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« The "Starbucker" Meme | Main | 5 Myths of Corporate Videos »
Friday
May252007

"Can Our Diversity Video Be the Same...But Different?"

DateFriday, May 25, 2007 at 08:06AM

222092060_e0c69ccfee_m.jpg

Pitches. The "dog and pony" show. "Show 'n' Tell."

Many of us do this all the time. At some point in our career, we are called to showcase our work and convince others that they want the same thing...but different.

It was my turn this week. This one had a twist.

I was thrown a question I never heard before. It taught me a lot about assumptions and what occurs inside the minds of potential clients who are thinking about producing a corporate video.

This particular pitch was to a Fortune 100. They had heard about my diversity film for Deloitte featuring their employees as "storytellers." They, too, wanted to tell their diversity story through video.

So after the grand introductions, they saw the film. And then...there was... a...L-O-N-G...period...of silence.

Then the stillness broke: "Does our diversity film have to be like that?"

No, it didn't. I knew that. But they didn't. They've never made a film before. And that's the point. It's the same. But different.

Every story is different. Different characters and storytellers. Different environments and situations.

Every story is also the same. Every story has to move and propel people into new directions. To think differently. To question assumptions. It has to be emotionally engaging so you can see yourself in the story.

It's the same. But different. And this new story will, indeed, be different. But the same.

---Tom

(photo)

AuthorThomas Clifford | Comment2 Comments |
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Reader Comments (2)

Great post Tom! As content creators it's easy for us to forget that people who don't work with or think about the type of things we create, might have trouble visualizing the potential in something new. It's a real challenge to help people see past "the screen" and fit themselves into the picture. If we can do that through our story telling we have really accomplished something!
May 29, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterChris Punke
Hi Chris,

Glad you enjoyed this post...it didn't really hit me till a few days later that potential clients
don't always "see" their story in the stories I have produced for other clients.

Sure, they know I produce and direct corporate films and help define organizations tell authentic stories...but THEIR story? That's different!

I often think I'm half teacher, half producer :-)

Thanks for your lovely comment.

Tom
May 29, 2007 | Registered CommenterThomas Clifford

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