Producing an effective training film (often referred to as a corporate video or corporate demo) is almost a must these days for new products or services.

An interested consumer appreciates the fact that with the click of a mouse, the product can be viewed and a tutorial given that makes it easy to see and understand.
Shooting a video of this nature is a fairly ‘simple shoot‘. Often it consists of nothing more than one camera and a computer.

Let’s use a new software that is ready for roll-out as an example. Many companies are opting for simplicity by simply videotaping the computer walking the consumer through the step - by- step process of how it works. Provided that the quality is broadcast quality, this type of marketing and advertising works well. Rather than having to purchase something that is difficult to return, the consumer can take it for a test run. Once the guesswork has been removed, a consumer is more apt to purchase.

In yesteryear, video almost always had to have a spokesperson ‘talking’ about the product and/or ‘demonstrating’ the product, but the tendency as of late is to overlay simple computer shots with voice-over and let the software with the support of the VO do the talking. With a simple shoot, the focus is on the product and not on the individual speaking.

It is direct, easy-to-shoot, and is generally well-received by the interested consumer.
A simple shoot can handle the needs of a software product, a language or art course, mathematics instruction, new medical devices, educational programs, and a host of other areas where expensive, on-location video is not warranted.

These same videos, placed on DVD’s, can be used for sales forces in order to give a quick demo to potential clients or buyers. It can also be left behind as a video business card transferred onto small discs.

Video has become a vital part of marketing for any product or service, but it doesn’t always have to be complex and shot at exotic locales. Often, a ‘simple shoot’ video is all that is needed in order to garner big results.

*Sherry Thomas
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