How to produce a good Promotional Video...?

[Bansaw]

I have been asked to do a promotional video.

Does anyone know of any good teaching resources that will help me understand the key elements in how to produce an impactful promotional video?

Thanks,,

[lordsmurf]

Something like this must be taught in the field or in college -- you're not going to learn it from a book, a web site or a weekend course.

[gadgetguy]

"Promotional Video" is kind of a meaningless term as a starting point. Lighting, staging, camera angles, proper use of zoom, effects, animation, transitions, dialog, background music, acting, etc. It can all contribute to a good video or a bad video, and any or all (and more) can be used to "promote" something.
Start with the item/idea/event you want to promote, think about what you want to convey about it, then think about how you want to say it. Fit that into the skills that you already have or can target for learning within the time constraints and budget of the entity that asked you to do this.

[filmboss80]

I need to become a great certified auto mechanic by next week. Anyone know of any good teaching resources that will help me understand the key elements?

It can't be very difficult, can it?

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)

[Bansaw]

I'm not starting from scratch. I've already done a few weddings, interviews and a few promos as well.
There are certain important aspects to producing a top class promos. That's what I was getting at.

Eg:
* Important to get testimonies from satisfied customers - show impact that product has made to people
* Pick a music soundtrack that matches your target audience
* Cutting for your target audience. Ie: Millenial style, fast cut < 2 seconds clips, or for older people a more moderate cut
* Avoid using "in-house" abbreviations

It's not tips like how to use my camera. Its the theory or psychology behind promoting a product.

[filmboss80]

Okay, got it. My best advice is to focus on marketing tips and try to look at other persuasive promotional videos and ask, "what is it about this video that persuades me?"

There are books on selling and marketing that can help you write persuasive copy for the voice-over script. You should also seek out books or articles on getting good testimonial soundbites from people. It involves making them feel comfortable and not self-conscious. Sometimes, you have to ask them the same question over and over (rephrasing it in a different way each time) in order to get the soundbite you are looking for. Oftentimes, the best responses come when you disable the camera's record tally light and just say, "I'm going to just ask some practice questions before we roll" -- but then really record. When subjects are relaxed, the best soundbites roll out of their mouths.

As for the soundtrack, the simplest way is to buy discs or download from stock music libraries. (Do a Google search). Many offer samples on their websites, so you can listen for a backing track that fits.

Whether your target audience is young or old, running any promotional video over 8 minutes is going to lose their interest. Write out a list of priorities of what is most important to communicate, and focus on the top three. I've seen productions ruined by too much information. Keep it simple, short, and sweet. You want to turn your audience on. If they want more details, they will seek out printed information.

I cannot emphasize it more: keep it simple!

[MOVIEGEEK]

If you are going to use a soundtrack,which I don't recommend,then search for "royalty-free music".The reason I don't recommend music is because you want the video to appeal to all ages,it also detracts from the product you are selling.

[mikel]

This may be a bit of help...

http://www.digitalfilmarchive.net/clda/docs/mia/film_lesson_plans/Introducing%20Mis-en-scene.pdf

[Bansaw]

Thanks all....