Storyboard Media Group Helps Win Brandon Hall Awards

When the 2023 Brandon Hall awards were announced, Storyboard Media Group was excited to learn that our filming production services played a pivotal role in some of our L&D clients winning gold and silver awards.

The Brandon Hall awards recognize the best organizations from around the world that have successfully developed and deployed programs, strategies, modalities, processes, systems, and tools that have achieved measurable results.

We are proud that the content we filmed for our clients’ L&D courses (interviews, processes and procedures, brand culture and more) not only helped them achieve these highly sought-after accolades, but that the content has been, and will continue to be, used to help to train, onboard and retain employees, and build winning cultures.

The Keys to a Successful Event Video

HELP, I'M DROWNING!

We understand. Planning an event can feel that way sometimes. That’s because there's a lot to keep track of: Guest lists, catering, scripts and approvals, programming, transportation, schedules, goody bags, location, even the weather....you get the picture. Now add event video production to that list - ready to pull your hair out yet? But really, it's an incredibly important thing to get right. Your event is what we call a one-time non-repeatable event. That means the production needs to be done right to make sure you can get the most out of your video content.

STEP #1: PREPARATIONS

A production team needs to be looped in as soon as possible. There are a lot of moving parts to synchronize. It’s important to give the production team with enough time to scout the location to understand the space and where equipment can be set up. During the location scout we meet the venue staff we'll be working with. This is extremely important and should be done whenever possible. We talk with other vendors and with the venue about things like loading in and out, set up times, not stepping on each other's toes, electrical challenges, lines-of sight issues and more.

Some of the ways you can help are by providing contacts for the venue, sharing the event schedule, telling us which aspects of the event you’d like filmed, and providing a map or layout of the event, where people will sit, where the stage will be (see diagram below for an example), where the gathering places are, and where the 1-on-1’s may be happening.

Some of the things our team will need to figure out are:

• What type of lighting will be available for the event? Will it be just house lighting, or lighting brought in for the event by your team or ours?

• Will we be shooting multi-cam or single cam?

• What is the plan for audio? Will there be a dedicated audio line for us to hook up to our cameras, or will we need to provide that?

Working with you in the prep stage we’ll be able to answer all these questions and more for a smooth production.

A diagram of a recent event shared with us by our client. Things like this are very helpful.

STEP #2: DECIDING WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU

We’ve had clients whose events consisted of presentations, Q&A sessions, panels, 1-on-1 meetings, live learning lessons, interviews, cocktail hours, breakfasts and more. Some clients want every single thing filmed. Others only want one or two things filmed. It’s helpful to know well beforehand what we’ll be focusing on for you so we can adjust our team accordingly.

When deciding what you want us to film, you should also consider what you’ll be doing with the content post-event. Think about how you can use on-the-spot interviews (use them as testimonial videos for example), what kind of social media posts you will make (which parts of your event can you get makes quick, interesting, little nibbles from for Instagram?) and how you might use expert training sessions to reach new customers.

STEP #3:

Trust the process. You’ve put a lot of work into the event, and the production company has everything they need. Even still, on-the-spot challenges come up. But the better the prep, the easier those things will be to identify and fix in the moment.

Our team consists of photographers, cinematographers, project managers, audio and video experts and just about any other position that can help with your event. We’ve worked with Google, Spotify, the US Military, NY Philharmonic and others. Reach out today to find out how we can help you capture your event on camera.

The Power of How-to Videos

If you’re in the business of creating products, you might also need to be in the business of creating how-to videos for those products. We’ve worked with a ton of clients to make videos that show their audiences the ins and outs of how to use a product, who the product is for, what a product is capable of doing and so on. In a short, and not complete, list we’ve created videos for:

• Personal skin care products

• Key-less entry systems that are used in residential and commercial buildings

• Small appliances (air fryers to be exact)

• Ground-breaking photography systems

• S.A.A.S. (software as a service)

• Personal hair care products

• Enterprise-level password protection app

• A personal robot assistant

Almost anything can use a video that quickly describes and instructs in plain-speak.

Top Features of Good How-to Videos:

1. Clear and Concise Instructions: How-to videos offer a visual demonstration of product usage or a specific process, making it easier for customers to follow along and understand the instructions. Opt for close-ups and situations that your customers will encounter. Don’t leave anything to interpretation.

2. Engaging Visuals: Incorporating eye-catching visuals such as animations, graphics, and demonstrations in how-to videos enhances the overall viewing experience. They give more depth to your content as opposed to just standing on screen and talking. That can be good too, but it should be accompanied by demonstrations.

3. Step-by-Step Guidance: How-to videos break down complex tasks into simple, actionable steps, providing viewers with a clear roadmap to follow.

4: 360-degree Videos: These types of videos are perfect for showcasing products that are more than hand-held. For example, we’ve done 360 degree videos to show the interior of vehicles, and to show clients what the inside of a medical facility looked like. The vehicle videos helped sell the cars, and the medical facility videos helped calm and nervousness patients may have encountered when going to the facility for the first time.

5. P.O.V. Videos (see below): Sometimes there is no better way to demonstrate a product that showing the viewers POV (point-of-view). It can be hard to pull off, but once completed it is extremely helpful for showing customers how to work something.

This POV video put the viewer in the so-called driver’s seat to understand how easily and quickly the could use this app

Top Benefits of How-to Videos:

There are a ton of benefits to be had with creating and sharing how-to product videos. But these are the top three we’ve seen.

1. Increasing Customer Engagement: How-to videos actively involve customers in the learning process, improving their understanding of a product’s features and functionalities. This helps them enjoy all the benefits and features that come with the product. This means they’ll be stronger users and more engaged.

2. Increasing the Credibility of Your Brand: By sharing valuable knowledge and expertise, how-to videos position brands as trusted authorities in their respective industries. This credibility not only helps drive sales but also strengthens overall brand perception.

3. Higher Conversion Rates: How-to videos play a vital role in the customer journey, providing potential buyers with the confidence and information they need to make informed purchase decisions. As a result, conversion rates often see a significant boost.

4. Happy customers: Admit it - you’ve bought things or downloaded apps and just kind of gave up on using them because they 1) didn’t seem as good as you thought at first or 2) just couldn’t figure it out and it seemed like a PITA. Well, a good how-to video makes it all easier and makes happy customers that are glad they patronized your brand and product.

Top Use Cases:

1. Product Tutorials: These are the #1 use cases. These videos guide users through the setup, configuration, and optimal use of devices and apps. Don’t ever let a customer give up on your product ever again. A good how-to video demonstrates your brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction while showcasing the product’s capabilities.

2. DIY and Home Improvement: Home Depot is a prime example of a brand that has leveraged how-to videos effectively. Their videos provide guidance on everything from basic repairs to complex home improvement projects, positioning the brand as a trusted resource for DIY enthusiasts. One of the end results is that people go to Home Depot over and over again not only for the knowledge, but also the supplies needed for projects.

3. Cooking and Recipes: Food brands such as Tasty have revolutionized the cooking experience with their recipe videos. These short, visually appealing videos simplify complex recipes, making them accessible to novice and experienced cooks alike.

Top Ways How-to Videos are Used by Customers:

1. Troubleshooting and FAQs: How-to videos can address common customer issues and provide step-by-step solutions, reducing support requests and improving customer satisfaction.

2. Onboarding and Training: Companies often use how-to videos to train employees or onboard new customers. These videos save time, ensure consistency, and enhance the learning experience.

3. Showcasing Product Features: How-to videos can highlight specific features or use cases of a product, effectively demonstrating its value to potential customers.

Incorporating how-to videos into a successful product, marketing, and sales strategy is a smart move for businesses for a variety of reason. Every journey begins with one step. Embrace the power of how-to videos and unlock their immense potential for your brand’s growth.

Reasons Why Storyboard Group is the Go-To Partner for Exceptional Video

Top 5 Things Storyboard Media Group Brings to Your Project:

Storyboard Group stands out as a leading video production company that consistently delivers exceptional results. This listicle highlights the value that Storyboard Group brings to its customers, showcases its differentiators, highlights renowned clients, and explains how partnering with the company can help businesses create successful videos to elevate their product, marketing, and sales strategies.

1. Unmatched Expertise: With years of experience in video production, Storyboard Group possesses an exceptional understanding of the industry, ensuring high-quality and impactful video content.

2. Comprehensive Solutions: Storyboard Group offers end-to-end video production services, from concept development to final editing, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for their clients.

3. Strategic Approach: We always take a strategic approach to video production. We make sure we are aligning the content with the client’s brand identity, target audience, and marketing goals.

4. Creative Storytelling: We craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience, helping you effectively communicate your message and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

5. High Production Value: We focus on quality. Quality client care, quality project management, and quality visuals. We utilize cutting-edge technology and equipment to produce visually stunning videos that leave a lasting impression on viewers. This high-quality also helps your brand stand apart out stand out.

5 Ways We Can Help:

• Concept - We take your raw ideas and translate them into true concepts that can be transformed into video and film.

• Script writing - Writing a script is an art form. So whether you have an outline or a start of a script, or need full-service to have a script written for you, we are your go-to agency.

• Talent and location scouting - If your film needs more than just members from your team, and if it needs to be somewhere other than your office, we bring the scouting that is needed to locate actors and locations.

• Filming, photography and editing - After all the planning has been completed, we’re behind the cameras (film, video, photo) and the editing software to finish the project completely.

• Distribution and use-cases - If you’re unsure how to use your content, where it can be used, and what file formats are needed, we can help you navigate those things. We’ll talk about it at the start of your project to make sure the direction things take match up with the end use cases.

Top 4 Benefits of Working with Storyboard Group:

1. Increasing Your Brand’s Awareness: We help businesses elevate their brand presence by creating captivating and shareable content that captures the attention of their target audience.

2. Enhanced Engagement: Our client’s videos are designed to captivate viewers, resulting in increased engagement, higher click-through rates, and improved conversions for businesses.

3. Improving SEO Rankings: Video content has a significant impact on search engine optimization (SEO). Storyboard Group’s videos are optimized for search engines, helping clients improve their online visibility and organic search rankings. And we can help you use your content in a way that is best designed for ROI.

4. Developing a Competitive Advantage: With our expertly crafted videos, our clients gain a competitive edge by showcasing their products and services in a visually compelling and memorable way.

Top Ways Storyboard Group Can Help Increase Value for Customers:

Customized Video Strategies: We develops tailored video strategies that align with each of our client’s unique goals, enabling them to maximize the impact of their video content.

ROI-Driven Approach: We prioritize return on investment (ROI) for our clients, ensuring that each video produced delivers measurable results and contributes to business growth.

Multichannel Video Distribution: Storyboard Media Group assists clients in distributing their videos across multiple channels, including social media platforms, websites, and email campaigns, maximizing their reach and engagement.

Measurable Analytics: We provide detailed video analytics and performance reports, allowing our clients to track the success of their videos and make data-driven decisions for future video marketing strategies.

Get to Know the Power of Brand Stories: Elevate Your Product, Marketing, and Sales

In today’s highly competitive business landscape, the importance of a compelling brand story cannot be overstated. When well-crafted, it has the potential to captivate your audience, differentiate your product, and drive sales and brand awareness.

Top Features of Brand Stories:

Brand stories are immersive narratives that connect with your target audience on a deeper level. They possess several key features that make them a powerful tool for conveying your brand’s essence:

Authenticity: Brand stories should reflect the genuine nature and values of your brand. They should resonate with your target audience and create an emotional connection.

Consistency: A strong brand story maintains consistency across all marketing channels - ensuring a coherent and unified brand image.

Compelling Stories Told By Your Team: By introducing team members and their investment in the organization, brand stories bring life to your brand and make it (and your team) more relatable to your customers.

Engaging: Brand stories need a compelling points (history, community involvement, the mission, other things that drive the brand) that grab the attention of your audience and keeps them invested in your brand’s journey.

Top Benefits of Brand Stories:

Implementing brand stories as part of your overall strategy yields numerous benefits that positively impact your product, marketing, and sales efforts:

Emotional Connection: When done right, they evoke emotions. They help customers forge a deeper connection with your brand, leading to increased loyalty and advocacy.

Differentiation: A unique brand story - one that only you can tell - sets you apart from the competition, enabling customers to perceive your product as distinctive and memorable.

Enhanced Brand Recall: A well-told brand story lingers in the minds of customers, making it easier for them to recall and choose your product when making purchasing decisions.

Trust and Credibility: Brand stories build trust by showcasing your brand’s values, history, and commitment to delivering on promises, establishing credibility among your target audience.

Top Use Cases and Examples of Brand Stories:

Brand stories find application in various marketing and sales initiatives, allowing potential customers to visualize your brand in action and understand its value proposition. Here are five examples of brands that have effectively used brand stories in their campaigns:

Apple - The iconic “Think Different” campaign narrated a story of innovation, empowering individuals to challenge the status quo and embrace their uniqueness.

Nike - Their “Just Do It“ campaign inspired millions with stories of athletes overcoming challenges and achieving greatness, positioning Nike as a brand that champions determination and excellence.

Coca-Cola - The classic “Share a Coke and a Smile“ campaign created personalized brand stories by featuring individual names on their bottles, fostering a sense of inclusivity and joy.

Airbnb - Through its “Belong Anywhere“ campaign, Airbnb shared stories of travelers immersing themselves in local cultures, promoting a sense of belonging and authentic experiences.

Dove - With its “Real Beauty“ campaign, Dove challenged beauty standards and shared inspiring stories of real women, promoting body positivity and self-acceptance.

How Brand Stories Enhance Visualization and Value Proposition:

Brand stories provide unique ways to showcase your brand’s use cases and competitive differentiators in action, allowing potential customers to visualize the benefits and understand the value proposition.

Some effective methods include:

Case Studies: Sharing real-life examples and success stories of customers who have benefited from your product or service.

Video Testimonials: Creating compelling video testimonials featuring satisfied customers who share their experiences and how your brand positively impacted their lives.

Storytelling in Product Descriptions: Infusing storytelling elements in your product descriptions, highlighting the problems your product solves and how it enhances the lives of customers.

Interactive Content: Utilizing interactive formats such as quizzes, games, or virtual experiences that immerse customers in your brand story, making it more engaging and memorable.

Brand stories serve as the backbone of successful product, marketing, and sales strategies. You can create a compelling narrative that captures the hearts and minds of your target audience by remembering to keep your story authentic, consistent, and engaging while highlighting the unique aspects of your brand. Embrace the power of storytelling and witness its transformative impact on your brand’s success.