How charities can work with videographers

In recent years, video has become almost commonplace with the rise of social media and affordable technology. While most video on social media doesn’t need to be slick and professional, there will always be a place for video that needs a professional touch.

 

Creating videos or films offers charities the opportunity to reach new and existing audiences and can be used in a number of different ways.

Video can be useful to:

• Distill complex information in a visual way
• Highlight an issue through storytelling
• Educate people about a topic
• Bring to life an abstract concept
• Change perceptions

In order to create a professional video or film, charities will need to work with a videographer. Below are some tips when hiring and working with a videographer, ensuring you get the most from your budget.

 

 

What is a videographer?

 

A videographer is a trained professional who records video footage and then edits it into a video that can be posted online across various channels or used at events, such as gala dinners. The types of things they may film include live events, short films featuring case studies, corporate videos and educational videos. They often work alone with a single camera or with a small team of sound and light technicians.

 

Ready to get started? Here’s some tips to consider.

 

 

Research videographers

 

Before you start to engage various videographers, ask around for recommendations. You can do this by posting on your social media channels (such as LinkedIn), reaching out to your peers, or asking in specialist Facebook groups such as the Third Sector PR & Comms Network or Fundraising Chat.

 

If there’s a charity video or videos that you really like, contact the charity directly to find out who produced them. CharityComms also has a freelance and supplier directory where you can find freelance videographers or agencies who specialise in video.

 

Once you have a few videographers that you are interested in working with, ask them to provide you with both a portfolio of their work and references.

 

 

Have a clear budget and timelines

 

It’s so important to have a clear budget so that you don’t waste time engaging videographers or agencies who are out of your price range. As well as having a budget, have a timeline too with a clear deadline. This is helpful as some videographers may already be booked up and unable to meet your deadline.

 

When setting your timeline, ensure that you are being realistic with your timings, such as allowing enough time to organise case studies, find locations, factor in feedback and time for editing.

 

Don’t forget to factor in costs such as transport, hiring of a location and overnight accommodation if needed, into your overall budget.

 

 

Provide a solid brief

 

It’s essential to provide a detailed brief. This should include the project background and objectives. Is this video part of a wider campaign? What specific outcome are you hoping for?

 

The brief should also include:

• Target audience – who are you trying to reach?
• Key messages – what you want the viewers to take away from watching the video
• Tone of voice

In addition, the brief should include the budget, timelines, where the video will be distributed (social media, website, or an event), whether it needs specific elements such as a logo, and the approval process. Also agree upfront how many rounds of edits your videographer will offer.

 

 

Write a script

 

The first place to start when creating a video is with a script. You don’t need to start with a blank piece of paper, which may seem daunting, as there are plenty of video script templates you can use as a starting point.

 

If your video stars a beneficiary or someone in your organisation sharing a story, remember that they may not be natural storytellers. Help guide them through their storytelling, whilst ensuring that they remain true to themselves and their experience. CharityComms has some great tips for interviewing case studies in their Filmkit guide.

 

 

Work together on a storyboard

 

Once you’ve appointed a videographer and written a script, work together on the storyboard. A storyboard is a visual representation of your video sketched out on either paper or you can use special software.

 

While you may have a clear idea of what the video should be, they will have lots of creative ideas – not to mention expertise. It can also help having an outside perspective and fresh input. Having a storyboard should also ensure that the editing process afterwards is simple.

 

 

Support them on the shoot

 

Chances are, if you’re on a limited budget, that you will need to assist the videographer on the day or days of filming. Ask them beforehand how best you can help and what you may need to bring with you.