How to produce video content remotely

Digital fundraising and content creation haven’t stalled because of lockdown restrictions. In fact, charity digital leaders and digital agencies have come up with innovative ways to produce video content remotely. Video content can be produced by external or internal professionals, and low-cost software can help charity producers create online tutorials, fundraising, and virtual content.

Why use video content?

Charity video content can be a powerful way for charities to get their message across – both in terms of impact and fundraising. Ahead of producing content, remember that online video content should aim to encourage face-to-face appeal and, in many cases, stir emotions. Lauded for emotional appeal and transparency, Charity: water’s approach to ‘immerse storytelling’ has motivated millions in funding.

Video content can also be live-streamed and exciting. Helping to drive fundraising efforts, video games can be streamed online to generate funds. Comic Relief recently staged the Dungeons & Dragons online gaming competition, with comedians logging on, and playing remotely. The event will then be live-streamed on Tiltify for viewers to watch for £1 minimum donation. The digital video fundraising efforts will help support charities struggling to cope with COVID-19.

Top tips for producing video content remotely

Going behind the scenes, producing video content remotely doesn’t need to come with a big production budget or in-real-life meetings. Our top tips include:

1.) Producing video content with archived footage

For charity digital leaders going through older footage, these older shots could be used for new content. Allowing for marketing and communications teams to work remotely, archived footage could be updated and repurposed for fundraising adverts, impact stories, and case studies. Ad agency WPNC has already proposed the idea to charity digital leaders and has worked with big brands like Plan International.

2.) Vlogging and diaries can help charity digital leaders share experiences

Charity Digital’s CEO Jonathan Chevallier has started a lockdown-proof way to produce video content. Vlogging his experiences working from home and ‘Top 3’ tips and tricks, Jonathan has successfully produced DIY video diaries from the safety of his home. Each week he shares developments in the charity digital world and practical ways of digital fundraising, information on software deals, and highlights new content on Charity Digital’s webinar series.

3.) Showcasing video content produced by supporters

Highlighting authenticity and impact, Young Epilepsy’s launch of The Channel featuring stories of those staying at home shows how charities can still produce video will under lockdown.

Young people chronicle their experience, and how they have been coping indoors with limited social interaction. The videos bring to light the charity’s cause. “Whilst seizures are the most widely recognised symptom of epilepsy, young people can face wide-ranging challenges with associated issues such as mental health, learning and sleep, as well as social inclusion and support throughout education,” said Mark Devlin, Young Epilepsy’s Chief Executive of the initiative.