Filming a Creative "Corporate About Video" for any size company, business or product

It’s no secret that Corporate "About" Videos and online video has become one of the hottest trends in content marketing.

-Over 85% of the country’s Internet users viewed online video content in September 2013 alone.

But it’s not just that video is big right now – it’s that it’s getting bigger. Earlier this year, Social Media Examiner reported that video was the number one area where marketers planned to increase their investments for 2013-2014.

This Video Production was created for HBS Salon in Vista California. The Salon is an amazing company with an upbeat "cutting edge" feel to it. There hook is, that they have the Hollywood Model/Actress makeup and hair feel to their business.

This Video was Filmed with 2 Video Production Cameras and a DSLR with some Early Make Cine Lenses and Vintage Lenses as well and was one of our first Company "About Video" production back in 2006ish. We used Final Cut Pro at the Time, but since then have changed to a Very high end Video Editing and special effects program used in all hollywood Cinema productions now days.

The STAFF/Actors:  Usually in Company "About Videos" you really want to get the Owners or people who run the company involved. Try not to use "ACTORS" mainly because its just not the "Truth" In this case it was the 2 owners. We try not to script anything and let them speak from the heart. This is where you are going to get your best reaction from them. If you have to use a Teleprompter, make sure that at least the scripting is memorized.  This set of owners for HBS Salon were amazing, and did not need a script at all.  And if you direct them correctly, you can end up getting much more out of them then needed for the video.

Filming the Business:   This can sometimes be the most challenging part.  Be sure  before you start your pre production, that you have something to film.  If its just an office, your going to have to build and intriguing set, or even get some stock footage.   But anytime you cutback to a shot, make sure that shot has something to do with what they are saying.  This is a big thing, and if you dont, you could lose the view immediatly.
1: “Funny company story” video: No one ever
experiences the same thing the same way. Pick a few employees to tell
the story of the funniest thing that happened in the office. It could
also possibly be a customer story. Sequester three people and have them
tell the same story. Pepper them with questions that will lead to other
interviewees, such as, “What do you think Steve would say about this
incident?” If your culture allows it, create a dramatization of the
incident to include in the video.

2: “Why we love our job” video:
Do one-on-one interviews with employees talking about why they love
their job. Try to get them to talk about specifics of their job and the
work they do. Try to avoid a lot of “It’s the people” answers. Why are
you proud to have this job? What makes your job fantastic?

3: “Day in the life” video: Pick your most
interesting and camera friendly employee and do a day in the life of
their job. Have them narrate their entire day and follow them
everywhere. Be specific about what you’re working on and the challenge
you’re trying to complete.

4: “Award-winning employee” video: Every time an
employee wins an industry award, or even if its an employee of the month
award, interview them about what they did to win that award. Interview
others as to why they think that employee deserved that award. This has
greater impact than just seeing a series of awards on a shelf.

5: “Tell me about your job” video:
After someone has been at their job for at least six months, do a
one-on-one interview with them describing all the details of their job.
Have them be as realistic as possible talking about the good and parts
of the job. This is a far simpler style video to shoot and produce than
the more involved day-in-the-life video. Use it for future recruiting
efforts. When that person leaves or an identical position opens up, post
the job listing along with the companion video.