

Adjusting Strategy Based on Performance Metrics

If these metrics are not optimal, you will have an opportunity to adjust your distribution strategy. Using the real time metrics provided by many sites is key for being able to identify problems and make decisions quickly, helping strengthen your video marketing campaign.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a number of steps in the process of collaborating with a video production company, however with the right support the process should be a fun experience. If you want to add quality to your video marketing efforts, we would welcome an opportunity to speak with you about your needs and goals.

August 28 2023

Mastering Video SEO for Videography: A Comprehensive Guide for Content Creators and Marketers

As the prevalence of video content continues to soar, understanding the intricacies of Video SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is no longer a choice but a necessity. Whether you’re a content creator, marketer, or business owner, optimizing your videos for search engines and social media platforms can exponentially enhance your online reach and impact and make the most of your budget. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of Video SEO, offering insights and practical advice to help you craft compelling video titles, descriptions, and tags that attract organic traffic and resonate across various online channels.

Why Videography for SEO Matters

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of Video SEO strategies, let’s take a moment to understand why it matters.

According to Cisco, video content is projected to account for a staggering 82% of all internet traffic by 2023. This immense popularity presents a golden opportunity for content creators to connect with their target audiences. However, with billions of videos uploaded daily, ensuring your videos are discoverable and engaging is essential.

Crafting Captivating Video Titles

A compelling video title is a gateway to your content, enticing viewers to click and watch. To optimize your video title for both search engines and social media platforms, keep these tips in mind:

Keyword Research: Conduct thorough keyword research to identify relevant keywords, that align with your video’s topic. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your title.
Clarity and Relevance: Ensure your title accurately reflects the content of your video while piquing curiosity. Ambiguous titles may discourage clicks.
Length Matters: Aim for a title length of around 60 characters to prevent truncation in search results.
Front-Load Keywords: Place your primary keywords, at the beginning of the title for maximum impact.

Click here to see the example.

Crafting Compelling Descriptions

Your video description provides an opportunity to provide context, engage viewers, and improve your video’s search rankings. Consider these tactics when creating descriptions:

Summary: Start with a concise summary of your video’s content to provide viewers with a clear understanding of what to expect.
Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords naturally, but avoid keyword stuffing. Aim for a balanced and reader-friendly description.
Links and Timestamps: Include links to relevant resources and timestamps for crucial sections within the video to enhance the viewer experience.
Call to Action: Encourage engagement by including a call to action, such as subscribing, liking, or visiting your website.

Click here to see the example.

Mastering Metadata with Effective Tags

Tags play a crucial role in categorizing and contextualizing your video content, aiding search engines in understanding its relevance. Here’s how to optimize your tags:

Variety is Key: Use a mix of broad and specific tags, to capture a wider range of search queries. For instance, if your video is about “Healthy Smoothie Recipes,” include tags like “Healthy Eating” and “Nutrition” alongside more specific tags like “Green Smoothie Recipes.”
Competitor Analysis: Analyze tags from videos similar to yours to gather insights and discover potential tags you might have missed.
Long-Tail Tags: Incorporate long-tail keywords and phrases that are less competitive but highly relevant to your content.

Click here to see the example.

Further Resources and Tools

Delving deeper into the world of Video SEO, staying informed about the latest trends, tools, and strategies is essential. Here are some valuable resources and tools to help you on your Video SEO journey:

YouTube Creator Academy: A comprehensive resource by YouTube itself, offering tutorials and best practices for video optimization. YouTube Creator Academy
TubeBuddy: A browser extension that provides insights, analytics, and SEO guidance for YouTube creators. TubeBuddy
Google Trends: Discover trending search topics and explore keyword popularity over time to inform your content and optimization efforts. Google Trends
Social Media Examiner: Stay updated on the latest social media trends, including video optimization techniques for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Social Media Examiner

In an era dominated by video content consumption, mastering video SEO strategies is a non-negotiable skill for content creators and marketers but you can get help! At Striking Media we know it can feel overwhelming, so we have an extended network that specializes in search engine optimization who can support you as you learn these valuable tools to support your business.

By optimizing your video titles, descriptions, and tags, you can elevate your content’s visibility, drive organic traffic, and establish a robust online presence. Remember, while these strategies offer a solid foundation, staying agile and adapting to evolving algorithms and trends will be vital to maintaining your competitive edge in the ever-evolving world of videography.

July 18 2023

Optimizing Your Videos for Different Platforms: YouTube vs. TikTok

Video has become the king of content. From YouTube to TikTok and everything in between, platforms have emerged as powerful channels for sharing videos and connecting with audiences. As a content creator or business, it’s crucial to understand each platform’s unique characteristics and requirements to optimize your videos for maximum impact. This article will delve into the world of video optimization, helping you tailor your content to thrive on different platforms.

Regarding video and the comparison between YouTube and TikTok, here are two notable statistics:

Video Consumption: With staggering statistics, YouTube remains the dominant platform for video consumption. According to recent data, YouTube has over 1.5 billion logged-in monthly active users, who collectively watch over 1 billion hours of video content daily. This highlights the immense reach and engagement potential that YouTube offers as a platform for video content and raises the question, are you using YouTube as a marketing tool and if not, why not?
Rapid Rise of TikTok: While YouTube has a strong foothold in the video realm, TikTok has experienced explosive growth and popularity, particularly among younger demographics. The latest available statistics show that TikTok has surpassed 1 billion monthly active users globally. This rapid rise in user base demonstrates the platform’s ability to capture the attention of younger audiences and its potential as a powerful video-sharing platform.

Know Your Platform

Each platform has its own audience, format, and style. Understanding these distinctions is vital to creating videos that resonate with users.

With its longer-form content, YouTube caters to viewers seeking in-depth information and storytelling.
Conversely, TikTok thrives on short, snappy, and visually captivating videos that grab attention quickly.

By knowing your platform, you can tailor your content to meet the expectations and preferences of its users.

Optimize Video Length and Format

Video length plays a crucial role in viewer engagement.

On YouTube, where users can expect more detailed content, longer videos can perform well, ranging from a few minutes to an hour or more, in some cases, content and audience-dependent.
On platforms like TikTok, where attention spans are shorter, concise videos that are typically 15 to 60 seconds long tend to be more effective.

Adapt your video format, whether it’s tutorials, vlogs, or storytelling, to suit the platform and the preferences of its audience.

It’s essential to determine who your audience are – and which platforms they use. Striking Media offers a Discovery Call at the beginning of every project. This is the moment where we choose which platforms the video content will ultimately be placed on. The key – the planning – so that everything is determined in the planning stage.

Grab Attention Quickly

In the fast-paced world of social media, capturing attention within the first few seconds is essential. Regardless of the platform, the beginning of your video should be attention-grabbing and convey the main message or hook. Use visually striking visuals, captivating captions, or an intriguing introduction to entice viewers to keep watching. Remember, scroll-happy social media users have countless videos competing for their attention, so make your content stand out. If you must use stock footage (you’ve heard us wax lyrical about this before!) save it for deep within the video, and focus on the personalized, strongest footage first.

Tailor Content to Platform Culture

Every platform has its own unique culture and trends. Familiarize yourself with each platform’s latest viral challenges, popular hashtags, and meme trends. Incorporating these elements into your videos can help you stay relevant and connect with the platform’s community. By tapping into platform culture, you can increase your chances of gaining visibility and going viral.

If it feels overwhelming, reach out for support! You can’t be expected to have all the tools in your skillset but those around you do, and we’re stronger together, so reach out for a chat to an expert in this field, to support your successful marketing journey.

Optimize Thumbnails and Descriptions

Thumbnails and descriptions are essential components that influence click-through rates and video discoverability.

On YouTube, a high-quality, visually appealing thumbnail can entice viewers to click on your video among a sea of options.
An intriguing thumbnail can also be impactful on platforms like TikTok, where auto-play is the norm.

Craft concise, compelling descriptions that accurately represent your video content while incorporating relevant keywords for better search visibility.

Utilize Captions and Subtitles

Captions and subtitles are assets that make your videos accessible and engaging for a wider audience. Many platforms offer automatic captioning tools, but manually reviewing and editing them provides accuracy and improves the viewing experience. Captions also enable viewers to watch videos in sound-sensitive environments or for those who prefer watching without audio. By incorporating captions, you create a more inclusive and accessible video experience.

An example of a video delivered in vertical form, produced for SmartRoof Inc, who planned content that worked for every audience, whether they were viewing the video on cell phones or on a computer.

Engage with Your Audience

Interacting with your audience is crucial for building a loyal community. Respond to comments, answer questions, and foster discussions around your videos. Encourage viewers to subscribe, like, and share your content on YouTube. On TikTok, engage with comments, participate in trends, and collaborate with other creators. By engaging with your audience, you create a connection that can increase engagement and loyalty.

Optimizing your videos for different platforms is key to maximizing your reach and engagement. Understanding each platform’s audience’s unique characteristics, preferences, and expectations allows you to tailor your content for better resonance and impact. Whether it’s YouTube or TikTok, Striking Media is here to help you optimize your videos, capture attention, and connect with audiences across various platforms. Embrace the opportunities different platforms offer, and craft videos that thrive in their specific ecosystems.

June 22 2023

Trends in Video Production: What’s Hot in the Industry Right Now

As technology advances rapidly, the video production industry constantly evolves, bringing forth new trends and techniques. Staying up to date with the latest trends is crucial for video production companies to deliver captivating and engaging content. In this article, Striking Media explores the hottest trends in video production that are now making waves in the industry.

Short-Form and Vertical Videos: Captivating Audiences in Seconds

Short-form and vertical videos have revolutionized our content consumption, especially on social media platforms. Striking Media has noticed a rise in clients requesting vertical formats expressly and we can happily deliver content both horizontally and vertically. With the rise in popularity of TikTok and Instagram Reels, these bite-sized videos are being used to engage viewers quickly.

The popularity of short-form and vertical videos lies in their ability to capture attention in a matter of seconds, making them ideal for social media marketing campaigns. Clients such as SmartRoof are mindful that many of their videos are watched on cell phones, hence the need for vertical content.

According to recent statistics, short-form videos generate 73% higher engagement rates compared to longer videos.

Live streaming: Real-Time Engagement and Connection

Livestreaming has taken the video production industry by storm, providing real-time audience interaction and engagement. Whether streaming live events, product launches, or Q&A sessions, video production companies are leveraging live streaming to create authentic connections with viewers. Live streaming offers a unique opportunity to engage with audiences in the moment, fostering a sense of community and enhancing brand loyalty.

Many nonprofit organizations have continued to utilize live streaming although in person events are back. The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia will be streaming their Raise the Region Gala in October as well as hosting an in person event, maximizing their audience and fundraising opportunities.

Recent data reveals that viewers spend eight times longer watching live videos than on-demand content.

Personalized and Interactive Videos: Tailoring the Experience

In an era of data-driven marketing, personalized and interactive videos have become invaluable tools for video production companies. By leveraging viewer data and analytics, companies can create customized videos that resonate with individual viewers. Personalized videos establish a deeper connection with the audience, increasing engagement and driving conversions. Moreover, interactive videos that incorporate quizzes, polls, and clickable elements encourage active viewer participation, making the viewing experience more immersive and memorable.

According to a study, personalized video content can increase click-through rates by up to 985%.

360-Degree and Virtual Reality (VR) Videos

Immersive experiences are becoming increasingly popular, and video production is embracing the power of 360-degree and VR videos. These technologies allow viewers to enter virtual environments and engage with content on a whole new level. From virtual tours of real estate properties to interactive storytelling experiences, video production companies are leveraging 360-degree and VR videos to create captivating and memorable moments for their audiences.

VR headset sales are projected to reach 22.4 million units by 2025, indicating the growing demand for immersive experiences.

Authentic and User-Generated Content

Engaging and Empowering the Audience Authenticity has become a key driver in video production, with user-generated content (UGC) taking center stage. Brands and companies recognize UGC’s power in building trust and engaging their audience. Incorporating user-generated content into video production strategies allows for diverse perspectives and narratives, fostering a sense of community and authenticity. UGC not only adds credibility to brand messaging but also empowers and involves the audience in storytelling.

Studies show that 93% of consumers find UGC helpful when making purchasing decisions.

The video production industry is dynamic, constantly evolving with the latest trends and technologies. By keeping up with these trends, Striking Media and other video production companies, can deliver captivating content that resonates with audiences. Short-form videos, live streaming, personalized and interactive videos, 360-degree and VR experiences, and the power of user-generated content are shaping the future of video production. By embracing these trends, companies can stay at the forefront of the industry and create remarkable video content that leaves a lasting impact.

Remember, for all your video production needs, Striking Media is here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to explore the possibilities of incorporating these trends into your video projects.

May 26 2023

Life moves fast. Do your website and social platforms truly represent your brand?

Our businesses are never static, but ever evolving. No matter your industry, nonprofit or for profit, we live in a world of constant change and demands and our ‘window front’ to our businesses needs to reflect this with videography and photography content – customized, not stock!

So, let me ask you, when did you last take an outsider look at your website? At your social media platforms? When was your headshot last replaced? Do you have, or have you updated any customized photography on your website? When did you last update your videography content?

You would be wise to spend time on this. Whether you choose to look objectively or engage professional help, you may well find that some of your messaging no longer fits. Even asking a friend can serve a purpose! Perhaps you are featuring team members who have moved on and no longer represent your company, perhaps you’ve done some amazing philanthropic work recently that is crying out to be mentioned. Talking about this with videography content, can increase retention and attract new talent to your company.

Look at what others do with videography, and get inspired!

Striking Media spends a lot of time reviewing other people’s websites. We look for inspiration, we look at what our clients’ competitors are doing in the realms of videography and photography and we seek to excel at what we do. And it never fails to astound us, the number of companies that use purely stock footage on their websites. Doubtless, they achieve success, but imagine the success that is possible if they truly chose to tell their story.

One company setting the gold standard for updating their video communication is Smart Roof. They recently rewarded their top salespeople with an executive trip to Los Angeles where they took in a Lakers game, ate at fine restaurants, and learned to surf, while of course having team-building workshops alongside the local fun. There are real incentives for the team to work hard, build relationships and strive for success. And Striking Media went along to capture the fun and packaged it into a series of video packages.

Check out the LA trip HERE.

Showcase your philanthropy with videography!

Smart Roof also lead the field in their philanthropic work with a well established relationship with Cultiva, changing the lives of families in Guatamala through education and sustainable farming. Their recent annual golf tournament, which you can see HERE, highlights their work and brings together employees and partners for a day of fun, while also giving back.

Both of these videos will feature on Smart Roof’s website and social media, generating interest with both employees and clients. Note the call to action – they rightly are showcasing their employee experience for the next generation of salespeople.

Highlight projects in production with videography

Other companies showcasing their work include Ontario, Canada-based Eleven X. This tech company won an RFP with Arlington County to implement a new parking system that might just save all our sanity! If you live around the Courthouse/Ballston area, you may have seen sensors being put into the roads. These will determine which spaces are available at all times of day, therefore making parking easier in high-density, busy areas. Sounds genius, right? What is also genius, is the company’s decision to document the installation and the reaction of local business owners so that footage can be used to help them raise awareness of their technology and get future business. Videos to come!

These are all stories worth telling. And stories that Striking Media is proud to tell! As Wyzowl tell us, 93% of marketers who use video consider it an important part of their strategy, a number that is continuously increasing. If you’re serious about your business, you can’t afford not to!