Ready For Your Close-up Chuck?

Jan. 18, 2013 - PRLog -- It often comes as a surprise when we respectfully point out to directors and CEO’s that talking heads extolling the company’s virtues in their corporate video is not the best way to set the viewer on fire.  In fact any, ‘piece to camera’, to give it its correct name is really a no-no on any corporate video production if it runs longer than twenty to thirty seconds.  In productions made by Icarus Media the rule is ‘don’t tell ‘em show ‘em’. Video is a powerful medium, one that has the capability of taking the viewer on a journey to personally witness whatever subject or situation you would wish them to see, from something down in the factory to a view from outer space.  By all means begin by letting the viewer see the person speaking, director, MD, CEO, trainer, expert or whatever. The reason for this is that we all like to form our opinions about the person speaking by seeing their face.  But once we’ve seen them it’s time to move on, move on and use the moment to show the viewer exactly what is the person is talking about.

Having said that you may be forgiven for thinking that it’s far preferable then to use the voice over – that never seen individual with a perfect voice that narrates the commentary as we watch.  Surprising enough, in all but a few cases, the answer is no and for one very good reason.  Human communication is far more complex than we perhaps realise and only about seven percent is down to the spoken word.  Body language, personality and facial expressions all play a far bigger part than just words alone, another good reason why it’s best we see the person speaking - even briefly.

Finally, one often over looked area in any corporate video production is the testimonial.  While a message from a member of the board or the CEO himself may seem to be the thing, there is nothing more persuasive or convincing than to hear directly from a satisfied customer.  It doesn’t have to be more than a few seconds but a few impartial words from someone who used the service or tried the product is worth its weight in gold. Those few seconds alone can make the difference between a corporate video that merely informs and one that sells the company time and time again.

Icarus Media are a leading producer of corporate video in Manchester and across the North West. In addition to their work in corporate video they are  also known for their expertise  in web videos, educational videos, training videos and viral video production.  With websites now central to most companies marketing and promotional activities, Icarus are reporting a growing demand outside what has traditionally been described as corporate video. Internet video, company video and corporate communication videos are all variations on the same theme but with subtle differences depending on an individual company’s approach to promoting their business or organisation.

For more information on Corporate Videos Manchester visit us at www.icarusmedia.co.uk or call us on 0845 130 2588