My website project - video production providers?

riza

I'm looking to develop a new website for our marketing/lead generation services. I'd like to get some tips and advice if possible.

One thing we have a key emphasis on is engagement. We would like to make our site as informative and engaging as possible. We would like to start with a company overview type of video for the landing page. Much like an "about us" but in the form of a corporate video. For e.g. http://www.jmotion.co.uk

We are Northampton based, and are thinking to work with a local company like Jmotion to film and create this video for us.

We have debated whether or not we should try doing it ourselves, but it seems like a risk and very difficult to do even though we have some photography and video editing skills. Of course we don't have the expensive equipment these guys have to achieve the high production values. Do you guys have any suggestions on making professional looking business video's without having the best resources?

paddyrg

Corporate videos are expensive. Even though they're short, they usually require decent production values, and those don't come without experience. It's worth enquiring and getting prices from a few providers.

Doing it yourself could work (why not give it a try and see if you're satisfied), but is more likely to make you seek professional help! If nothing else though, think fully through what you want the video for. Personally I hate it when sites withhold information until you watch a crushingly dull video. What does your video say about you that can't be done faster/better in photos and text?

EDIT - also... just bear in mind...

BJV

Be careful. Google and many search engines really dislike i frames ( some videos are loaded like this ).

I agree I would steer clear of promotional videos and instead go for clear, well displayed information and pictures.

Don't forget that statistically if a customer lands on your website and can not find what they want they will click off and go somewhere else. Instead spend the money on well designed, user friendly systems which will help portray a more corporate image.

riza

Thanks for the replies guys. I think you both make some good points here. We're leaning towards getting it done professionally - we've seen some DIY corporate videos and they don't particularly look good. There's a danger it can hurt credibility.
I do think that we should use text and possibly some images as well, because as you say the customer must find what they're looking for!
I just feel that videos have the ability to inspire, motivate viewers, and provide a way of connecting with customers more effectively.
My initial thoughts were that it'll be expensive to do, but i've had a couple of quotes and i've found affordable providers that still seem to offer a very professional and high quality service.

Percy1983

Interestingly my business is in video production and my website doesn't have a video intro. (does have some examples of work on another page)

By all means I would be more than happy to advise people how to do it yourself with little money/equipment.

riza

Thanks for the reply. That would be great! I believe we have some decent cameras to get the footage, but it would be good to get some tips and tricks on putting together an intro vid that looks as professional as it can be. I suppose most of the hard work would be done in the editing process?

Percy1983

I will say decent cameras are good, but is it is designed to play in a small window on a website you can get away with lessor cameras.

I say this as you could get away with footage from a decent smart phone these days, the biggest problem with them is low light perfromance and mounting. So if you can manage good light levels from the right direction and mount your recording equipment in a solid/stable fashon the results can be rather good.

I say this as personally I would turn up with at least 3 cameras and some lighting kit to take much effort out but as said looking around and using natural light to your advantage can work.

As mentioned the biggest thing is then in the edit, yet again I use advanced software but I will say free software like the windows live editor can actually give good results if time is put in.

paddyrg

Part of my annual income is feature film production, I've done time in corporates. In most cases the quality of the camera is less relevant than the quality of the lighting, sound, edit, performance, script, message, etc. The camera is just the bit that turns the light into digital bits! Like I say, give it a go for yourself, but seriously you'll probably find the results disappointing compared with getting a professional.

You can do a good job with cheap kit but applying knowledge and experience. You could similarly shoot it on an Arri Alexa and make something unwatchable. The experience is what makes the difference.

What is the message you are trying to get across? Personally, I really hate 'about us' videos. I can't bear anyone trying to motivate me. Sometimes a good product demo/tutorial can be useful and make me considering ordering from you. Think about exactly what you're trying to communicate.