What type of video works best for your project?
When we sit down with clients to talk about a video project, they typically already understand the need for video as part of their online presence. Few businesses, however, are aware of the different kinds of videos we can produce and how different types work best to meet different goals. We’ve put together this overview to help clients understand the possibilities.
A Film Production
Shooting footage, whether in the studio or on location, is a great way to tell a story. A film production is still the most effective medium for generating a strong emotional response or for bringing a human face to a company.
On-location film production
When you need your customer to see your location or see your product in a particular setting, on-location film is the gold standard. Usually it requires a crew of at least three people. The commercial shown here required a crew of ten with a variety of skills and expertise, and was filmed with a high-end motion picture camera. On-location film production is a highly staged, controlled process with professional actors. This is the most premium type of video and is appropriate for a client looking for a very high return on investment.
https://vimeo.com/139589678
Studio film production
While location filming is a great tool, too often businesses assume it’s the only way to sell their product. That’s not the case. Studio film production is a good choice when you want the power of film, but the setting is immaterial. Studio production works very well for testimonial-style videos and for recreating generic settings such as a doctor’s office or a classroom. Studio production can usually be accomplished with fewer crew members and so is less expensive.
https://vimeo.com/92835304
Motion Graphics video
Motion graphics videos come in a variety of types. These videos are typically produced by a digital designer and are less cost-intensive than film. Unlike most film footage, motion graphics videos are not strictly character-driven or story-based. They are often visually exciting and imaginative. They work well for explaining abstract concepts, and they can be used to lend a youthful, tech-savvy image to your brand. Here are some different styles and applications of motion graphics videos:
Motion graphics video with 2D animation
2D motion graphics can be a great choice for explainer videos and product introductions. This type of video is easier and less expensive to produce than film, and in the right application it can be just as effective.
https://vimeo.com/168038282
Motion graphics video with 3D animation, aka “3D fly through” video
Sometimes you need to show your customer finer detail or walk them through a process. 3D animation, sometimes called a “3D fly through” video, can be effective and economical in these applications. It’s also a good choice when you have a new product in development and you need to bring it to life for potential investors. Another good use of a 3D fly through video is real estate projects that are yet to be completed.
https://vimeo.com/194579517
Motion graphics video with photos
When you want your customer to see beautiful, lifelike images of your product but film is not in your budget, consider a photography-based motion graphics video. This type of video can be surprisingly dynamic and also very economical.
https://vimeo.com/139772555
A Mix of All of the Above
It’s common to mix all of the above in coming up with a video that’s right for client. Here are some of the most typical mixes we see:
- Filmed videos often include a mix of location and studio shots. For example, in a recent commercial we shot for a university, we were able to reduce their costs by shooting “classroom” footage in our studio in Virginia, mixed with outdoor footage shot on-location at their campus.
- Marketing videos often include a mix of film and still photography. For example, in this video we combined on-location footage of the client’s manufacturing facilities and employees with still photography examples of some of their completed projects. The video also includes 2D motion graphics throughout, as well as some time-lapse footage.
https://vimeo.com/186289682
If you have a video project in mind, give us a call today. We can help you make the best use of your budget by designing a video with the right techniques to accomplish your goal.