Video Testimonial?

Jeff Toogood · September 13th, 2005, 07:32 AM

I have a meeting tonight with a potential client. They would like me to produce a video showing client testimonials for their product.
Seems pretty straight forward, but I was wondering if anybody has done productions like this before and have any extra information that might help me tonight in my meeting.
Was thinking of using a friend of mine's studio for shooting the testimonials, I have a wireless lav mic for audio, anything else equipment wise I might need?

Thanks for you help.

Richard Alvarez · September 13th, 2005, 08:37 AM

Jeff,

This sort of question opens up artistic and aesthetic desicions that differ from client to client, and from producer to producer.

Some issues to discuss;

Should all the testimonials look the same? In other words, do you gather the clients in the studio and shoot them in front of the same backdrop.

How much B-Roll goes behind the testimonial? This might be product specific. Are they talking about something that is not very visual, such as a economic/banking type of service? Or is the product something more physical and usefull... a lawn implement, heavy equipment, a vacation resort...

Is the client supplying b-roll or are you going to shoot it?

Can you shoot the testimonials in situ? On site, while they utilize the product?

You see how the approach can differ. These are the things you need to iron out.

Jay Gladwell · September 13th, 2005, 08:55 AM

Richard nailed it.

If it were me, I would strongly suggest they be shot in the client's "natural environment" where the product is being used. This not only adds visual variety and interest, but it gives more creedence than running them through the studio.

Just my opinion.

Jay

Jeff Toogood · September 13th, 2005, 09:22 AM

It is for a weight loss clinic, so not sure what the natural enviroment would be.
It is one of those "herbal" weight loss places.

Jay Gladwell · September 13th, 2005, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Toogood

It is for a weight loss clinic, so not sure what the natural enviroment would be.
It is one of those "herbal" weight loss places.

Then I would shoot it there, just use different backgrounds for each, if possible.

Jay

September 13th, 2005, 07:32 AM	#1
Jeff Toogood Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: St.Thomas, Ontario, CANADA Posts: 428	Video Testimonial? - What do I need to know? I have a meeting tonight with a potential client. They would like me to produce a video showing client testimonials for their product. Seems pretty straight forward, but I was wondering if anybody has done productions like this before and have any extra information that might help me tonight in my meeting. Was thinking of using a friend of mine's studio for shooting the testimonials, I have a wireless lav mic for audio, anything else equipment wise I might need? Thanks for you help. __________________ Toogood Studios

September 13th, 2005, 09:22 AM	#4
Jeff Toogood Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: St.Thomas, Ontario, CANADA Posts: 428	It is for a weight loss clinic, so not sure what the natural enviroment would be. It is one of those "herbal" weight loss places. __________________ Toogood Studios

September 13th, 2005, 08:37 AM	#2
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Jeff, This sort of question opens up artistic and aesthetic desicions that differ from client to client, and from producer to producer. Some issues to discuss; Should all the testimonials look the same? In other words, do you gather the clients in the studio and shoot them in front of the same backdrop. How much B-Roll goes behind the testimonial? This might be product specific. Are they talking about something that is not very visual, such as a economic/banking type of service? Or is the product something more physical and usefull... a lawn implement, heavy equipment, a vacation resort... Is the client supplying b-roll or are you going to shoot it? Can you shoot the testimonials in situ? On site, while they utilize the product? You see how the approach can differ. These are the things you need to iron out.

September 13th, 2005, 08:55 AM	#3
Jay Gladwell Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,244	Richard nailed it. If it were me, I would strongly suggest they be shot in the client's "natural environment" where the product is being used. This not only adds visual variety and interest, but it gives more creedence than running them through the studio. Just my opinion. Jay