Video development is a process that starts with a good idea, choose the right people to work with and that idea is realised, but many good ideas fall by the wayside or even worse; end up ‘almost’ good enough.
If you are thinking about developing a video and you want to get it wonderfully, perfectly right, here are some of the elements to consider first.
The Budget
The logical starting point for any business or individual thinking about developing a video is how much they can afford to invest in it. It can sometimes be an elephant in the room but it shouldn’t be. A really good, collaborative video developer will work with their client and budget to deliver every last drop of quality within its parameters.
They will also have the experience and specialist knowledge to offer the help and advice you need to get the results you want.
Developing video is an investment, one that comes with very real returns. Even if you are planning a limited budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t develop a video that serves the needs of your goals.
Collaboration
If you are planning on developing a video, the chances are that you already have a vision in your head. That vision might contain what you want it to look like, how you want it presented and the message you want it to convey.
That is great, you already have the seed of the video you want but how do you describe that to others?
Usually, it is up to them to ask the right questions.
Developing a video is a creative process we know all about at Dragonfly; it involves working closely with the people who have the skills to make it real. For them it’s more than a job, it is a journey that every video developer thrives on. We are part psychologist, part counsellor, part storyteller with a pinch of artistry and technical know-how thrown in for good measure.
We love working closely with people, to cement that vision inside their heads and to craft it, through scripting, storyboarding, production, post production and finally delivery, into something they are proud to share with the world.
Establishing purpose
Without exception, all videos have a purpose, that purpose might be to raise awareness, to make people think, make them smile or to showcase a product or service. Then again it might be to explain an idea or concept in ways far simpler than words alone might be able to.
If you have a clear idea of that purpose, you can share it with the people you’ve trusted to make it happen and it’ll be easier for them to do it the way you want it done.
The who and the where
We know that budget is important and so is choosing a video production agency who wants to work closely with you. We also know that establishing the purpose of your video is also vital from day one.
The next things to consider when developing a video are where you want to share your video and the people you want to see it.
Video can be used for many different purposes, to share across social media for example or to form part of a presentation. It can be used as a teaching aid in schools and colleges or sit proudly on the landing page of your corporate website. It might be a video played without sound and relying more heavily on visual elements.
Where you plan to use your video is an important part of the video development process.
Similarly, your target audience will play an important role. A video aimed at younger people is likely to look and sound a lot different to one aimed at shareholders or older people. If your audience are fundraisers or campaigners then again, the video style and type might be markedly different to say, I.T specialists or holidaymakers.
Is there a single, magic formula for engaging any of these people? Not really but there are a number of proven ground rules and types of video that might be best.
The types of video
If there is the seed of an idea, there is probably a type of video to help it grow. Here are some of the most sought after:
Animated videos can transport an audience to places with endless possibilities and few limits. They can achieve anything in an emotive and eye-catching way. They can also explain a lot in a short time. A talented team of animators can help you establish a real identity and avoid damaging, run of the mill templated content.
Promotional videos are all about researching the market and coming up with bold, innovative content to make you, your ideas and your message stand out.
Talking head videos can deliver a more personal and direct message, one that instils trust, emotion and integrity. Delivering a message directly to the viewer wins trust and builds relationships in a way that few other video types can.
Commercials are a platform for originality and impact. Every one of them has to start with an open mind and a blank sheet of paper. Every good commercial starts with a good idea.
For help and advice on video development or to tell us about your project, get in touch
