Making a company video.

YouTube is now the second most used search engine on the internet with people regularly using the site content to research products and how to use them. Businesses using this channel give potential clients a fresh look at their products and services by creating impactive videos.

By being able to combine visual, audio and text in the same message format video offers the most effective means of communicating your message on any media format, mobile device, tablet or computer screen.

There are three things that need to be done to make an effective video;

- Plan it, know what it is you want to say, and how you want to say it.

- Storyboard it to layout the vision design.

- Work with the video creators to achieve your vision.

And always aim for the highest quality that you can achieve; a shoddy poor quality element of a video distracts viewers as well as making a negative comment about your business.

Plan it.

An effective video consists of a combination of a number of elements. The visual, the audio, the corporate style, the text overlay and sub titling, the opening and closing graphics. Any video should have audio content, and should have a graphic containing contact information at the minimum. Crete a standard shell as a corporate style so viewers will know where to find the information they want.

Storyboard.

This is the layout of the vision into the series of sections that make up the video overall. The storyboard should describe each scene, the layout that is wanted, and the script or audio content that is needed. If subtitles or text is needed it should detail this as well. The storyboard is the thing that is used to control the video as it is produced; it is probably the element that requires the most investment of time in the production.

Achieving your vision.

The videographer needs to have the storyboard to plan the shoot and needs to understand the vision behind this. Elements of both the visual and the audio will depend on the combination of lighting, background, focus, and action (if any) that is needed.

Preparation.

Prior to shooting the following should be done in order to keep costs to a minimum and make sure the shoot goes smoothly.

- Rehearse. If you are going to be speaking or appearing in the video rehearse before the shoot starts. There is nothing worse than hesitant presentation lacking in confidence. A well presented presentation is a lot more attractive to a viewer. If the video requires it hire a professional model; this can save time and money in the overall production.

- Make sure you have all the products and materials that you need on hand and in the condition that you want to use them. Dusty or damaged product samples for example will not work as well as new ones.

- Have the storyboards finalised and clear. These are going to be the production guide for the shoot.

- Have the location ready if you are not using the videographers studio. The videographer will discuss the requirements for any location shoot well before the date of the shoot. Considerations are adequate space, background noise, lighting, adequate power outlets and any props that are required like tables, chairs etc. If branding is needed then make sure there are a number of copies of the brand material to cover contingencies such as damage. And remember if planning to shoot outside that the weather and the position of the sun can affect the video.

The shoot.

Allow plenty of time for preparation on the day and for the shoot. The videographer will discuss the details of times and set up / take down. If specific members of your team are needed make sure they are available - and ready - when needed.

The videographer will normally make a number of takes of each element of the video so as to have sufficient material to create a final cut. Be prepared for this.