Pre-Production: The Blueprint for Success

Concept Development

1. Originality: Your idea should be fresh and captivating. It could be a new perspective on a common theme or a story never told before. The uniqueness of your concept can set your video apart in a big way, though this also presents the biggest danger of getting bogged down in conceptualizing your project.
2. Research: Investigate your theme, subject matter, and audience. Understanding what has been done and what resonates with your intended audience can help refine your concept. Focus on the purpose of your video project, and how that purpose can best be brought to life.

Scriptwriting

1. Narrative Structure: A strong, clear structure that audiences can follow is crucial. Whether you’re telling a linear story or something more avant-garde, the sequence of events should build to a satisfying conclusion, regardless of the overall length and depth of the project.
2. Character Development: Relatable and well-developed characters can significantly impact your video’s effectiveness. Even if it’s a short video, viewers should be able to connect with what’s on screen, including the characters.

Storyboarding and Planning

1. Visualization: Storyboards are a great tool for visualizing scenes before filming. They can help save time and resources during production and are essential for planning shots, angles, and the overall look of the video. 
2. Logistics: Schedule shoots, scout locations, and secure permits if necessary. Meticulous planning in this stage can prevent costly mistakes, delays, or reshoots.

Production: Bringing Your Vision to Life

Cinematography

1. Visual Style: The choice of camera angles, movement, and composition all contribute to the storytelling. Your visual style should complement the narrative, mood of the video.
2. Lighting: Good lighting can enhance the atmosphere, depth, and emotion of your scenes. Whether you’re using natural light or studio setups, lighting should be carefully planned to support the visual tone.

Direction

1. Performance: Directing actors involves guiding them to convey the story’s emotions and characters authentically. Even in non-fiction videos, the way subjects are presented and interviewed can make a big difference.
2. Pacing: The rhythm of the video is key to keeping the audience engaged. Pacing involves the duration of scenes, the timing of dialogue, and the flow of the narrative.

Post-Production: Polishing Your Masterpiece

Editing

1. Cohesion: Editing is where your video truly comes together. It’s about choosing the right takes, cutting scenes together smoothly, and ensuring the story flows both logically and seamlessly.
2. Effects and Color Grading: Visual effects and color grading can enhance the mood, emphasize key moments, and correct any inconsistencies in the footage.

Sound Design

1. Music and Sound Effects: The right soundtrack and sound effects can profoundly affect the video’s impact. They should underscore the narrative and evoke the intended emotions.
2. Dialogue: Clean, clear dialogue is crucial. Post-production is the time to address any audio issues, add voiceovers, or incorporate ADR (automated dialogue replacement) if needed.

Distribution and Promotion: Sharing Your Story

Targeted Submission

1. Choose the right platforms and festivals that best fit your video’s genre and style. Tailoring your submissions can increase your chances of recognition.

Marketing

1. Promote your video using social media, press releases, and networking. Creating a buzz around your project can attract viewers and judges alike.

Creating an award-winning video is an ambitious endeavor that demands passion, creativity, and attention to detail. It’s a collaborative effort that blends art and science, storytelling and technique. While the journey can be challenging, the reward of crafting a video that resonates with audiences and earns accolades is incomparable. Remember, each project is a learning opportunity, pushing you closer to that next award-winning creation.

Ready to Elevate Your Brand’s Story?

At Mad Men Marketing, we specialize in turning your visions into captivating, award-worthy videos. Let’s craft a narrative that resonates with your audience and sets your brand apart.

Join forces with us for your next project! Contact us or give us a call at 904-355-1766 today & start crafting the legendary brand stories that your business deserves.

The post How To Create An Award-Winning Video appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

We’re going to delve into the factors that can affect video production costs, campaign planning, and overall marketing strategy.

Pre-Production Expenses

Concept Development and Scriptwriting

The first step in any video production is concept development and scriptwriting. This stage sets the foundation for your video and involves brainstorming sessions, scriptwriting, and storyboard creation. Depending on the complexity of the concept and the length of the video, costs can vary significantly.

Location Scouting and Permits

If your video requires shooting at external locations, scouting and securing these locations, along with necessary permits, can add to the cost. Some locations are free, while others may charge a fee. This is important to research and hammer out from the beginning, as a mistake at this stage can increase costs, time, and complexity.

Production Costs

Equipment and Crew

The quality of your video largely depends on the equipment used and the expertise of the crew. High-definition cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and drones for aerial shots can increase production value but also the cost. Additionally, hiring a professional crew including a director, cameraperson, sound technicians, and other specialists is a significant expense depending on your vision.

Talent Fees

If your video features actors, models, or presenters, their fees will contribute to the overall cost. The rates can vary widely based on the talent’s experience and the demands of the role, and it is best to select a variety of people to protect against an unexpected cancellation.

Location Costs

Shooting on location may involve rental fees, especially if you need to close a business for the day or require a specialized setting.

Post-Production Expenses

Editing

The post-production phase, which includes editing, is crucial for crafting the final product. This process can be time-consuming and requires skilled editors to ensure the video flows smoothly, aligns with the script, and includes any necessary effects or graphics.

Sound Design and Music Licensing

Background music, sound effects, and voice-over work are essential components that enhance the video’s impact. Licensing music and hiring voice-over artists add to the cost, but they are vital for a professional finish.

Graphics and Animations

Depending on the video’s style, adding graphics or animations can significantly enhance its appeal. These elements, however, require specialized skills and software, which may come at an added cost from the professionals you’ve hired to produce your video.

Miscellaneous Costs

Marketing and Distribution

Once your video is ready, it needs to reach your target audience. Costs associated with marketing and distribution channels should not be overlooked. Whether it’s for social media, television, or internal channels, each platform may involve different costs, ranging from free, to potentially hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on your desired campaign.

How Much Should You Budget?

The cost of producing a commercial or an internal marketing video can range widely, from a few hundred dollars for a simple in-house production designed for your business’s workforce, to thousands of dollars for high-end commercials produced by top agencies. Generally, businesses should consider their marketing objectives, target audience, and the message they wish to convey when budgeting for video production. A well-planned video can yield a significant return on investment, making it a worthwhile expenditure.

In conclusion, understanding the various elements that contribute to video production costs can help businesses plan effectively and make informed decisions. While quality video production is not cheap, it’s an invaluable tool in today’s visually driven market.

In search of the perfect video production crew to work with you on any and all campaigns? Visit our website or give us a call at 904-355-1766 today!

The post Understanding the Cost of Video Production for Commercials and Internal Marketing Videos appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.