Fast Company: 7 Steps to Film Your Corporate Documentary

You've done some homework and your company has decided to make a corporate documentary.

Great.

But do you have a plan that works?

"7 Sure-Fire Steps for Creating Your Company's Documentary" is my latest Fast Company riff. The formula is called "STORIES:"

• Select.

• Talk.

• Organize.

• Realize.

• Imagine.

• Express.

• Shape.

Want to know more? Learn how to use STORIES here.

What do you think? Is this helpful? What would you change?

---Tom

7 Steps to Film Your Corporate Documentary

"Hey! Don't Freak Out!" Demystifying Epilepsy

Moments like this are, indeed, rare.

4 Remarkable Heroes + 4 Authentic Stories + 2 Films + 4 Awards =

A Chance to Change the World!

It hasn't happened until now.

I'm talking about what it means to have epilepsy. I mean r-e-a-l-l-y talking about epilepsy. And to r-e-a-l-l-y talk about how judging others with medical conditions stinks. Judging those with epilepsy only continues to perpetuate the myths that prevents us from connecting ourselves to one another. The Epilepsy Foundation and KGC Direct is out to change that...and to change the world, with these two videos.

The videos I just finished producing are rolling out to most public junior high and high schools throughout America.

Three Telly Awards and an Ad Club of Connecticut Award later...the films are done. But the conversations are not.

The conversations are just beginning. Hopefully, these conversations are starting to demystify and correct the myths, the stereotypes and judgements people have towards those with epilepsy.

My deepest desire is to see these stories help the world become a better and kinder place. It has been a blessing to be able to capture this footage and to act as a "bridge" for those with epilepsy and without epilepsy.

"Out of the Shadows"

This short documentary is designed to show the real-life experiences of a diverse group of four teens dealing with epilepsy and the misperceptions of their peers. Their deepest desire is tell the world that they, by and large, can do the things that you can do. RSS readers click through.

"Take Charge of the Facts"

A hip, graphic-packed, fast-paced film covering the basics of epilepsy, the different types of seizures and first aid.

---Tom

Dont Freak Out

5 Myths of Corporate Videos

What Your Marketing Department Never Told You About Corporate Videos

Corporate videos are here to stay. Agreed? Good.

Every industry has myths surrounding it. The world of corporate video is no exception. Let's go behind the "curtain of Oz" and dispel some fictional tales that will, ultimately, help you to create the inspiring and authentic video your organization deserves.

The 5 Myths of Corporate Videos

Myth #1: My corporate video has to look boring like everybody else's.

You've seen them. I've seen them. Boring and poorly produced videos have pervaded the corporate landscape for years. Why? Two reasons; money and poor storytelling.

Fact: The mini-documentary format powered by genuine and honest human interest stories produces amazing and compelling corporate videos anybody anywhere will enjoy watching...oh, yeah, and talk about.

Myth #2: We don't need a scriptwriter.

Don't try this at home, folks. Saving a few dollars by having a "writer" (i.e. someone who does not write for the eye and ear) craft a television script is not worth the aggravation in the long run. Save now. Pay later.

Fact: A seasoned scriptwriter can craft the most compelling story given all the demands of production (filming schedule, on-location logistics, unearthing the best story, budget constraints, corporate politics, etc.) A writer who does not understand the production process can ultimately be a costly proposition.

Myth #3: Our CEO needs to be in the video.

Nope. Of course, there are times when it will be necessary for executive management to appear on-camera, but not often.

Fact: Not every CEO can tell a great story and come across as "camera-friendly." Your audience, in most cases, would rather see and hear stories from "the field;" their peers. Creating emotional connections with your audience is one of the biggest gaps to cross in producing a successful corporate video.

Myth #4: All interviews need to look 20 years old.

For years, lifeless executive interviews were combined with uninspiring cinematography to become the lifeblood of corporate videos. It was easy, it was quick and it required little imagination.

Fact: In most cases, you can capture an emotionally engaging interview with dramatic eye-catching cinematography in about the same amount of time as it takes to set-up and film a stale and tired looking interview.

Myth #5: Corporate videos cost $1,000 a minute.

Wrong. Again. D'oh! How long has this been going around? I've been hearing this for over 20 years and the dollar amount hasn't changed a penny!

Fact: Every single corporate video is hand-crafted. From scratch. So is every video budget. It's hand-crafted, too. No exceptions.

Creating a corporate video that gets conversations started can fun, exciting, and most importantly, life-changing.

Producing an engaging corporate video isn't really all that difficult. What's difficult is showing your video nobody cares about.

---Tom

P.S. Have a corporate video myth you'd like to share with me? Drop me a note.

5 Myths of Corporate Videos