From Awkward to Awesome: Maximizing the Contributions of Non-Professional Actors in Your Video

Professional Spokesperson Studying Lines

Promotional, corporate, and fundraising videos are powerful tools to communicate your message, engage your audience, and achieve your goals. However, one common mistake that clients make is trying to use non-professional actors to act in their videos, which often leads to awkward and unconvincing performances that undermine the impact of the video. In this article, we'll discuss what non-professionals can and should-not-do, and provide tips on how to make the most out of their contributions.

1. Testimonials are great

   Testimonials are a powerful tool to showcase your company's success stories and inspire your audience to take action. They are also a great way to involve non-professionals in your video without requiring them to act. All you need to do is ask them to share their experiences and thoughts on camera, and let them speak from the heart. Authenticity is key here, so don't script their responses or ask them to read from a teleprompter.

2. Real speaking roles are effective

   If you really need someone in a speaking role in your video, make sure that it is a real speaking role, doing what they really do anyway. For example, a salesperson talking to a customer about your product or service may work because that is what they do professionally. However, asking the same salesperson to pretend to be a customer and read lines may come across as inauthentic and cheesy. Keep in mind that your audience can tell the difference between a genuine conversation and a forced performance.

3. Use non-speaking roles effectively

   Non-speaking roles can be just as important as speaking roles in your video, especially if you need to showcase a product, process, or environment. In these cases, you can ask non-professionals to perform actions or interact with the environment in a natural and authentic way. For example, asking an employee to demonstrate a product or use a tool may be more effective than asking them to recite lines.

4. Provide guidance and coaching

   If you decide to involve non-professionals in your video, make sure to provide them with guidance and coaching on how to perform in front of the camera. This includes tips on posture, tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. Consider conducting a rehearsal or practice session before the actual filming to help them feel more comfortable and confident.

In conclusion, non-professionals can be valuable contributors if used effectively. However, avoid asking them to pretend to be someone else or perform lines that require acting skills they may not possess. By following these tips, Creative Images can help you create a compelling and authentic video that engages your audience and achieves your goals.

6 Tips for Finding a Video Production Company That Will Deliver Results

Video has become one of the most popular and effective ways to promote products and services in the modern business world. A well-crafted video can create a powerful emotional connection with your target audience and drive engagement and sales. However, producing a high-quality promotional or marketing video requires expertise and resources that may not be available in-house. That's why many businesses turn to video production companies to help them create compelling content that gets results. In this article, we'll explore how to find the right video production company for your needs.

On-Location Filming

1. Define your goals and objectives

   Before you start searching for a video production company, it's essential to define your goals and objectives for the video. What do you want to achieve with the video? Who is your target audience, and what message do you want to convey to them? What is your budget for the project? Defining your goals and objectives can help narrow down your search for a few reasons:

   • Focus on companies with relevant experience: By knowing what you want to achieve with your video, you can look for video production companies that have experience producing similar videos for other clients.

   • If you have clear goals and objectives for your video, you can evaluate video production companies based on their ability to help you achieve those goals. This will help you identify companies that are more likely to deliver the results you need, and avoid wasting time on companies that are not a good fit.

   • Budget and timeline considerations: By knowing your budget and timeline upfront, you can identify companies that are within your price range and can deliver the project within your desired timeframe.

2. Look at their portfolio

   A production company's portfolio is a great way to get a sense of their style and capabilities. Look for examples of work that is similar to what you want to achieve. Are their videos engaging, visually appealing, and well-crafted? Do they have experience working with businesses like yours, and can they demonstrate an understanding of your industry and target audience?

3. Check their references and reviews

   Reach out to their references and ask about their experience working with the company. Did they deliver on time and on budget? Was the quality of the work up to par? Were they responsive to feedback and easy to work with?

4. Consider their expertise and resources

   Different video production companies have different areas of expertise and resources. Some may specialize in animation, while others focus on live-action videos. Some may have in-house talent, while others rely on freelancers. Consider what type of video you want to produce and whether the company has the expertise and resources to deliver it.

5. Evaluate their communication and project management

   Producing a high-quality video requires effective communication and project management. Look for a company that is responsive to your needs and communicates clearly and regularly throughout the process. Ask about how they handle changes or revisions.

6. Get a clear understanding of the costs and timeline

   Producing a video can be a significant investment, so it's essential to get a clear understanding of the costs involved. Ask the company for a detailed breakdown of the costs and any potential additional expenses. Also, make sure you have a realistic timeline for the project and that they can deliver on your schedule.

At Creative Images, we understand the importance of finding the right video production partner for your needs. We believe that a successful collaboration depends on a strong fit between the company and the video production team. As such, we only take on projects where we know we can add value and deliver high-quality results. Our goal is to build long-term relationships with our clients, and we believe that starts with being honest and transparent about what we can and cannot offer. So if you're considering working with us, rest assured that we'll only take on your project if we believe we're the right match for your needs.

Maximizing Your Trade Show ROI: How Testimonials Can Drive Sales and Engagement

As a video production company owner, I've been hired for many different projects over the past 30 years. One job, in particular, stands out to me - it was for a manufacturer of bovine ultrasound machines for vets. The machines were unique and expensive, with a price tag of around $10,000.

The challenge was how to collect lots of raving testimonials from people, even if they didn’t own the machine. The marketing firm had a brilliant idea: a contest during the trade show! Participants could win the machine by providing a testimonial and answering questions like "How much would you like to have this machine? How would it help your business? How would you use it? Would your customers benefit from it?" This strategy provided glowing reviews about the product, even from people who had never used it before.

Over two days, we recorded about 180 testimonials. The cost per testimonial might seem expensive considering they were giving away a $10,000 machine for them. That came to around $55 per testimonial, but the value to the business was significantly higher. Not only did it provide valuable feedback on the product, but it also generated excitement and buzz around the contest. People were eager to win, especially when they knew the odds of winning weren't one in a million, but one in 180.

But that's not all. The testimonials also gave the ultrasound company enormous amounts of material for social media posts. One testimonial could provide one to three short videos, which could be shared on various platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This allowed the company to showcase their product and build excitement around the contest. By repurposing the testimonials in this way, they were able to create a steady stream of engaging content for their followers, which helped to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.

This strategy of capturing testimonials at trade shows is a great idea for any business. It allows potential customers to hear from others who have already used your product or service, and it generates excitement and interest. As a video production company, we've filmed testimonials for many different types of businesses, and we know how to make them look and sound great.

If you're thinking about capturing testimonials at your next trade show, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Make it easy for people to participate - provide clear instructions and a simple process.

2. Offer an incentive, like a prize or discount, to encourage participation.

3. Ask open-ended questions that allow people to provide detailed feedback.

4. Be prepared to film a lot of testimonials - the more you have, the better!

At Creative Images, we're experts at capturing product testimonials at trade shows and other events. We can help you develop a strategy that will generate excitement and engagement around your product or service. If you're interested in learning more about our services, please contact us today.

12 Less-Obvious Tips for Producers to Conduct Successful Interviews in Video Production

Interviews can be a vital component of any video production. They provide a platform for experts, witnesses, or people with first-hand experiences to share their insights and perspectives on a particular subject. However, conducting an interview is not just about asking questions and recording responses. There's more to it than meets the eye. In this article, I’ll delve into some less obvious and more obscure tips that will help you conduct better interviews and produce more engaging and informative videos. From establishing a relaxed atmosphere to avoiding monotony and guiding the conversation, these tips will make a difference in your interview process and final product.

Interview for international television.

It's important to keep in mind that these tips may not work for everyone being interviewed. For example, below I discuss how it is not always beneficial to provide questions beforehand, yet this may cause stress to a small number of individuals who prefer to have a clear understanding of the questions and how to answer them before filming begins. This level of preparation can result in polished, but sometimes stiff, responses. Yet, from my extensive experience, I have found that minimal preparation can lead to more organic and engaging responses.

1) Relaxed Atmosphere: Let the interviewee know that the interview is just a casual conversation, even if the production relies on their answers. This approach helps the interviewee feel at ease and reduces any pressure they may feel about their role in the success of the production.

2) Best Footage Guaranteed: Assure the interviewee that the final product will be carefully edited to make them look and sound their best. Emphasize that if the footage does not meet the desired standards, it will not be used. This will help the interviewee feel confident and worry-free.

3) Casual Conversation: If the interviewee requests to see the questions before filming begins, a casual response could be "We're just going to have a conversation, but don’t worry as the topic will be around your area of expertise." For many, this approach can make the interviewee feel more relaxed and less formal.

Telling the story of a non-profit organization.

4) Short and Concise Questions: During an interview, video production teams usually aim to capture short, concise sound bites. To achieve this goal, it's best to ask short and to-the-point questions. If the interviewer asks a lengthy question, due to human nature, the response is likely to be lengthy as well.

5) Coaching Consideration: In some cases, the person being interviewed may need guidance, such as speaking in complete sentences or not looking directly at the camera. Correcting them during the interview can sometimes be distracting and cause them to become nervous. It's important to assess whether the interviewee requires coaching or not. If necessary, consider coaching them after the interview, and then redoing segments that could be improved. This decision should be based on the individual's performance and how it affects the overall outcome.

6) Mimic Surroundings: People naturally imitate their surroundings. If the interviewer speaks softly, the response will likely be soft, and if the interviewer exudes happiness and joy, the interviewee will likely respond in a similar manner. Keep in mind the desired tone of the answers when formulating your questions.

7) Lighthearted Atmosphere: As the director of photography, I like to create a lighthearted atmosphere during equipment setup by joking or simply being more casual with both the producer and interviewee. This helps set the mood that the interview is a fun experience, even if the subject matter is serious. Doing so can help everyone relax. If you are the producer, consider communicating your desired behavior to the video production team before the interviewee arrives.

8) Don’t discuss the subject before cameras are rolling: Engaging in small talk before the interview can help create a comfortable atmosphere, but it's important to avoid discussing the subject of the interview. This is because valuable sound bites may be shared before the camera starts rolling that may not be as impactful the second time around.

9) Avoid One-Word Answers: When conducting an interview, try to avoid asking questions that have a simple "yes" or "no" answer. If you do receive this type of response, a useful follow-up question is "Why?" as it prompts further explanation.

10) Simple Questions Lead to Valuable Answers: To get the most valuable information and insights, consider asking questions that may seem simple or even "dumb." These questions can sometimes lead to basic yet crucial answers that can inform the viewer and provide context to the subject at hand.

Employee Testimonial

11) Balancing Interruptions: Interrupting a lengthy or off-topic response can offer several benefits such as saving time for all involved, streamlining the editing process, and allowing for follow-up questions and feedback. However, it's essential to consider the etiquette aspect, as it may be perceived as impolite depending on the individual being interviewed. The decision to interrupt should be made based on the dynamics of the situation and the personality of the person being interviewed.

12) The Power of Eye Contact: Establishing and maintaining eye contact during an interview not only fosters connection with your subject, but also encourages open and honest communication, leading to a more engaging and genuine conversation. Be mindful not to break eye contact too often by taking notes or looking around, as this can be distracting. While it's not necessary to stare directly into their eyes the entire time, giving your full attention is crucial for a successful interview.

As we wrap up, at Creative Images, we prioritize the success of your video production. Our team is always willing to take notes and provide valuable insights to ensure the final product is comprehensive and meets your expectations. Additionally, if needed, we are also willing to step in and ask follow-up questions to ensure the interviewee provides complete information for the post-production process.

We've found that creating a comfortable environment for the interviewee is essential for a successful interview. Keeping the number of people in the room to a minimum can help ease their nerves. If others need to be present, having them out of the interviewee's line of sight can prevent distractions and keep the focus on the interviewer.

Thank you for considering Creative Images for your video production needs.

The Dos and Don'ts of Corporate Video Production

If you're considering producing your own corporate video, we understand that there can be benefits to taking a DIY approach, such as potentially reducing costs. While tackling video production yourself can be challenging, it's still possible to create an effective video that communicates your brand's message to your target audience. To help you navigate the process and achieve your video production goals, we've compiled a list of dos and don'ts to keep in mind, ensuring you make the most of your self-produced video without compromising on quality.

Do: Define Your Goals and Target Audience

Before you start planning your video, it's essential to define your goals and target audience. Understanding who you're creating the video for and what you want to achieve will help you craft a more effective message and reach your desired outcomes.

Don't: Use Jargon or Technical Terms

It's crucial to avoid using jargon or technical terms that your target audience may not understand. Keep your message clear, concise, and easy to follow, so your viewers can understand your message without confusion.

Do: Focus on the Story

Your corporate video should tell a compelling story that resonates with your audience. Use storytelling techniques to convey your brand's message in a way that captivates and engages your viewers.

Don't: Overwhelm with Information

It can be tempting to include as much information as possible in an effort to educate your audience. However, overwhelming your viewers with too much information can lead to confusion and disengagement. It's important to keep in mind that a successful corporate video should deliver a clear and concise message that resonates with your target audience.

To avoid overwhelming your viewers with information, start by defining your key message and sticking to the most important points. Keep your script concise and use visuals to help reinforce your message. Avoid including every single detail about your brand, product, or service in your video. Instead, focus on the key benefits and features that will be most relevant to your target audience.

Do: Use High-Quality Equipment and Production Techniques

Using high-quality equipment and production techniques is crucial to creating a successful corporate video that effectively communicates your brand's message to your target audience. Investing in professional-grade equipment and techniques not only ensures that your video looks and sounds professional, but it also communicates that your company is professional and takes its brand seriously.

Don't: Neglect the Importance of Audio

Audio is just as important as video, if not more so. Our ears are not as forgiving as our eyes, and poor audio quality can quickly turn off your audience and undermine the effectiveness of your video. It's crucial to invest in quality audio equipment and techniques to ensure that your message is delivered clearly and effectively. This includes capturing high-quality sound during filming and using proper mixing and mastering techniques during post-production to ensure that your audio is polished and professional.

By keeping these dos and don'ts in mind, you'll be better equipped to produce a successful video that communicates your brand's message effectively to your target audience. At Creative Images, we take all of these factors into consideration when producing videos for our clients. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you produce a high-quality promotional or corporate video that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Preparing for a Video Interview: Tips for a Confident and Relaxed Experience

As a video production company, we understand that being interviewed on camera can be a nerve-wracking experience. But with the right preparation and mindset, you can make a strong impression and come across as a confident expert in your field. Here are our tips to help you prepare for a successful video interview.

1. Know your audience: Think about who will be watching the video and what they want to learn from you. This will help you tailor your responses and speak in a way that resonates with them.

2. Consider your answers: Take a few minutes to think about the questions you might be asked and how you want to respond. This will help you feel more confident and in control during the interview.

3. Don’t over-prepare: I know, we just told you to consider your answers, but don’t fall into the trap of over preparing. Over preparing can actually detract from the authenticity and energy of the interview. Our advice is to focus on understanding the key elements you want to convey, but avoid memorizing scripts or overthinking. Instead, aim to be yourself, relax, and let your natural energy shine through.

4. Be conversational: The video interview is meant to be relaxed and conversational, so don't worry about being too formal. Speak as if you were having a conversation with a friend, and let your personality and expertise shine through.

5. Practice good posture and body language: Maintain good eye contact, sit up straight, and use gestures to help you convey your message. Good body language can help you appear more confident and engaged.

6. Speak in complete sentences, and try to put the question into your answer: Since the person asking the questions likely wont be included in the final video, including some of the question helps to effectively convey the message. For example:

   Interviewer: What was your biggest challenge working on this project?

   Response 1 (Incomplete): The tight deadline.

   Response 2 (Complete): My biggest challenge working on this project was the tight deadline.

7. Avoid rambling in your answers. Videos with interviews are typically just a few minutes long, and there may be multiple interviews with different people included in the final production. So, it's important to be concise.

8. Trust the editing process: We will carefully edit the video to ensure that you come across as confident and knowledgeable. So, don't worry if you make a mistake or stumble over your words during the interview, we've got you covered.

   By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared for your relaxed and conversational video interview and able to make a strong impression on your audience. With the support of our team, you can rest assured that your final product will showcase your expertise and personality in the best possible light.

Leveraging Video for Employee Training and Development

As businesses seek to keep pace with the constantly evolving needs of their employees and customers, it's crucial to have an effective strategy for employee growth. Video has become a powerful tool for businesses to utilize in order to optimize employee training and development.

At Creative Images, we understand the value of employee education and how video can play a key role. Here's how video can be used to enhance employee growth and performance:

Training for Contractors

1. Dynamic and Interactive Content - Video content offers a more dynamic and interactive experience than traditional text-based training methods, making it easier to maintain employee engagement and focus during growth sessions. From quizzes to demonstrations, video has the ability to add excitement and impact to the learning experience.

2. Enhanced Retention - Research has indicated that people retain more of what they see and hear compared to what they read, making video an excellent resource for improving memory retention of training materials. By incorporating video into employee growth initiatives, businesses can increase the chances that employees remember and apply what they've learned.

3. Streamlined Delivery - Video-based training is easily scalable, providing a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to grow their employees across multiple locations or departments.

4. On-Demand Access - With video-based training, employees can access growth materials as needed, allowing them to review the content as many times as required for full understanding. This flexibility makes video-based training an ideal solution for businesses with employees who have fluctuating schedules or work across different time zones.

5. Customized Approaches - By including personalized content, such as employee profiles or role-specific growth initiatives, video-based training can be tailored to meet the unique needs and learning styles of different groups of employees.

Training Dealers on New Product

By tapping into the power of video, businesses can drive employee growth and performance to new heights. Whether you're looking to make training more engaging, scalable, or personalized, the team at Creative Images can help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more.

Crafting Effective On-Camera Copy: Tips for Writing for a Teleprompter

When it comes to creating copy for on-camera presentations, there are important differences to keep in mind compared to writing for print materials. The goal with on-camera copy is to create a natural and conversational tone, while also ensuring that the script flows smoothly and can be easily read from a teleprompter.

At Creative Images, we understand the importance of crafting effective on-camera copy. Here are some tips:

Sound conversational? It’s all scripted.

1. Keep it Simple and Conversational - Avoid using complex language or technical terms that may be difficult to read or understand on camera. Instead, focus on writing in a conversational tone that mimics the way people speak.

2. Pay Attention to Pacing - When writing for a teleprompter, it's important to keep in mind the pace at which the words will be read. Make sure your script is written in a way that allows for natural pauses and breaks, so that the speaker can comfortably read the words as they appear.

3. Use Active Voice - An active voice is a writing style where the subject of the sentence is doing the action. The sentence structure is straightforward and easy to understand, making it a more engaging and effective way of writing. In an active voice sentence, the subject performs the action and the object receives the action. This type of writing makes the sentence more concise, direct and dynamic.

   For example: "The dog chased the cat." This sentence is written in an active voice as the subject "dog" performs the action "chased" and the object "cat" receives the action.

   In comparison, a sentence written in a passive voice would be: "The cat was chased by the dog." In this sentence, the subject "cat" is the recipient of the action and the performer of the action is less emphasized.

   Using an active voice in your writing can help make your writing more lively, energetic, and engaging.

4. Emphasize Key Points - When writing for a teleprompter, it's important to make sure that key points are emphasized. This can be done through the use of bold or italicized text, or by breaking the script into smaller, easier-to-read sections.

5. Consider Visual Aids - It’s helpful for the on-camera talent to be aware of when they will be obscured by full-screen graphics or b-roll, so that they can adjust their delivery accordingly. These are also areas where a break may be taken.

By following these tips, businesses and organizations can create effective on-camera copy that will help to engage and inform their audience. Whether you're creating a corporate video, a customer testimonial, or a product demonstration, the team at Creative Images can help you craft copy that will deliver the results you're looking for. Contact us today to learn more.

If you found this post helpful, be sure to also read tips for performing on-camera with a prompter.