Are you thinking about filming some video content for your business? Are you thinking you’ll grab your phone and press “video”? You may not realize there is so much more you can do to ensure you will create usable video content. If you plan ahead, your results will be much more successful. In this 7/25/24 #USAMfgHour chat, Whitney Koch of Keystone Click led the discussion, which revealed many helpful ideas, tips, and tricks.
#USAMfgHour Participant Introductions
Happy Thursday, #USAMfgHour community! This is Whitney from Keystone Click. I’m excited to be hosting today’s chat and leading the discussion on preparing for a successful video shoot. Please introduce yourselves in the comments, and let’s get started! When you reply to the questions, don’t forget to include A1, A2, A3, etc. and #USAMfgHour.
@DCSCInc: WOOT! Suzan, Kirsten, Rick, and Buddy are checking in from DCSC. We help distribution & manufacturing companies with Shipping, #ERP, Inventory, Supply Chain Solutions & Consulting. Thank you for hosting today! @KeystoneClick: Welcome, welcome, Team DCSC! AWESOME to have the crew here. @GlimmerGlassGft: “Hello DCSC team.” to which, Kirsten from DCSC replied, “No Way! Dan’s in the #USAMfgHour House! Now this is going to be good.” Dan replied, “Glad to be back when I can make it.”
Hi, Steve Chin checking in to #USAMfgHour. I’m 1/2 of the #realestate agent team of @SteveAndApril1 – Looking forward to some video knowledge! @KeystoneClick: Welcome, welcome! Thank you so much for being here, Steve!
Dan Bigger of @GlimmerGlassGft: I made it and will stay as long as I possibly can. @NigelTPacker: Good day to you Dan. Hope you have all recovered from the trade fair. @KeystoneClick: WOOHOO! Dan Bigger in da house!
Nigel T Packer – Digital Customer Experience, @NigelTPacker: I’m Nigel from Wales UK joining you for across the Pond. We help clients find their elusive customers. Hi Whitney. have a fun time today in #USAMfgHour. I am here to learn. @GlimmerGlassGft: Hello Nigel
Amy.M.Anderson @snippetsbyAmy: Hi #USAMfgHour! @KeystoneClick: Hi, Amy! Thanks for coming today! Kirsten @DCSCInc: Woot, Hi Amy! It’s always great to see you at #USAMfgHour @SocialSMktg: Hey Amy. Great chatting with you again. @snippetsbyAmy: Hi! It continues to amaze me how concepts in one area, enrich and inspire those in another area. Silos really are stifling and so many experts can use their skills in a huge range of fields! I was reading an article yesterday supply chains in healthcare & growth. Kirsten said, “Amy that’s awesome. Please send it to me. I read things every day to try to stay knowledgeable. Just DM me if you think of it and thank you!”
@DavidCrysler: Hello #USAMfgHour! Can’t stay long but wanted to drop by to say hello to everyone! Kirsten @DCSCInc: Hi David! Thank you so much for stopping by today! #KingOfProcess @KeystoneClick: So happy to see you here! David replied, “Hey Whitney! Great to be here even if it is just for a few minutes!” Dan @GlimmerGlassGft: The #KingOfProcess himself. As I live and breathe. David replied, “Always great to see you friends.” Ruby+Social Success Marketing @SocialSMktg: Great seeing you pop in, for sure. Appreciate your time.
Kati the Manufacturing Hype Girl @KatiMcDermith: Hey #usamfghour gang! Sorry I’m late!!! I’m Kati, I work for @MfrsNews and connect buyers & sellers in manufacturing! @KeystoneClick: Welcome, welcome! Thanks so much for being here!
Ruby+Social Success Marketing, @SocialSMktg: Hello friends! This is Ruby and team SSM, your friendly neighborhood B2B social media specialists. Checking in for today’s #USAMfgHour. Thanks for hosting, Whitney! It’s another epic hour for sure! Gonna learn today from Whit from @KeystoneClick about…video prep! Come. Learn. Connect. #SocialSellingB2B #B2BNetworking
Whitney Koch of @KeystoneClick got things going with the first question:
Q1: How do you find the right videographer for your manufacturing video needs?
Nigel T Packer – Digital Customer Experience @NigelTPacker: Look at their portfolio and testimonials. Ask for recommendations. @KeystoneClick: Yes! Seeing examples of their work is BIG. It’s a way for you to find videographers with the style you are looking for. And recommendations. Got to see that proof, especially for big projects.
Kati the Manufacturing Hype Girl, @KatiMcDermith: I am here to learn about this. Me, I think I would have reached out to my network, though! Kirsten from @DCSCInc: OMG Kati’s in the house! How exciting?
Rick Gunnarson of @DCSCInc: Network to find a reputable one. @KeystoneClick: Networking is really such a valuable activity for so many reasons! Having a personal connection can really give your search a boost.
Ruby+Social Success Marketing, @SocialSMktg: Since it’s not our expertise, I’d check with my local network. And another likely route, I’d Google it. (P.S. Here’s why a business – even small companies – must have a website and a social media presence [at the very least Google Business], Friends!) @KeystoneClick: YASSS! Such good points, Ruby! Not everyone has a network they can turn to. Having a strong digital presence helps you be found by your target audience.
Dan @GlimmerGlassGft: I have a marketing budget of zero, like I always do, so I call my team, meaning me, with my iPhone and shoot away. It works 55% of the time. @KeystoneClick: For sure! Cell phone cameras are so sophisticated now, and there are tons of apps for editing. Plus, people like that type of content. @GlimmerGlassGft: KISS: Keep it simple stupid. Yes, they do and I make fun of myself while doing it. Trust me, it works. @KeystoneClick: You have a strong brand personality! That makes it easier for people to know you, thus you’re building your K-L-T factor. @SocialSMktg: Tell me please, what’s K-L-T? @DCSCInc: I don’t know that either. @KeystoneClick: K-L-T = Know – Like – Trust @SocialSMktg: Thanks, Whit. That’s a good one. K-L-T = Know – Like – Trust
Amy.M.Anderson @snippetsbyAmy: wild thought here. When budget is zero, networking with a local educational group for mutual benefit – internship hours, real world experience for project, especially with an upper-level student could be a win. @KeystoneClick: Love these ideas, Amy!! And manufacturers don’t always have a big budget for video, so these are especially helpful. It’s a great way to help them build their portfolio too.
Whitney Koch with @KeystoneClick shared her answer to the first question:
-Define your needs
-Research local videographers
-Ask for proposals & evaluate
Q2: What should you discuss with your videographer before production begins?
Ruby: -Branding elements. -Deliverables – will I get the raw -file? final file? What versions/formats. -Project requirements, etc. – ETD. Whitney: Thanks for bringing up the deliverables! If you’re planning to reuse the content (which you should be), having the raw files is key. Ruby replied, “Yup. It can be re-used multiple times.” Whitney: We’re all for not reinventing the wheel and repurposing content
Nigel: What you are selling. Who your customers are. What they are buying. What platforms you are going to use the video on.
Steve: Sounds too obvious, but what you would like to see as a client, and what the videographer can deliver. I think the biggest conflict is the difference between expectation and reality. Amy reiterated, “…biggest conflict is the difference between expectation and reality.” Whitney responded: Have truer words ever been spoken? It’s a good policy to lay it all out there. And ideally you are working with a videographer who can give you their expert recommendations (and you’re willing to hear them). Nigel offered, “Steve, would you think the video should be for the customer not the company owner?” Steve replied, “True Nigel. We’ve never done anything professional in a presentation video to sell our expertise, experience, and training as Realtors, but have done short instructional clips on certain topics, which are much more client geared to answer a question.” Nigel responded, “When you sell a property, ask the vendor and vendee if they would like to say a few words on camera about your service for you to use. Not all will agree but those who do will be valuable content to use often.” Whitney added, “Smart!! Having testimonials is gold.” Amy asked, “Do you do video tours of homes you market?” Steve replied, “Depends on the property condition, lol… There’s a tactic if a certain house has minuses, photos or video tours that show these might make a viewer think it’s worse than it actually is. The point is to get the buyer to the home so they can judge it in person.” Kirsten responded, “I just toured a home backing to an 800 Acre State Park. The pictures where deceiving. It said things like “private retreat” but yet it was smack dab by a neighbor. It also was filthy. It makes no sense if you’re trying to sell a property why not shine it up?” Whitney commented, “Loving this side convo about video in real estate! Dan replied, “Our Realtor in NY used drones and it was AMAZING.” Steve offered, “I’ve tried using drones before myself, but it’s just too hard to get it right without a bunch of practice. Perhaps one day though…We do hire out videographers/photographers for our listings and drone shoots, and they look great!” Amy commented, “Drones really make a difference for properties here – the bird’s eye view of the mountain terrain is so inspiring!”
The conversation circled back to the question, “What should you discuss with your videographer before production begins?” Dan offered: What you are trying to accomplish, what you plan on using, how the content will be used, who it’s for, and so on. Whitney agreed: All great answers! How you’ll use the videos – for your website, social media, etc. – can change the video vibe and content.
Rick from DCSC: Make sure the videographer and you are on the same page. Whitney: That is a must! You don’t want to pay for their services and have expectations go unmet. No one will be happy.
Kati: timeline and creative style – I’d want to be sure my videographer had experience in an industrial setting! there’s lots of loud noises, vibrations, and dust to consider!
Host Whitney’s answer: Have pre-production meetings! Start by discussing your vision, goals, and expectations. In later meetings, review your prepared storyboard, shot list, and script (if applicable). And don’t forget logistics like shoot dates, permissions, etc. Make sure your expectations are voiced! You don’t want to end up unhappy with something only to realize you didn’t make it clear in the beginning. Pro Tip: Have the videographer conduct a site visit. This will help you both identify key areas & activities for filming to better prepare the storyboard, shot list, and script. And you’ll both be more ready for shoot day.
Q3: How do you best prepare yourself and your coworkers for the video shoot so it goes as smoothly as possible?
Kirsten: This is a Wild Guess but if they’re in it, give them a heads-up so everyone looks nice. Make time for the actual shoot. Rehearse anything you need to if possible. #GetReady Whitney: Great answer! If you’re featuring people, you definitely want them to be prepared in advance. If you don’t have company swag, this is a good reason to get some!
Amy: this is obvious, but…Do your best to limit interruptions! Set aside the time and be present. Whitney: Love this answer! Yes, if you are supervising/managing the shoot, that is going to take your time and attention, which will require additional planning on your part.
Nigel: Ask the videographer to prepare a storyboard to identify what areas of the works are going to be used for the reel. This can reduce the disruption to the production line. Inform those who will be involved, so they have the option to not be in it. Whitney: Love it, Nigel! Having storyboards is essential for bigger video projects. And when it comes to manufacturing, you have to balance capturing the work in action without interrupting production.
Steve: Rehearse! Get yourself used to the camera/video. That way the actual video session is fairly “normal” and smooth for everyone. Whitney: Oooh, good answer! People definitely start out very anxious and may even refuse flat out to be on camera. Practice really helps here, as does realizing we are often our own worst critic.
Dan: I did one for a company I will not name now. Everyone was on alert to be called in if needed. They did a site visit and it was all planned out. It went very well and gave me content for years. Best part: It was FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Whitney: Free is such an amazing word, isn’t it? You definitely did it right, reusing the video content for years. That’s something one should plan for, especially when paying a videographer.
Kati: Share the timeline and make sure everyone knows what their jobs are. Whitney: A timeline is a must! If there are other leaders you can delegate to so they can ensure their teams are prepared, that’s even better.
Host Whitney’s answer: Make checklists for yourself and any department leaders. Communicate, communicate, communicate! Brief your team on what to expect and address any concerns. Ensure everyone knows their roles and the shoot schedule. Bonus points if you can gamify the process. Pro Tip: Do what you can to help your future self on shoot day, like having employees who will be on camera sign waivers/agreements in advance. Amy M Anderson commented, “I bet gamifying the process not only makes it more fun, but goes a long way towards eliminating nerves (or focusing them).”
Q4: How do you best prepare your manufacturing facility and operations for the video shoot so it goes as smoothly as possible?
Nigel: Ensure the facility is at its best. The images could be broadcast across a wide area so it is important that they project your business brand to potential new customers. If this is not possible keep shots close. Whitney: Yes, always try to put your best foot forward!
Dan: Use the least amount of people possible. Whitney: Definitely agree with you there! Having too many cooks in the kitchen can really slow things down and impede the process — decision-making especially.
Ruby: A4. I think like anything. “Stage it” for the filming, like when you are selling your home. Same concept.
Host Whitney’s answer:
-Clean and organize the facility, ensuring all areas to be filmed are presentable.
-Coordinate with the production team to minimize disruptions to regular operations.
-Have necessary props and products ready.
Amy offered, “Caveat, if you have secure areas that should not be filmed, be sure you keep them secure and blacked-out. (Doing NASA Socials re-emphasized this for me) Whitney: Excellent point, Amy! If you have anything covered by an NDA or similar, that should be addressed appropriately so you don’t have to scrap footage after the fact. Nigel: Amy, I have been to many special engineering sites where things are covered over. I am always tempted to take a peek under the covers! Amy: Temptation is kinda like curiosity and the cat. Co-oping in a research facility taught me to respect the secrecy, but share and glean from others as soon as viable. Nigel: Amy, I often work with people who ask me to sign NDAs, so whilst I would like to look for engineering curiosity, I am fully aware if I did, I would not get business from that company again.
Q5: What should you do on the day of the shoot to ensure everything runs smoothly?
Nigel: Make everyone a nice cup of tea and give them a biscuit. When they have relaxed go through the storyboard and set up for filming. Whitney: Excellent advice! Tensions can run high on shoot day, so do something to break that! Rick from DCSC: A5) Do a walkthrough….and have a drink to relax
Dan: Nada. You do nothing like a Seinfeld episode and let the video take you away. Whitney: It’s a video about nothing.
Kati: don’t eat a heavy breakfast! Whitney: Ooh, yes. That is true. But do eat something because you will be running around like crazy!
Steve: When we do video shoots of listings we’re advertising (like photo/video shoots) we make sure everything is put away or in place (dining ware, kitchen clean, etc…) Keep pets/animals are out of the way… unless they add to the ambiance… Assist in any way…
Ruby: A5. Get out of the way. Let the expert do their work.
Host Whitney’s answer:
-Be present to coordinate with the videographer and address issues as they occur.
-Be flexible and open to creative input.
-Use the storyboard and shot list to ensure all essential shots are captured.
-Maintain open lines of communication with your team.
Pro Tip: Do what you can to help your future self on shoot day, like having employees who will be on camera sign waivers/agreements in advance.
Whitney: Thank you to everyone who joined us for the #USAMfgHour today! Make your video shoot easier! download our video shoot preparation checklist: https://tinyurl.com/4f9trhb7 Special thanks to @SocialSMktg and @DCSCInc for making this chat happen every Thursday at 1CT. Common Raven, @Bewickwren: Thank you for sharing such a great resource! Whitney: Our pleasure!
Nigel: Thank you Whitney for a great session today. I have all the equipment and software for editing, when I get a break in my schedule, I will start making some small clips with your sage advice. many thanks again. Whitney: Aw, thanks, Nigel! Appreciate you being here and sharing your knowledge and experience. Would love to see the videos you create. Ruby: Looking forward to those, Nigel.
Ruby: We’d love to thank our very own @whitney_m_koch from @KeystoneClick for hosting such an informative chat today at #USAMfgHour. It’s always a pleasure to see familiar faces joining us. And yes, you heard it right – we’re on the hunt for hosts! We want YOU. This is your chance to shine and share your unique expertise in the chat. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or have a passion you’re eager to share, we’d love to hear from you. Don’t be shy – your knowledge could be exactly what our community is looking for! Interested? Reach out to us for more details on how you can become a host and make your mark in our growing community. Contact @DCSCInc @KeystoneClick or @SocialSMktg
Steve: Thanks so much for hosting #USAMfgHour and sharing your knowledge on video shoot preparation, Whitney. To which Whitney replied, “My pleasure! Thank you for being here and for sharing about video in real estate!”
Kati McDermith: This was informative, Whitney! I loved love loved it! Bye #usamfghour Have a great week and weekend!
Ruby: I have a question: To what extent does marketing knowledge influence the selection process for video production pro? Anyone can take a video and also anyone can take a photo… Nigel: Ruby, the ability to press a button is not a qualification to be a professional photographer or videographer. Take a look at the images posted on Facebook, X, and many other platforms. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. I am sure you find the same in SM services and SEO. Whitney: Great response, Nigel. To which Nigel replied, “Whitney, be an expert, contract an expert.” Ruby agreed, “Truth. I can definitely transfer that experience when hiring social media and SEO experts.” Amy replied, “There comes a point when you must choose whether to put your time & energy into video production or video editing. But you can’t even edit to a good marketing deliverable if you don’t get the shots. Your marketing knowledge builds the storyboard” Kirsten noted, “Amy must have had her Wheaties this morning! #SmartWoman.” Amy replied, “Almost said, ‘Hi!’ and bailed, then I’m like, ‘Hey, you took a master’s class that included video, hang-in and enjoy’. Or maybe I’m avoiding being productive. (Procrastination often is productive in other areas… Life!)” Ruby: The last part sounds counterintuitive to many but I am banking on my two thumbs it on that one. Whitney: Great question, Ruby! Finding a videographer who markets themself well says something – they understand the importance of branding, vibes, messaging, etc. And when their past work shows they can also translate another brand’s message, well, that is the holy grail.
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