Video is now more accessible than ever before, and vlogging is becoming increasingly popular.
With access to video cameras on our phones and a wide range of entry-level DSLRs, many business owners ask “why pay for a video production company, when I can make one myself?” Here are a few good reasons to invest in a professional business video.
Don’t go DIY for your marketing video from Square Daisy on Vimeo.
Firstly, if you intend to use the video as a showcase for your company, or to sell your products, your video is doing all the talking.
A really slick, professional business video shows that you are willing to invest in your product and that you believe in it enough to spend money on it. A DIY video, while well-intentioned, may not deliver the same impression. If you want people to recognise the value in your proposition, you should recognise the value in selling it properly.
You may think you can get away with just a camera. But at the very least you’ll need lights, microphones, an audio recorder and some form of editing software. That’s all on top of a half decent camera. We made a video to demonstrate how the quality of your videos is affected if you DIY, but I’ve gone into it a little more thoroughly here-
- A good quality camera allows more options. Control over focusing, ISO, and F-Stop give you greater shot options. They add interest and emphasise a skill level the average person might not have. A sturdy tripod will keep the shots dead still, and allow you to pan and tilt fluidly when you want to add movement. To add variety and a high-end feel we use a slider.
- Audio is key to communicating your message effectively. Most cameras will have a built-in mic but they are never good, and rarely close enough to the subject to pick up the audio. We use either a directional microphone or lapel microphone to capture audio close to the source.
- In most set ups you’ll need at least 3 professional lights. This is to create a consistent and healthy amount of light for the camera to create a crisp image. To the human eye, a shot may look well lit and clear, but we have to remember that the human eye is constantly adjusting to our surroundings and can accommodate poor light conditions. Cameras are machines, with no compromise or ability to accommodate for shadows or bad colour temperature.
- Experience and knowledge. Even if you have all the kit, you’re probably not a video professional. Video is something we do all the time. Apart from technical aspects, we also have creative training and can confidently produce high quality footage that looks good. We consider the framing of the shot, the mis-en-scene and the composition of the frame. It’s our job, so we know what errors to look out for, how a shot should be composed to be most aesthetically pleasing, and best practice in the technical production of video.
If you’re sceptical about whether these things are essential, let us prove it. We tried to recreate our corporate video with an entry-level compact DSLR, no lights, no slider, no microphone, and iMovie editing software. Unfortunately no amateur camera operators were available so we had to do it ourselves. Let us know which you think is better.
If you’re thinking of video, why not speak to us and see what you can do to bring your business to life….professionally!
