In early 2020, we were all hands-on deck, taking calls from clients forced to either cancel or postpone live filming due to the impending Lockdown. I’m not going to lie: it’s been challenging ever since, adapting to a Covid-19 world in the video production business. Like any other business during these times, ‘adapting’ has been key to the survival of businesses who are able to flex. We’re proud of our remote content offering that helps clients with alternative solutions to tell their story. We’ve also updated our policy for contactless filming so that we’re all social distancing properly!
In this post, we’ll tell you:
- How you can use your existing video footage to create fresh content
- Where you can find new sources of videos and stills for your videos (without leaving the house!)
- How we plan to continue to film during the pandemic
Repurposing existing content for engaging social posts
Stills from previous campaigns. Raw footage that didn’t make the initial cut. We’re using pre-filmed or old footage to make entirely new video campaigns.
Stock footage and image manipulation
Lacking in crowd, abstract or landscape shots? Stock footage and image manipulation can create a video campaign where once live action was considered a necessity.
User generated content
Do you have a strong social following with a highly engaged fan base? If your fans and followers are using your products or services in their social media, consider using their content to create a video where your audience takes centre stage (don’t forget to ask for permission first!). Lacking in content? It’s never too late to get them onboard. Encourage followers to post content that can be included in a montage.
Animation and motion graphics
The combination of animation, motion graphics and infographics gives you a video campaign where all the creative can be done remotely without any filming. Motion graphics in particular, is commonly used for social media graphics. Do it yourself using tools such as Animoto, Biteable or Promo. A video agency can also provide you with branded templates if you’re looking for a more bespoke video series.
Voiceover and interviews
If your old videos are off-message or outdated, consider updating your voiceover. Most voiceover artists are set up with in-home studios, plus it’s not difficult for a video agency to set up a pre-rig audio device for remote interviews. The rise of virtual interviews on Zoom means that adding talking heads has become a reality – without the need of a crew member in the room!
Hosting video webinars
When you host an event online, invest in decent camera, lighting and mics to improve the quality of your videos. Zoom and Teams may be the default tools to use, but don’t skip on the innovative tools that are available.
Social media edits
Once your video campaign is up and running, create snackable, social media edits and optimise for your channels. We’re big on ensuring clients get the most out of their video, so we’re happy to discuss how best to get the most out of marketing your video.If live action is the only option for your video, Skylark is adhering to the APA’s guidance on live action filming while social distancing.
Our contactless filming package includes:
- Limited travel and avoiding public transport
- Crew members on site are kept 2 metres apart
- Micro-crews, where we operate with as few people as possible. Interviews for example, can be filmed by an experienced self-shooting director.
- No scenes to include crowds or to be filmed in public places
- All crew members will wear personal protective equipment (such as face coverings) and crew will observe regular hand cleanliness and other measures to keep crew, talent and clients safe.
Above all, pursue video that’s right for your brand message in these times. An ambitious, high-end video may not be appropriate with a world in recession, so it’s okay to simplify your brand messaging. It leaves you and your extended team to focus on creativity – it’ll be more valued than ever.
Nina Postans
Nina is Managing Director at Skylark Media. She has written for Marketing Week, Advertising Week and Creative Review.