BAFTA albert, the leading authority on environmental sustainability in the screen industries, has released its 2025/26 Studio Sustainability Standard Report and The Bottle Yard Studios’ TBY2 facility is officially the highest performing studio of the year – making it the most sustainable film and TV studio in the world.

TBY2 is rated Outstanding with an overall score of 97%, the highest of 31 global studios and a 4% increase on last year’s score. Meanwhile The Bottle Yard Studios’ main site (TBY1) is rated Excellent with a score of 83%, a significant improvement on its previous Very Good rating (78%).

Laura Aviles, Head of Film (Bristol City Council), says: “We are extremely proud that The Bottle Yard’s TBY2 facility is the highest performer in this year’s Studio Sustainability Standard and equally delighted that our main site has shown such significant improvement too. As a dual-site complex, The Bottle Yard Studios accommodates productions working at a range of budgets with differing needs – but our commitment to sustainability is consistent across our entire operation. Our state-of-the-art TBY2 facility has sustainability embedded into every element of its design, including its 1MW community-owned solar rooftop, whilst our main site continues to drive forward a regime of improvements and our operational team makes every effort to help productions work more sustainably with a particular focus on supporting a circular economy here in Bristol. We remain fully committed to continuing this important work going forward.”

April Sotomayor, Head of Industry Sustainability at BAFTA albert says: “Studios from across the globe have stepped up in our industry’s fight against climate change. This year we’ve seen more investment in innovation, more support for local communities and vital education programmes being implemented to train people on how they can tackle environmental impact in their roles. Studios play such an important role in the production of content and it is reassuring to see so many are committed to making a difference for the future of our planet.”

The Studio Sustainability Standard is a global, voluntary scheme designed by BAFTA albert and Arup to help studios measure and reduce the environmental impact of their facilities. The scorecard takes a holistic approach and assesses studios based on their impacts and policies across six themes; climate, circularity, nature, people, management and data. It looks beyond carbon impacts and also explores how studios interact with biodiversity on site and how they embed sustainability principles for staff and productions to build a culture that supports the transition to net zero. Participating studios receive a bespoke performance report as well as a grade which allows them to benchmark their own progress as well as compare themselves to other studio facilities across the globe.

The largest film and TV studio in the West of England, The Bottle Yard Studios offers 11 stages across two sites. Eight stages are located at its main site (TBY1), and three premium soundproofed stages at TBY2, its £12 million expansion facility backed by West of England Mayoral Combined Authority investment, which has hosted a steady stream of High-End TV bookings since opening in 2022, including Disney+ hit Rivals.

Sustainable features at TBY2 include a sophisticated building management system that controls built-in heating, cooling and ventilation in all stages, whilst optimising energy conservation. TBY2’s power supply is supported by 1MW solar array funded by Bristol Energy Cooperative, believed to be the largest community-owned rooftop PV installation in the UK, which is connected to Bristol’s groundbreaking City Leap network. The rooftop array won the Sustainable Initiative Award at the 2023 Global Production Awards.

Sustainable measures enjoyed by productions at both include a comprehensive Sustainability toolkit (including local green suppliers directory and accommodation list), a full waste management strategy supported by Bristol Waste, EV charging and cycling facilities, single use plastics policy and active links with community and industry partners to assist the repurpose and reuse of everything from sets and office furniture to work clothing.

The Bottle Yard Studios is currently shortlisted for Studio of the Year at the 2025 Global Production Awards which celebrate outstanding and sustainable work in the world of film/TV production, locations and studios. The awards take place on 19th May at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Bottle Yard Studios, the largest film and TV production facility in the West of England, has been shortlisted for Studio of the Year at theGlobal Production Awards 2025, which take place next week (Monday 19th May) at the Cannes Film Festival.

Presented by Screen International, the prestigious annual industry awards were launched in 2023 to celebrate outstanding and sustainable work in the world of film/TV production, locations and studios.

The Studio of the Year Award will go to “the studio that through its body of work can demonstrate delivering to the highest level for productions, innovating and at the same time delivering for the local community it works in.” Judges will be looking for “evidence of a studio’s professionalism, attraction to customers, creativity, customer service, sustainability and community focus.”

Laura Aviles, Head of Film (Bristol City Council), says: “It is incredibly rewarding to see The Bottle Yard Studios shortlisted for this prestigious award – particularly after it won the Sustainable Initiative Award in 2023 for its TBY2 solar rooftop, and went on to be a central part of Bristol’s success in winning the City of Film Award in 2024. Having The Bottle Yard in the running for Studio of the Year puts Bristol’s film and TV production industry firmly in the international spotlight for a third consecutive year, which is a huge boost for the city’s global profile. Well done to the whole Studio operations team.”

The other shortlisted studios in the category are: Cinespace Studios (Canada), NFI Studios (Hungary), Shinfield Studios (UK) and Vancouver Film Studios (Canada).

For more information about the awards, visit www.globalproductionawards.com

 

All Set West, a bold new skills package designed to power up careers, grow connections and unlock opportunities behind the camera for underrepresented talent across the West of England, is officially underway – with applications now open for the first round of free All Set West Training designed to get industry newcomers set ready for entry-level scripted production roles.

Funded by a £245k award from the BFI National Lottery Places Fund: Skills and Training, All Set West is delivered by The Bottle Yard Studios, Bristol UNESCO City of Film and Bristol Film Office (the three teams within Bristol City Council’s Film Services) in partnership with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA).

All Set West was officially launched – with its new website www.allsetwest.co.uk – to members of the region’s production industry, education sector and community leaders at a special showcase at Watershed in Bristol on Wednesday (30th April). All Set West Training Ambassadors were also on hand to share insights into how the training’s pilot in 2024 has benefitted them.

In addition to free Training, the skills package includes free Membership (opening for registration soon) to the All Set West Hub – a new, inclusive online home for all kinds of opportunities, events and resources relevant to local scripted film/TV production entrants or those progressing through their first few credits – and All Set West Outreach activity being taken into schools, colleges and communities to demystify the industry and widen awareness of careers in the region’s fast-growing scripted production sector. Additional consultation will analyse regional industry skills gaps and set a future strategy for addressing workforce development and retention challenges.

All Set West is funded by the BFI Places Fund, which aims to help develop new and emerging production centres across the UK. It is providing targeted funding to organisations, including Bristol City Council’s Film Services, to pilot new skills and training activity in the region and develop strategic plans that seek to cultivate and encourage more film and television production in the area.

Alex Roxton, Senior Skills Programme Manager at the BFI, says: “This partnership between Bristol City Council Film Services and West of England Combined Authority brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise, as well as insight into skills gaps and the local growth potential. We believe that together, they can develop a sector skills strategy and training pathways that realise a skilled and representative local workforce.”

What is All Set West Training and how can I apply?
All Set West Training focuses on confidence-building, set etiquette and work-readiness, communication skills and teamwork, wellbeing and resilience, as well as digital and financial literacy and how to find work as a freelancer.

Support is targeted at underrepresented groups including Disabled People (including those with a longstanding physical or mental condition and those identifying as D/deaf or neurodiverse), People from the Global Majority, Women, Those identifying as LGB+, People from a Working class background, Asylum seekers/refugees, Carers/Care Leavers. An Access Fund is available to any participants who face a financial barrier to taking part.

All Set West Training was piloted at The Bottle Yard in 2024/25 under the Film/HETV TV Workforce Development Programme backed by the West of England MCA’s Mayoral Priority Skills Fund. Of the 47 trainees that participated, 32 have since gone on to some kind of paid work in the industry.

Round one of All Set West Training takes place over five weeks in June and July 2025. Applications are open until 31st May 2025. For more information and to apply, visit www.allsetwest.co.uk/training

Free membership to the new All Set West Hub opens for registration soon. Be notified by adding your details at: https://allsetwest.co.uk/sign-up   

Visit www.allsetwest.co.uk and follow All Set West on Instagram (@allsetwest) and LinkedIn (@all-set-west).

 North Somerset-based creative agency Harleys Global has partnered with Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co. to produce a three-part YouTube series called How It’s Mead. 

Shot across multiple locations in The Wye Valley and Somerset, the series is presented by Kit and Matt Newell, the brothers behind the Welsh brewing company. It provides an inside look at the brewing process, as well as shining a light on the issues facing small food and drink businesses including the massive problem of food counterfeiting. For example, up to a third of the honey in the world is currently believed to be fake, which is a massive issue when it comes to bee conservation and food systems sustainability. 

Kit Newell explains: “Many people know mead as an ancient drink made from honey, drunk by Vikings and monks and characters from old story books. But it’s also a fantastically sustainable and environmentally friendly food product, one of the few that actually directly benefits biological diversity in the area it is produced, as long as it’s done properly. Our goal is to use modern brewing techniques to re-establish the drink and pitch mead to today’s drinkers, as well as more broadly encouraging shoppers to make more ethical and sustainable choices with what they’re buying.” 

Each episode focuses on a different stage of the mead production process, from bee to bottle and beyond, as well as addressing wider problems and systemic challenges facing any business trying to grow and succeed without losing hold of their values. 

Episode guide 

Episode one – Hive checks & counterfeit honey 

Join Kit & Matt as they check on their over-wintering bees, and chat about the regenerative benefits of mead production and the big problem facing honey producers all over the world. 

Watch episode 

Episode two – The brewing business 

Kit & Matt discuss all things brewing, from process to distribution and why shopping local can benefit small businesses around the world. 

Watch episode 

Episode three – Community is at the heart of small-business success 

In our final episode, Kit & Matt talk about the impact community has on their business and the worry of authenticity in supermarkets. 

Watch episode 

Russ Bailey, Creative Director at Harleys Global says: “This series was a joy to make. Kit and Matt are fantastic presenters, and were really up for developing ideas together and throwing themselves into the shoot. And producing branded entertainment series like this is a really interesting space to be working in – brands find a new way to get their message out there, and audiences get a lot more from the content.” 

Terry Davies, CEO at Harleys Global adds: “The guys at Hive Mind have such great energy and enthusiasm for their fantastic product – they just felt like a natural fit for our branded entertainment team.” 

Brand new Agatha Christie adaptation Towards Zero arrived on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday 2nd March, after filming in and around Bristol with support from the city’s Film Office, and on the Devon coast.


Towards Zero (image courtesy BBC/Mammoth Screen)

Based on the classic mystery by the best-selling author of all time, the series has been adapted for screen by BAFTA-nominated Rachel Bennette (NW) and directed by the Olivier Award-winning Sam Yates (Magpie). It follows 2023’s hit Christie adaptation Murder is Easy, which was one of the UK’s most watched new dramas of the year across all channels and streamers, averaging 7 million viewers across both parts. It is produced by Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Limited for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, in a co-commission with BritBox International.

Bristol Film Office supported filming last Summer at locations including Frog Lane and the nearby Masonic Hall near Park Street, Deanery Lane and Bristol Cathedral, the University of Bristol’s Goldney Hall and Tyntesfield House on the outskirts of the city. The fictional Gull’s Point and Easterhead Bay Hotel locations were shot on the scenic Devon coast.

Producer Rebecca Durbin, Mammoth Screen, says: “We were excellently served by our Bristol and South West locations when bringing the world of Towards Zero to life. We had some particular challenges – recreating the Royal Courts of Justice, 1930’s Wimbledon Centre Court and a sparkling modern Art Deco hotel geographically opposing an old country pile on a Devon cliffside. The Devonian landscape is so central to Christie’s Towards Zero, so it was really special to be able to film at Burgh Island Hotel and beaches in the Kingsbridge area, just down the coastal path from Christie’s home, Greenways.

“Filming in Central Bristol during a busy working day is always a logistical challenge – traffic management, working with the public, the challenges of period vehicles! – but Bristol Film Office were instrumental in providing welcome practical support and making sure everything ran as smoothly as possible, arranging recces, providing assistance when liaising with locations and councils and offering invaluable local advice and guidance.”

Bristol & South West locations

The nave of Bristol Cathedral acted as a double for the exterior for Westminster’s Royal Courts Of Justice in Towards Zero. Conveniently for the producers, gothic revivalist architect George Edmund Street who masterminded the Law Courts on The Strand in London, also designed the nave of Bristol Cathedral. Sessions House in Usk, South Wales, served as the interior for the Courts, paired with corridors and walkways at Grittleton House in Chippenham (which also served as Sylvia’s boarding school).

Frog Lane in Bristol City Centre served as a busy 1930’s London street. The producers felt that the pale grey architecture of the street had a slightly 1930’s art deco feel that complimented the interiors of Nevile Strange’s fashion-forward apartment, which were shot at Goldney Hall, one of the University of Bristol’s buildings. Despite Goldney Hall being 18th Century, Production Designer Lucienne Suren worked to create a bold, art deco look – the shapes of the murals and art work on the walls echoing the architecture of Frog Lane.

To recreate 1930’s Wimbledon, producers worked with a VFX company to enhance a full-scale replica court built at the Bath & West Showground in Shepton Mallet. A room in The Province of Bristol Masonic Hall on Park Street served as the Wimbledon changing room.

private home in Wiltshire served as the perfect country house to become Gulls Point, the family seat where matriarch Lady Tressilian rules the roost. The property’s portico overlooked an expansive sweeping green vista that made it easily “transferable” to a cliffside in Devon, with the help of VFX. The private home was paired with the imposing Tyntesfield House, a National Trust property on Bristol’s outskirts. Despite its Gothic exteriors, the “below stairs” kitchen and servants quarters worked very well as a match to the Wiltshire stately home.

The long straight ‘Towards Zero’ vanishing point road was filmed on a tree-lined road on the Badminton Estate.

Devon locations

Easterhead Bay Hotel exteriors were filmed at Burgh Island Hotel near Kingsbridge. The hotel’s sea water swimming pool doubled for the hotel in Nice, South of France, where Nevile and Kay meet. The Forum Bath provided the space for the art department to create the ultra-modern interiors to match with the Art Deco exterior of Burgh Island Hotel.

The beaches at Bantham, where the Avon meets the sea, and the more sheltered cove at Thurlestone, served as the fictional beaches around Saltcreek and Gulls Point. The production team worked closely with local film offices, the council and National Trust to ensure filming activity didn’t impact on local residents, including wildlife and nesting birds.

About Towards Zero

Towards Zero stars Anjelica Huston as Lady Tressilian, Matthew Rhys as Inspector Leach, Clarke Peters as family lawyer Mr Treves, Oliver Jackson-Cohen as British tennis star Nevile Strange who has two ladies in his life: Ella Lily Hyland plays his ex-wife Audrey and Mimi Keene is his new wife Kay. Anjana Vasan is the lady’s companion Mary Aldin, Jack Farthing plays the estranged Thomas Royde, Adam Hugill is Nevile’s mysterious valet Mac, and Grace Doherty is Mr Treves’ ward Sylvia.

England, 1936. After a scandalous celebrity divorce, Nevile Strange and his ex-wife Audrey make the unthinkable decision to spend a summer together at Gull’s Point, their childhood home and the coastal estate of Nevile’s aunt, Lady Tressilian.

With unfinished business between the former childhood sweethearts, plus the presence of Nevile’s new wife Kay, tensions are running high. Add to this a long-suffering lady’s companion, a mysterious gentleman’s valet, an exiled cousin with a grudge, a venerable family lawyer, an inquisitive orphan and a French con man, and soon there will be murder. A troubled detective must rediscover his purpose to untangle a toxic web of jealousy, deceit and dysfunction. Can he solve the crime before another victim meets their death?

An explosive love triangle, a formidable matriarch and a house party of enemies. All compelled… Towards Zero.

Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero (3×60’) is produced by Agatha Christie Limited and Mammoth Screen (part of ITV Studios), and is a co-commission between the BBC and BritBox International. It is adapted by Rachel Bennette, directed by Sam Yates and produced by Rebecca Durbin. Executive producers are James Prichard for Agatha Christie Limited, Sheena Bucktowonsing and Damien Timmer for Mammoth Screen, Danielle Scott-Haughton for the BBC and Jon Farrar, Stephen Nye and Robert Schildhouse for BritBox International.

Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero is available in full on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Sunday 2 March, with episodes airing weekly on BBC One from 9pm that night.

Why a Business Should Consider Creating a Brand Film

Creating a brand film is an incredible opportunity for businesses to connect with their audience on a deeper level. In today’s fast-paced digital world, a well-crafted brand film can tell your story in a way that resonates emotionally, showcasing not just what you do, but why you do it. This powerful visual medium allows you to highlight your values, mission, and unique offerings while engaging potential customers in an impactful way. Think of it as a compelling narrative that not only builds brand awareness but also fosters trust and loyalty among consumers who are looking for authenticity.

Also, with the rising popularity of video content across social media platforms, having a brand film can significantly increase your reach and visibility. By sharing your story through this dynamic format, you’re not just promoting products or services; you’re creating an experience that invites viewers to be part of your journey. Ultimately, investing in a brand film is about crafting memorable moments that leave lasting impressions – helping you stand out in a crowded marketplace and truly connect with your audience.

Understanding the Brand Film Production Process

The creation of a brand film unfolds in three essential stages: pre-production, production, and post-production. The pre-production phase presents the opportunity to dive deep into understanding a brand’s vision and goals. This is a time to brainstorm ideas, develop scripts, and plan every detail – from casting talent to location scouting- ensuring everything aligns perfectly with the brand message. Moving into the production stage, it becomes all about bringing those ideas to life, capturing stunning visuals and audio that resonate with the brand’s audience. Finally, comes the post-production stage; this involves editing the footage, adding sound design and visual effects that elevate the brand’s story. By following this structured approach to brand film production, you can create captivating content whilst ensuring it effectively conveys your unique narrative to your target audience.

The Key Factors That Influence the Timeline for Your Brand Film

When it comes to managing a project, several key factors come into play that can significantly influence the outcome. First and foremost, establishing a clear project scope is crucial; it sets the foundation for what needs to be achieved and helps keep everyone aligned. Client feedback loops are equally important, as they ensure that things are on the right track and allow for adjustments based on insights. Changes in creative direction can sometimes arise, but with open communication and flexibility, an experienced production company will be able to adapt while still meeting deadlines. Additionally, resource availability plays a vital role in planning – knowing what tools and talent are out there enables an effective execution of the creative vision. Lastly, logistics around filming locations shouldn’t be overlooked; coordinating these details early on helps avoid potential hiccups later in the process. Keeping all these elements in check, enables a smooth workflow that leads to great results for clients while fostering a collaborative environment that inspires creativity.

Breaking Down Each Stage: Pre-Production to Post-Production

There are several key steps to bringing a brand film to life. It all starts with scripting and storyboarding, working closely with a brand to craft a compelling and memorable narrative. Once the script is locked down, the next phase is finding the perfect faces and voices that embody your brand’s essence. Seeking out settings that enhance your story and create an authentic backdrop for your brand film shouldn’t be underestimated. Filming days can be scheduled, dedicated to capturing every important moment and making sure everything aligns with the creative vision. After shooting, the editing process usually begins – this is where the footage is carefully pieced together to create a polished final cut that genuinely reflects your brand’s message. Each step of this process is designed to tell a brand’s unique story in a way that connects, captivates and engages viewers.

The Importance of Collaboration

In terms of brand film creation, the average turnaround time can vary significantly based on the project’s scope and complexity. Typically, a quick turnaround project might take anywhere from a few weeks to a month, allowing brands to get their message out swiftly without sacrificing quality. However, for those looking for something more comprehensive – complete with detailed storytelling and high production values – the process could extend to several months. This is where understanding your goals becomes crucial; knowing whether you need a rapid response or an in-depth exploration can help streamline the approach. We’ve had clients who opted for both styles: one brand needed a lively promotional video in just two weeks for an upcoming event, while another invested several months into crafting an intricate narrative that highlighted their mission and values through animated storytelling. Ultimately, whether you’re seeking speed or depth in your brand film creation, we can help guide you through each stage.

Ready to Create Your Brand Film? Start Planning Today.

Creating a brand film is an exciting journey which can add genuine value to your business. If you’re ready to elevate your brand’s story through captivating visuals and compelling narratives, an engaging brand film could be the answer. Whether you’re looking to attract your audience on social media, enhance your website, or create memorable content for a live event, a well-crafted brand film can make a great difference. At Vivid, we believe that every brand has a unique story waiting to be told. With our expertise in film, motion design and animation, we’d be happy to help you articulate your story in a way that resonates with your audience. Let’s collaborate and bring your vision to life. Reach out today, and let’s start crafting something extraordinary together!

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Nine Tree Studios, Bristol’s biggest independent studio, has launched a WhatsApp Community to give back to local filmmakers, photographers, creatives, and production companies.

Primarily it’s a free loyalty programme offering studio discounts and freebies, including:

There’s also groups for advice and jobs, and private channels for production companies and studios to collaborate and share advice.

“We’ve always wanted our space to be able to support Bristol’s creative community” said Russell Jones, Co-Founder of Nine Tree Studios.

“Nowadays email newsletters feel old and clunky and aren’t really suited to what we wanted, like offering free studio hire to those who need it, and promoting and discussing events.”

“By virtue of having members we also hope it’ll be a space for freelancers, screen professionals, studios and production companies to share advice, post jobs, collaborate, and generally chit-chat.”

You can join the community at  https://chat.whatsapp.com/D64qZ5CmnxCASYEevxDFEV and visit https://www.ninetreestudios.co.uk/community for more information and terms.

***

Nine Tree Studios is Bristol’s largest independent studio.

Suitable for set builds, commercial productions, photography and HETV, the space features two main studios – a 4,640sq ft soundstage and a 567sq ft infinity cove – plus a podcast suite, green rooms, production offices and a 9,000sq ft backlot.

For more information visit www.ninetreestudios.co.uk or email info@ninetreestudios.co.uk.

Bristol’s globally respected Encounters film festival will make a comeback in September next year following a change of management which sees Dave Taylor-Matthews take over as Executive Director.

The festival – widely praised for its knack of discovering new talent – cancelled its 2024 edition and cast doubts about the future after it was hit by a series of challenges triggered by Brexit’s impact on access to European funding and the pandemic.

But now Dave Taylor-Matthews, a veteran producer of festivals and live cinema events in the UK and beyond, is working on a re-launch – fixing 24 to 28 September 2025 as the dates of the landmark 30th Encounters and opening the call for entries.

He says:

“There is no way that Bristol, a UNESCO City of Film, nor the sector was prepared to let go of a festival which has a 30 year track record of showcasing brilliant short film, nurturing emerging film-makers and identifying talent and whose alumni include such stand-out figures as Andrea Arnold, Rungano Nyoni, Ruben Östlund, Martin McDonagh, Lynne Ramsay, and Denis Villeneuve.

“We are determined to lead the fight against ‘enshittification’ and are powering ahead with a 2025 programme which will screen bold and inventive new works, feature headline events of wide appeal, provide a space where new creative projects and partnerships are born and where all film fans feel welcome. 30 years of Encounters deserves an epic celebration!”

Submit films for Encounters film festival

Entries are being invited now via www.filmfreeway.com/encountersfilmfestival for live action, animated, documentary or experimental films of under 40 mins in length and (to make up for the 2024 festival’s cancellation), completed on or after 1 January 2023.

There will be cash prizes for the top performing films in competition for the international and national grand prix plus the chance to qualify for entry to the British Independent Film Awards or BAFTAs &/or get nominated for a European Film Award.

Among those welcoming the return of Encounters to Bristol’s events calendar are Aardman co-founder David Sproxton; Mark Cosgrove, Cinema Curator at Watershed, and Natalie Moore, manager of Bristol Film Office and of the Bristol UNESCO City of Film programme.

Natalie Moore says:

“For thirty years, Encounters has played a pivotal role for Bristol; nurturing and springboarding film talent, leading industry conversations, and elevating our international profile. The festival’s return in 2025 is fantastic news for both filmmakers and audiences, and the 30th edition promises to be a celebration of everything Encounters does best – gathering film lovers, filmmakers and industry figureheads to enjoy the best shorts around and create film experiences to remember.”

To stay up to date with Encounters’ news, sign-up for the free e-bulletin via the festival’s website at www.encounters.film or find/follow the festival’s accounts on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo or YouTube.

Creating a corporate video is a fantastic way to convey your brand’s message, values, and offerings to a broader audience. However, to ensure that your video is effective and professional, a bit of thoughtful planning is essential. Let’s dive into five key considerations when embarking on your corporate video project, each expanded to provide you with a richer understanding.

1 // Define Your Objective

The first step in any successful corporate video project is to clearly define what you want to achieve. Are you introducing a new product, showcasing your company culture, training employees, or boosting brand awareness? Identifying your main goal will guide all your decisions and keep your video focused and relevant.

For instance, a product launch video will have different requirements than an employee training video. A product video should emphasise key features and benefits, perhaps including customer testimonials and a strong call to action to encourage engagement. On the other hand, a training video should be instructional, easy to follow, and break down complex topics into manageable steps.

Clear objectives are the foundation of your video. They’ll help you craft a message that resonates and makes it easier to measure success. Start by asking what you want your audience to think, feel, or do after watching the video. This will shape everything from your script to your visuals.

2 // Understand Your Audience

Knowing who will be watching your video is crucial for making it engaging and impactful. Consider your audience’s demographics, interests, and challenges. Tailoring your content to their needs will make your video more relevant and effective.

For example, a video aimed at potential clients should highlight what sets you apart and how you can solve their problems. Testimonials and case studies can help build trust. Conversely, an internal training video should prioritise clarity and usefulness, addressing your employees’ specific challenges and using real-life scenarios to make the content relatable.

By understanding your audience, you can choose the right tone, style, and messaging. A younger, tech-savvy audience might prefer an informal, fast-paced video, while senior executives might appreciate a more formal and data-driven approach. The better you know your audience, the more effective your video will be.

3 // Craft a Compelling Story

At the heart of every successful video is a great story. Develop a narrative that not only resonates with your audience but also aligns with your brand message. Good storytelling captures attention, evokes emotions, and makes your message memorable.

Start with a strong hook to grab your viewer’s attention—perhaps an intriguing statement, a surprising fact, or a compelling visual. Then, ensure your story flows smoothly from one point to the next, using a mix of visuals, text, and voiceover to keep the audience engaged. Don’t forget to end with a powerful call to action. Whether you want viewers to visit your website, contact your sales team, or share the video, make sure this final step is clear and compelling.

Incorporating real-life examples, customer testimonials, or behind-the-scenes footage can add authenticity and relatability to your story. People connect with stories about real people and situations, so showcasing your team, your workplace, or satisfied customers can make your video more engaging and trustworthy.

4 // Focus on Quality Production

The production quality of your video can significantly impact its success. High-quality visuals and sound convey professionalism and can greatly enhance your brand’s image. Investing in good equipment or a professional production team can make a big difference.

Good lighting, sound, and high-definition cameras are key to a polished video. If your budget allows, hiring professionals for scripting, filming, and editing can elevate your video’s quality, ensuring it looks professional and engaging.

Pay attention to details like background settings, props, and attire, as these should reflect your brand’s image. Remember, poor production quality like shaky cameras, or bad audio can distract from your message and make your video seem unprofessional. Quality production is an investment that pays off in the form of a positive impression on your audience.

5 // Plan for Distribution and Optimisation

Even the best video needs a strategic distribution plan to reach its intended audience. Think about where and how you’ll share your video. Consider using your company’s website, social media platforms, email newsletters, or even industry events.

Each platform may require different formats or lengths, so tailor your video accordingly. For instance, a full-length video might work well on your website or YouTube, while shorter clips could be better suited for social media. Optimise your video for search engines by using relevant keywords in the title, description, and tags to improve visibility and reach a broader audience.

Timing is also crucial. Showcasing your video during a product launch, event, or when your audience is most active can significantly impact its success.

Conclusion

Creating a corporate video that effectively communicates your brand’s message requires careful planning and attention to detail. By defining your objective, understanding your audience, crafting a compelling story, focusing on quality production, and planning for distribution, you can produce a video that not only resonates with your audience but also supports your business goals.

Remember, a well-executed corporate video is more than just a collection of visuals and sounds – it’s a strategic tool that tells your brand’s story, connects with your audience, and drives action. Whether your aim is to attract new clients, train employees, or enhance your brand’s presence, focusing on these five key areas will help you create a video that stands out in a competitive market.

If you’re interested in creating a corporate video, reach out to us today – we’d love to help you see what’s possible.