If you've been thinking about how to use video in your company, take a look at how non-profits approach using video. Since 2003 ImageBeam has produced over a dozen event based or fundraising videos for Non-Profit Organizations. In this time we've come across many inspiring organizations and projects. Non-Profits leverage video (Rich Media) to get their message out about their organization to their potential donors, sponsors and volunteers.
In spending time in this industry, we have noticed that there are key elements of Non-Profit videos that apply to the use of Video for Marketing and Visibility purposes for Companies and Corporations. Here are some best practices for producing an effective Corporate Video through the eyes of a Non-Profit.
Introduce the impact of the program, and then introduce the organization.
Too many times have I seen companies create videos that tell the audience all about the company and how great their services are and how wonderful it is to work with them, however, those videos don't show the audience these things, in action.
Before you toot your company's horn on your corporate video, introduce individuals your audience relates to. Your audience wants to see themselves in your video, through somebody else's testimonial or interview. For example, if your company is in the professional services industry, interview one of your best clients and have that be one of the FIRST things your audience is introduced to.
Then, once you've established the impact of your service or product, then introduce your company through an interview or voice over from one of the leaders in your company or department.
Highlight all the Players in the Game
One of the most effective practices that Non Profits take on in producing a fundraising or "Mission Statement" video is to interview and hear from each category of people involved with the organization. For example, a Non Profit that serves young children would interview and show footage of the young children at the organization's events or programs. In addition, they would interview staff and program coordinators of the Organization; finally, rounding those interviews out with recipients of any awards or the community "power partners" they work closely with. All of this would be tied together with a powerful voice over script that leaves the audience with the Organization's message.
Don't leave out key people that would round out your video. If you are using voice over, use footage of each type of person involved in your project, company or service. In addition to video of your best clients and the leader of your company, interview some of your employees, or a local business leader in the community that is affiliated with your organization.
When producing your next Corporate Video think of how a Non-Profit would communicate with their Donors or Volunteers. Here is a link to an sample Nonprofit video project ImageBeam completed using the best practices mentioned above, Project Tomorrow.