The Hero’s Journey: A Metaphor for Video Storytelling

Thomas Clifford — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:08:48 -0400

"Whoa! Those are some lights!"

9 out of 10 times that’s what the “hero,” or the person being filmed on video, will say when they walk on to the set for an interview.

A feeling of excitement in the air. Something fun, adventurous and different is about to happen.

Have you ever been interviewed on-camera?

Video Storytelling Toolkit: Getting Your Company’s Story on Screen

Thomas Clifford — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 19:44:32 -0400

Seen enough videos by now? How can you avoid it? They’re everywhere.

Not only that, you probably feel like you’ve seen so many videos you could easily produce one for your organization, right?

So imagine this.

Management just told you and your team to get a video done for the company. Lots of eyeballs will be on this one.
•   What are you going to do?
•   Where do you turn for help?
•   How does the video process work?
•   Is there a quick reference to help you?

Are You Using Your Ears to See Your Company’s Video Story?

Thomas Clifford — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:10:26 -0400

You might not believe this, but video isn’t everything.

The fact is, until you discover your company’s story first, video doesn’t mean much.

One of the secrets to discovering and eventually “seeing” your company’s video story before you produce it is by first “hearing” it.

There are five common ways to imagine your video story through sound:
1. Interviews

Does Your Company’s Video Have a “Mismatch” Problem?

Thomas Clifford — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:05:00 -0400

A “mismatch” problem?”

7 Sure-Fire Steps for Creating Your Company’s Documentary

Thomas Clifford — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:54:13 -0400

“Our company decided to make our own documentary.” Sounds easy enough, but do you know where to start?

“Let’s just roll some tape and see what happens.” Sounds exciting, but how much more will it cost you without using a plan?

In my last post, I wrote about three styles to consider when filming your company’s video story.

See How Easily You Can Film Your Company’s Story. Naturally.

Thomas Clifford — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:09:00 -0400

Are you hearing this a lot? “Be real.” “Be authentic.” “Be yourself.” I certainly am. These days, being “real” and “authentic” seems to be on everybody’s mind.

While appearing natural on camera sounds simple, it is easier said than done.

When it flops, you roll your eyes. What happened?

Maybe everything was too perfect; too right; too set. That “something” was missing. What was it?

Reality. Adding a dose of reality will elevate your story from feeling staged, artificial, and contrived to feeling real.

Can Your Company’s Video Story Change a Life?

Thomas Clifford — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:27:53 -0400

Do you remember the exact moment you knew what you wanted to do for the rest of your life?

I do. It happened while watching a video. It took exactly seven minutes.

• Cut to 1984.

Hot off the heels of two communication degrees, my workday was a mix of entry-level activities; pulling cables, loading gear into vans, clipping on mic’s, getting lunch for the crew, and so forth. I was a kid trying to break into an incredibly competitive field.

Are You Asking These 11 Stimulating Interview Questions to Capture Your Company’s 'Honest-to-Goodness' Video Story?

Thomas Clifford — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:07:36 -0400

Are your video interviews compelling?
Does your audience feel naturally connected with the people featured in your company’s video?
Are you asking questions that create “one-of-a-kind” responses your viewers will remember for a long time?

If not, you’re not alone. Remember…

Bringing Brands to Life!

Thomas Clifford — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:30:09 -0500

Stop by Tom's site to learn more about authentic, engaging and emotional corporate films and the role these films play in marketing and branding.