Probably the most popular video we and other companies produce is the classic About Us video. It’s something every business should have at its website… a basic introduction to who you are and what you do. Anyone can produce one of these, but it’s quality storytelling that can make yours standout.

Or… not. I recently saw a political video (VIDEO BELOW) about a man, Bruce Rauner, who is running for Governor here in Illinois. It’s… fine. And frankly, fine isn’t good enough if you’re trying to get noticed.

Tell your story

Here’s my problem with it. It’s nearly 3-minutes long, and the first 2-minutes basically puts forth the case for why Illinois needs new leadership.… Read More

No big post today… instead… I need some help. I’m actually working on a future project, and I’d appreciate input. Nobody wants video production costs that break the bank, but many view the cost as “worth” it.

My questions… how do you attach value to your videos? Also, how do you get the most value out of your videos?

Here’s where I’m going with this… I’d like to write something that will speak to business owners and help them gauge ROI when producing their own videos. I’d love some real life examples of how people are determining a value.

Thanks for your help!… Read More

What’s the goal for your marketing videos? Let people know what you’re all about? Educate them about a new product? Explain what sets you apart from the competition? No matter what the answer, many of our clients are surprised when I tell them I have a different goal for them.

My goal for each and every one of our clients is for viewers to finish the video and leave with a good feeling about that company. Let me stress that… a good feeling.

Video is about emotion

Folks… that’s what you should be looking for with your productions. Yes, we want them to know what we’re all about.… Read More

Content marketing is something I’ve blogged about a little bit. I am by no means a content marketing expert, but T60 does provide businesses with a great content marketing tool… video. And since I promote those tools, I figured I better walk the walk. That decision led to 500+ blog posts and a commitment to social media.

As part of that commitment, I’ve been educating myself on the subject… consistently reading the likes of Gini Dietrich and Andy Crestodina. Both are content marketing Jedi Masters… even better… they live and work right here in Chicago.

My profession has actually led me into contact with each.… Read More

This is going to seem like a ridiculous statement, but you’d be surprised how often it comes up. If you produce a marketing video for your business, don’t forget to shoot some video of what it is you do.

I told you… it sounds ridiculous. Yet, I see it time and time again. The most recent example comes from a local moving company. I was helping a friend find a mover and came across their website that included a short marketing video.

No need to embarrass them by showing you the video. They’re a small company, probably didn’t have much of a budget and they got a video that looks like it.… Read More

I’ve been encouraged lately that our clients and prospects have been coming around on video time. It used to be that everyone wanted to create a “short” 10-minute video. That number started dropping a few years ago to a “short” 5-minute video. I’m happy to report the downward trend has continued.

In case you didn’t get that, 10-minutes isn’t short and neither is 5-minutes. I’d define a short video as anything 1:30 or less, but really… 1-minute or less. How did I come to that number? Well, you can sit on Google and sift through tons of market research… or… you can use your good old fashion common sense.… Read More

I was listening to Dave Ramsey’s EntreLeadership podcast the other day and the subject turned to passion and how it helps you sell. It’s no wonder then that your marketing videos need your passion.

It’s actually what makes video such a terrific way to help market your business. It’s hard to get passion from text on a website. It’s a whole other story when you see someone on-camera and hear them speaking from the heart.

Video stirs emotions

I’ve told more than a few clients that video isn’t about facts and figures, it’s about emotion. Don’t get hung-up on the details.… Read More

It used to be storytellers would start with a blank sheet of paper. These days it’s more likely a blank computer screen. Either way… when you’re producing a video, that isn’t where the storytelling begins.

The process begins and carries through the entire production process. From concept planning to the shoot and all the way through the final video edit. Storytelling isn’t just putting words to paper.

Always storytelling

A good video producer needs to be storytelling throughout the process. They need to understand that everything they shoot and gather is a potential story element. A single shot can turn the story in a different direction.… Read More

There are plenty of independent videographers out there helping businesses produce their videos. There are also lots of companies choosing to produce their own. One of the reasons each of them fail to create compelling marketing videos that will connect with audiences is they aren’t good at interviewing people.

Not all marketing videos involve interviews, but a large number of them do. It doesn’t sound like it’s anything difficult. You write down some questions and ask them, right? Wrong.

How companies go wrong

Think about the situation you’re putting your interview subject in when they sit down for an interview. They have a camera in their face, the interviewer sitting next to the camera, if you’re shooting with a pro videographer there’s probably some lights and microphones in place.… Read More

I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. To those who gave their lives to defend our freedom, I am eternally grateful. To our military veterans still with us and the men and women serving right now, thank you for everything you have done and continue to do.

–Tony Gnau… Read More