Filming a professional-looking commercial video can be intimidating, but it’s more doable than you probably thank. Here are some tips to get the best video out of your startup budget.
Consider Hiring a Pro
Even if you’re on a shoestring budget, it’s worth looking in your area for producers or directors for hire. If you’re based in the Melbourne area, look for video production companies in Melbourne. You might be surprised how affordable they can be, and you generally don’t need to shell out for a whole production team. And you can bet on the final product turning out much higher quality than if you’d asked your cousin or receptionist to be behind the camera. A professional eye goes a long way.
Plan Ahead
Even if you don’t consider yourself to be much of a writer, that’s the first step to making a great commercial video. If you step in front of the camera without a plan, you’ll waste time and resources – not to mention probably finding yourself completely flustered. Write a detailed script that you’re happy with beforehand.
Pick a Manageable Concept
When most people start thinking of making a great commercial video, their ideas tend to go way too big. That’s exactly why brainstorming is so important. Get the ideas rolling, then sort them all by what seems most reasonable to do. It might sound fun and eye-catching to set a car on fire for your insurance commercial, but can you achieve the same impact by taking a less-expensive approach? Probably. Keep it simple.
Do What You Can In-House, and Outsource What You Can’t
Most employees (and even some of your family and friends) will jump at the opportunity to star in a commercial. This is great for you because it means you don’t have to hire actors specially. Ask around. See if anyone already on your payroll has experience making student films in college, or has taken an acting class before.
But inevitably, you’ll probably run into some need that no one can adequately fill. That’s when you want to look for a professional. It can be tempting to try to pressure your CTO into doing voice-over for your commercial, but don’t push anyone into doing something they’re not comfortable with. That’s when you want to look for a freelancer. Be judicious about how many tasks you outsource, but bringing in some outside talent can go a long way.
Stay Organized
The more footage you end up filming, and the more of it you have to edit and splice together, the longer post-production will take you – and the greater the likelihood that something will go wrong. This is another reason why you want to choose a simple, manageable concept. But there’s also something to be said for having all your ducks in a row before you hit “record.”
As long as you prepare beforehand, find the right talent, and reign in your imagination, you’ll be well on your way to creating a video commercial that will excite and draw in customers.
