Advice for shooting a Promo video? at DVinfo.net

Rob Hester · May 5th, 2005, 06:00 PM

Hey all,
One of my friend's fathers has asked me to shoot a promotional video for a natural medicine either school or practice. I am extremely shady on the details; I have an appointment to discuss the project further next Thursday. Here is what I know so far:
It will be an information oriented video...advertising oriented I believe. The final product will be a DVD which will go to print and from what I understand it will be distributed at shows and events which this school/practice attends.

Now obviously I will need a heck of a lot more information, but the goal of posting ahead of my appointment is so that I may read up and be as suggestive and helpful as possible when I meet with him.

So, generally, I was wondering if there are any websites which have tips for this sort of project, or if anyone here may lend some advice.

It's going to be a one man show, no budget type of deal. I will be getting paid, but this is more of a favour for him than anything.

Thanks for your time,
Rob

Bob Costa · May 5th, 2005, 11:10 PM

Get yourself a copy of Barry Hampes book Making Videos for Money. That covers all of this. Most important question is "Who is the audience?".

Rob Hester · May 6th, 2005, 01:32 PM

Thanks for the reply!
I really don't have enough money to spend on this project, I am sure that what I am paid will be more of a gesture. Are there any free resources you know of?

Thanks again,
Rob

Mike Cavanaugh · May 6th, 2005, 02:39 PM

Robb,

The three most important things to nail down are AMP:

Audience - Who is the target audience? Who does this business need to reach in order to be successful in this communication effort. Ask for a description of their demographic - age, gender, educational level etc. Don't accept "General Public" - it's a cop out way to avoid thinking! Even though McDonalds ads are all over the place and they can't control who sees them, it doesn't mean they do not have a specifically targeted audience in mind.

Message - what is the "take away message" from this promo? Is it "Dr. X is a kind and trustworthy person" or "Our approach to medicine utilizes scientifically sound methods and practices" or "We offer great value for your health care dollar" etc. Get the client (no longer a friend - treat him as a professional and customer) to identify one or two key messages.

Purpose - You have identified the audience, clarified a key message or two, now what is the viewer supposed to do? What is the desired outcome? Do you want the viewer to call, visit, attend a class, become a practicioner, refer a loved one, change his/her health habits etc?

After you clarify AMP - then ask "Is this medium (DVD) the best way to reach the clients goals?" If the answer is yes, then start scoping out the approach. How many locations? Professional voice over, or the Dr. on camera. What equipment will you need? Will you need to acquire music rights? Length? If this will be shown at events, a short (2-3 min) piece is about all that viewer interest will bear. If it will be mass produced, you can go a bit longer. Will someone accompany the video delivery to answer questions?

Good luck - I've had a lot of experience in project scoping - will be glad to answer questions.

Rob Hester · May 6th, 2005, 05:27 PM

Wow. That was amazing advice!! Thank you so very much! I'll keep it in mind, and give an update once I have my meeting!

Thanks again!
If anyone still can contribute that'd be great too
Rob

May 5th, 2005, 06:00 PM	#1
Rob Hester Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 113	Advice for shooting a Promo video? Hey all, One of my friend's fathers has asked me to shoot a promotional video for a natural medicine either school or practice. I am extremely shady on the details; I have an appointment to discuss the project further next Thursday. Here is what I know so far: It will be an information oriented video...advertising oriented I believe. The final product will be a DVD which will go to print and from what I understand it will be distributed at shows and events which this school/practice attends. Now obviously I will need a heck of a lot more information, but the goal of posting ahead of my appointment is so that I may read up and be as suggestive and helpful as possible when I meet with him. So, generally, I was wondering if there are any websites which have tips for this sort of project, or if anyone here may lend some advice. It's going to be a one man show, no budget type of deal. I will be getting paid, but this is more of a favour for him than anything. Thanks for your time, Rob __________________ JVC DV3000U - 30P (non-interlaced) capture on a budget - tests@http://robvideo.netfirms.com

May 6th, 2005, 01:32 PM	#3
Rob Hester Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 113	Thanks for the reply! I really don't have enough money to spend on this project, I am sure that what I am paid will be more of a gesture. Are there any free resources you know of? Thanks again, Rob __________________ JVC DV3000U - 30P (non-interlaced) capture on a budget - tests@http://robvideo.netfirms.com

May 6th, 2005, 05:27 PM	#5
Rob Hester Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 113	Wow. That was amazing advice!! Thank you so very much! I'll keep it in mind, and give an update once I have my meeting! Thanks again! If anyone still can contribute that'd be great too Rob __________________ JVC DV3000U - 30P (non-interlaced) capture on a budget - tests@http://robvideo.netfirms.com

May 5th, 2005, 11:10 PM	#2
Bob Costa Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Venice, FL Posts: 850	Get yourself a copy of Barry Hampes book Making Videos for Money. That covers all of this. Most important question is "Who is the audience?".

May 6th, 2005, 02:39 PM	#4
Mike Cavanaugh Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Albany NY Posts: 311	Robb, The three most important things to nail down are AMP: Audience - Who is the target audience? Who does this business need to reach in order to be successful in this communication effort. Ask for a description of their demographic - age, gender, educational level etc. Don't accept "General Public" - it's a cop out way to avoid thinking! Even though McDonalds ads are all over the place and they can't control who sees them, it doesn't mean they do not have a specifically targeted audience in mind. Message - what is the "take away message" from this promo? Is it "Dr. X is a kind and trustworthy person" or "Our approach to medicine utilizes scientifically sound methods and practices" or "We offer great value for your health care dollar" etc. Get the client (no longer a friend - treat him as a professional and customer) to identify one or two key messages. Purpose - You have identified the audience, clarified a key message or two, now what is the viewer supposed to do? What is the desired outcome? Do you want the viewer to call, visit, attend a class, become a practicioner, refer a loved one, change his/her health habits etc? After you clarify AMP - then ask "Is this medium (DVD) the best way to reach the clients goals?" If the answer is yes, then start scoping out the approach. How many locations? Professional voice over, or the Dr. on camera. What equipment will you need? Will you need to acquire music rights? Length? If this will be shown at events, a short (2-3 min) piece is about all that viewer interest will bear. If it will be mass produced, you can go a bit longer. Will someone accompany the video delivery to answer questions? Good luck - I've had a lot of experience in project scoping - will be glad to answer questions.