Corporate video and company film production services for businesses of all sizes
Category: Company Film
Company Film Information
Tips and advice on producing the perfect company film – these blog posts and articles are aimed at clients looking for advice on creating great video content for their business.
Based in Loughton on the borders of Essex and London, Video Artisan are a specialist company. We provide film production services to businesses and organisations of all sizes. In addition, we provide a complete script-to-screen service for promotional films, training films and corporate video content. Furthermore, we supply freelance camera, editing and conference coverage services.
This collection of articles includes tips on creating better video content for businesses. This enables to enable them to increase sales, inspire their workforce and be more productive. The articles include both technical and creative tips for newbie and seasoned commissioners alike. In particular there’s a special emphasis on video marketing techniques and exploring ways in which a company film can enhance their business and increase profitability.
Please contact Kevin Cook for further advice on your next corporate film – kevin@video-artisan.com or call 020 83602 3356
Why you really need to start filming customer references
One of my most exciting and promising contacts came in towards the end of 2012 with an approach from a local agency on filming customer references for a number of blue-chip clients. One of their largest and more prolific clients that use their services is British Telecom.
The agency specialise in producing a mixture of marketing collateral based on interviews and interactions with their client’s customers. These marketing tools can be brochures, website content, fact sheets and/or videos – which are ultimately used to help their clients sell more of their products or services.
My work for them started with a edit-only job on a short film about ABM Rexel in Spain outsourcing their world-wide telecommunications infrastructure to BT Global. Filmed in Spain by a separate film company, the first task was to transcribe and then translate the customer interviews from which the agency produced a paper edit for me to follow. Two versions of this film were eventually produced – one with and one without English subtitles.
The second commission was a short film about the John Taylor Hospice who had adopted BT’s N3 Mobile Health Worker technology into their practice in Erdington, Birmingham. This was partly finished project which required additional and more up to date footage by way of filming customer references and BT representative interviews at the hospice. In a nutshell, N3 Mobile Health Worker is a system which enables health workers to instantly access patient records in the field – and also to enable collaboration with other health workers involved in their care.
The original footage supplied by BT was taken roughly a year before my involvement and consisted of interviews with various health workers who use the technology in their work. These were all filmed in standard definition so I had to be a little creative in using them against the new high definition interview material. Insetting these shots into pictures I took of the the mobile device overcame this problem quite well. I also think the benefits of the N3 Mobile Health Worker technology to the hospice and their patients is very clear from the final film…
The task of filming customer references
Filming customer references and case studies are relatively straight forward filming challenges. However, the work that goes on prior to filming is key to their success. The agency are incredibly skilful word-smiths who understand their client’s needs and know how to capture the messages that will result in their clients achieving their goals. They also fully understand the video production process and the best ways to get the message over using video. Every shoot is therefore tightly storyboarded and planned – but at the same time they realise the benefits of using creative professionals such as Video Artisan to help direct and craft the content into something with purpose.
I’m now in the middle of the third film for this agency and BT Global which is in the final approval stages. We’ve also started planning another film which is due to go into the filming stage mid-April – so it looks like this is going to be a regular stream of work for Video Artisan.
I’ll be adding these films to my showreel as each one gets signed off – so keep an eye out for them.
This is a showreel of recent works by Video Artisan. Films will be added to as and when they are signed off by clients. Please contact us for additional showreel samples which are not in the public domain. All works are copyright of Video Artisan unless otherwise stated.
Gellyball!
Gellyball is fun, action-packed party activity for kids and adults. Using mess-free water-based gellyballs as ammunition, this indoor/outdoor activity is perfect for ages 8 to adult. The low-impact, gellyballs work with interactive scoreboards via protective vest sensors to create a really competitive and fun activity. For more information, visit www.gellyball-kids.co.uk now.
Beat the Media
Beat the Media is a Media Training presentation combined with a highly focussed team-building activity – with each team acting as a TV news gathering unit. Your delegates will be the people in-front and behind the camera; tasked to produce an entertaining 2-minute News Package.
Infinity Gazebos – Introducing their Premium Range
This short SEO Video was produced to highlight the features of Infinity Gazebos’ Premium Range of products. With plenty of still images of installations, Infinity wanted a video that would demonstrate the mechanical features and moving parts of their luxury gazebo range.
M&IT Agency Challenge 2022
The M&IT Challenge events are all about audience engagement – the modern way to use fun and competition to get sales messages remembered. It’s all about high energy, inspiration and creativity. Suppliers present their messages to the entire audience of agency professionals while our hi-tec knowledge tests ensure maximum engagement between audience and presenter.
M&IT Awards 2021
The M&IT Awards is the leading awards event for suppliers and buyers in the corporate travel, events and incentive travel industries. Held at Battersea Evolution in London, hundreds of event professionals gather each year to celebrate the very best in the industry. This short documentary gives an incite into the event and is used to attract sponsors, participants and attendees.
M&IT Agency Challenge
This short documentary gives an insight into the 2021 M&IT Agency Challenge event held at Wyboston Lakes Resort. This is a unique networking event for event and corporate travel agencies which fosters greater understanding between them and their providers. Video Artisan not only shoot this documentary over the two days but also provide one of the most popular team challenges. Each team has to create a 2-minute film on a given subject – which are then judged and screened as part of the final gala night dinner.
Trinity Catholic High School – 2020 Enrollment Film
Faced with the challenges of running their normal enrolment open-day amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, this film was produced to give potential students and their parents an insight into the values, principles and benefits of attending this very well respected Church school.
Haynes Group – The core of your connected future.
This is an example of what can be achieved using just stock images only – coupled with some scripting, a professional voice (by Andy Ivy) and an appropriate music score. It was created in just three days and will be used by the Haynes Group as part of their sales presentations and also for online distribution.
Smith’s of Loughton – At your service!
Here’s a short video we’ve just completed for this local high-end kitchenware, tableware and giftware retailer. Pretty much everyone in the local area will be familiar with Smith’s – but if not, this short film will give you a good idea what they’re all about.
M&IT Agency Challenge 2019
This short event documentary explores the benefits to MICE agencies and sponsors of participating in CAT Media’s M&IT Agency Challenge.
Kainos Evolve – Paperless Healthcare – Customer Reference Film
This short customer reference film tells the story of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals innovative drive towards delivering a paperless healthcare system to their local community.
M&IT Awards 2019
Video Artisan were, once again, commissioned to produce a short film on this amazing awards ceremony. This event celebrates the very best in the UK’s business meetings and events industry.
Siemens – The Culture Difference
This short investigative documentary was produced for Siemens Financial Services (Region North) to demonstrate the positive effects of cultural change within the business. Used as a recruitment tool, this film prepares delegates on the company’s expectations of everyone working within the business. (see full story here)
Handheld Vs Shoulder-Mount Video Cameras
This is a short documentary about the benefits of using a shoulder-mount camcorder over one of handheld design. Sponsored by JVC Professional, this film concentrates on the features and benefits of their GY-HM850 camera. (see full story here)
M&IT Agency Challenge – Landmark Hotel London
This short documentary tells the story of the M&IT Agency Challenge – an event which brings together buyers and suppliers within the corporate travel industry who participate in a range of activities and presentations to create an atmosphere of learning whilst having fun. (see full story here)
25-years of the Supadance National League
This short event documentary tells the story behind the success of this amazing ballroom dance league and it’s finals that took place this year at the Norbreck Castle, Blackpool. (See full story here)
Nipper Clipper at the Baby Show 2013
This short video diary covers the first exhibition showing of the revolutionary Stylfile baby and toddler nail clippers – The Nipper Clipper and its accompanying Timmy Tickle Baby distraction app.
Same-Sex Dance Festival Documentary
So you think you know all there is to know about same-sex ballroom and Latin dance? This short documentary will certainly give you the bigger picture and supports the view of same-sex dance being incorporated into mainstream dance.
Robertson Sumner – IT Sales Recruitment Specialists
This is a good example of how simple and effective a website promotional film can be. Running for just 1-minute 44-seconds, Robertson Sumner’s managing director, Marc Sumner, gives an introduction to their specialist IT sales recruitment business based in Gerrards Cross.
BT Workstyle Managed Service – Short Version
A short film produced for BT on the adoption of their Workstyle Managed Service by South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT). Called WorkSmart internally by SEPT, BT provided a comprehensive planning, integration, support and hardware solution which enables the Trust to adopt mobile working practices.
CAT Publications – iScream Norway Challenge
This short film was produced for CAT Publications to promote their Corporate Away Day event services. Video Artisan also supported the event with filming kits for delegates to create their own film as part of the activities. A more detailed blog on this job can be found by clicking here.
Stylfile Nipper Clipper Promo
2-minute (or so) website promo film introducing the innovative Nipper Clipper nail clippers and the Timmy Tickle distraction Ap. Shot in a day – edited in another.
Eiger Safety – Musical Short
This short video was commissioned by Eiger Safety to act as a introduction to their sales PowerPoint presentations to give the audience a quick overview of the range of height safety systems and services they provide. A longer form documentary is also in production that gives a much more in-depth view of the company and their work.
Supadance – Shoes for Dance
(winner of Best Open Category at the 2012 IOV Awards) Website short which had a simple objective of showcasing Supadance as a UK/London based dance shoe manufacturer. The video is used as part of the video SEO activities and screened on their stand at various ballroom/latin dance competitions and events throughout the year.
Bees & Wasps
(2nd place in Best Documentary Category at the 2012 IOV Awards) Short website documentary about the relationship and differences between the honeybee and the wasp. Used as part of SEO activity for www.beemovies.net
Supadance Same Sex Open
(short-listed in the IOV’s Video of the Month for January 2013) Another one of five videos produced for Supadance in 2012 as part of their video SEO activities. This short film gives an insight into this pioneering event and explains why Supadance were one of the main sponsors.
Supadance National League
An insight into this major Ballroom and Latin Dance competition finals held each year in Blackpool. The purpose of the video was to give a brief explanation of the competition and how to enter. It is used by the organisers to attract dance schools to the competition and also by Supadance as part of their video SEO activities.
I was conference filming for Dilip Patel of Double-Barrelled again at the weekend. It’s always a pleasure working with Dilip – but I found myself sucked in by the subject matter more than ever this time.
The event was being run by the Merseyside Family Doctors Association at the Lace Conference Centre in Liverpool. We wasn’t covering the whole event but rather concentrating on capturing a keynote presentation by Prof. George Freeman and Dr. Alison Hill entitled ‘Continuity of Care’. We were also to film a short interview with them both following their presentation in one of the breakout rooms at the venue – with questions being put to them by the lovely Bryony Wolfendale. Dilip was also filming other pieces to camera with Bryony to introduce the event and top-n-tail the video.
Working with Dilip and Bryony was a pleasure
As I was only providing a Canon 5D Mkii and tripod (as an emergency back up and to catch some cutaways) it seemed wasteful for me to drive all the way of from Loughton, Essex to Liverpool – so I found myself once again catching an early train from Euston. I was at Lime Street station by 9:20 and at the venue about 15-mins later. If it hadn’t been for a little London Underground “experience” first thing it would have been a completely stress-free conference filming experience. But hey ho – by the time I arrived I was suitably snoozed and ready to capture some great footage.
The main presentation was filmed using two Canon XF105s which were on hire from the ever-so reliable Hireacamera. Dilip and I had used these super-simple cameras on the Cardiff job earlier this year and their performance then suggested they’d be perfect for this job. This time it was an even simpler set up with each camera recording in isolation and Dilip cutting the footage in post. There were also two additional cameras recording the action in the main hall – both 5D Mkii’s (mine and Dilip’s). One was capturing a very wide shot from the back and the other was capturing a shot from behind the speaker looking out to the audience.
Conference filming a reverse shot to give Dilip something to help him “cross the line”
The subject matter of the presentation by Prof. George Freeman and Dr. Alison Hill was really about explaining the benefits of, and encouraging GPs to provide, continuity of care to patients. They also revealed how they are trying to educate government on the benefits of this approach and getting it adopted on a much wider basis. Whilst continuity of care is achieved through many different techniques and approaches, the issues that I could relate to were that patients like to see the same GP (or at least someone from a small team of GPs) who appears familiar with them and their medical history. The session outline some simple ways to make patients feel like they are more than just a medical record on a computer – and went on to explain how this approach can benefit patient health, the workload of the GP and the healthcare in general. It was extremely encouraging to listen in on.
Whilst my mind was firmly on my conference filming brief, it was great to be involved in something that was relatively easy to understand. More often than not these medical conferences are very specialised and therefore hard to follow. Sometimes it’s as if they are being delivered in a foreign language!
With the interviews complete, and Bryony’s reverse questions, glances and noddies all in the can, I was back at Lime Street station to catch the 15:48 back down to London Euston. I was back in Loughton by 18:45 so not much different from a normal day at the office.
There’s one thing for sure, when you provide event videography and other video production services no two days are ever the same! One minute I’m hanging off the Clifton Suspension Bridge – the next I’m freelance filming at medical conventions or nosing around a visual communications company. Variety is truly the spice of life!
Having produced three films for Supadance already (and about to film another at the beginning of December) the call from their Chairman, Barry Free, about filming the Same Sex Open at the Spanish Hall in the Winter Gardens, Blackpool on 27th October was completely out of the blue. The call was totally unexpected but very welcome – and it turned out to be an amazing event, organised and attended by some wonderful people – and some quite brilliant dancing.
Top notch dancing at the Same Sex Open in Blackpool
This was the first ever same sex open ballroom and latin dance competition in the UK. It was presented by Richardz Dance Promotions in association with Sören and Bradley Stauffer-Kruse (AKA ‘The Sugar Dandies’ – famous for their appearance on Britain’s Got Talent), and with the support of Marketing Blackpool.
As a United Kingdom Same Sex Dance Council (UKSSDC) sanctioned event, the Same Sex Open in Blackpool followed the UKSSDC Competition Rules. Whilst some might assume that “same sex” means gay and lesbian (I too thought that before my enlightenment), it is actually open to dance couple regardless of their sexual orientation. Whilst originating from within the gay and lesbian community, it’s aim is to provide an open dance competition of the highest standard that is totally inclusive.
The fabulous Spanish Hall at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool
With such a short lead time there wasn’t a great deal of discussion about brief for the film, which I guess is a compliment as Supadance obviously trust me to come up with something that’s going to promote their interests. Basically I was left to organise the shoot with Sören and Bradley who were fantastic to work with and obviously brilliant event organisers. And as you’ll remember from Britain’s Got Talent – they’re exceptional dancers too!
Barry Free and the Sugar Dandies
Event Videography – the 2012 Same Sex Open
This short film will give you an insight into the event and includes an interview with Supadance Chairman, Barry Free about his company’s support of this new sphere of competitive dance. For the techies out there it was shot on a Canon 5DMkii using Canon EF 24-105mm 1:4 USM lens and edited on Edius 4.6. It was shot in a day and edited in two. Enjoy!
My thanks go to everyone involved in the event and Supadance for funding the production of the film. I’d also like to thank Martin Baker who acted as my assistant on the day.
It’s been a little quiet for the past couple of weeks on the promotional film front at Video Artisan (unlike my #VHS-to-DVD service which has been going bonkers). I don’t think I’m alone in this respect as the Olympics have taken over the lives of most people in the UK. It seems that those who are not watching the Olympics are going through their VHS tapes and realising their VHS doesn’t work any more. It’s kept me busy anyhow!
But the promotional film work is all kicking off again this week starting with a two days of filming for Eiger Safety – the first of which was at the Force India Formula One Team Wind Tunnel on Monday.
A sneaky shot at the model in the wind tunnel
Before all the Formula One fans start getting excited about this blog entry there wasn’t a great deal to see on the day. The wind tunnel itself was not in operation as there were various refits and upgrades going on whilst we was there – in addition to mention the numerous latch-way and staircase installations being carried out by the guys at Eiger Safety. I was hoping to get inside the actual wind tunnel itself to do a mock up shot of the guys doing some work in there but that just wasn’t on the cards.
Atop the Force India Formula One Team Wind Tunnel
The main aim of the day was to set up a time-lapse shot of the construction of a steel staircase leading from the ground floor up through the centre of the ‘U’ bend in the wind tunnel area to a mezzanine floor on the level of the rolling road. But what with the restrictions of the other works in place, plus a lack of a good vantage point to set the camera going for the three days of the installation, the time-lapse shot was scrubbed too.
This was not the best outcome but it didn’t stop me getting some material of Eiger Safety doing some of their steel fabrication work. Having designed and fabricated it off site, the staircase arrived in kit form on the back of a truck. The next couple of days would consist of putting this big-boy’s Meccano project together. They were also installing various latch-way systems to enable safe access to the top of the wind tunnel – so there was plenty to film.
The Meccano kit arrives
Right now I’m getting my kit together for two more days filming for Eiger Safety at the Clifton Suspension Bridge at Bristol. This will be at least our third attempt at getting this location in the can as the weather has been against us on all previous occasions. Unless there’s a weather front that we’ve missed, tomorrow should be about filming the guys testing the safety systems on the chains. Then, on Saturday night, we’ll be back on there in the darkness to film them installing some new safety systems.
Until then, I’ll just carry on getting this VHS-to-DVD work turned over! I need to start clearing the decks for another BIG promotional film that should go into pre-production planning the week after next.
