Stacie Herring accepts two Telly Awards
Caveat– all rules are made to be broken from time to time. But to break a rule in art, I believe you need to know what the rule is, versus it being an accident. So here are some random thoughts about corporate video:
- Easiest way to price a corporate video is by the “finished minute.” This means that if you want a five minute marketing piece for the web, the simplest way to quote it is $x times 5 minutes. Standards for simple video might be in the $1K range. I’ve had some videos in the $7K and $8K range. Usually the shorter the video is, the higher the price per finished minute will creep up. For example, if you price a video out at $2K per finished minute for a 5 minute video, and then decide to just cut it down to 1 minute, the price will likely be higher than $2K.
- Biggest costs are Talent, Number of Shooting Days, and Length.
- Rule of Three’s apply. If you get an interview, you really need at least three. If you cover a shot with broll, you usually need at least three. This dovetails nicely into the Rule of Thirds discussed here.
- The soundtrack, with audio, narration or voice over, is usually created first. Then visuals laid down to match the audio.
- Delivery of videos to clients used to be VHS tape. Then DVD. Now, most clients want a video file optimized for the web.
- Corporate videos are usually straightforward (like talking heads or variations) documentary types, or creative “concept” videos. Concept videos can be a lot more expensive.
- Some clients use their own employees for on camera people. This is good in that it saves money. It’s not so good if that employee later leaves the company under dubious reason. Then the client doesn’t want to use the video.
- Teleprompter looks easy, but does take some skill.
We’ll keep adding to this list.
