Sample Creative Brief

Regardless of how you plan to produce a video, it’s important to develop a creative brief so all team members will be on the same page before, during and after the video production process.

Here’s a sample brief created for a testimonial video created for a non-profit organization.

Creative Brief: Non-Profit Testimonial Video

Overview:

We are a non-profit organization that provides food and shelter to homeless individuals and families in our community. We are looking to create a testimonial video that will showcase our organization's impact and encourage viewers to support our cause.

Objective:

The objective of this testimonial video is to communicate the impact of our organization's work and inspire viewers to donate or get involved with our cause. We want to show the human stories behind our mission and the positive change we are creating in the lives of homeless individuals and families.

Target Audience:

Our target audience are individuals who are passionate about helping the homeless population and want to make a difference in their local community. We also hope to reach potential volunteers and donors who may not be familiar with our organization.

Key Message:

Our key message is that we provide essential resources and support to homeless individuals and families in our community, helping them to rebuild their lives and achieve stability. By donating to our organization or volunteering, viewers can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.

Tone and Style:

The tone of this video should be heartfelt and authentic, emphasizing the human stories behind our mission. We want to convey a sense of hope and optimism, while also acknowledging the struggles that homeless individuals and families face. The style of the video should be documentary-style, featuring interviews and footage of our programs and services.

Call to Action:

The call to action for this video is to encourage viewers to donate to our organization or sign up to volunteer. We will provide a link at the end of the video where viewers can learn more about how to get involved.

Key Visuals:

The key visuals for this video will be interviews with homeless individuals and families who have been positively impacted by our organization. We will also include footage of our shelter, food bank, and other programs and services. We may also include statistics or infographics to help convey the scope of our impact.

Budget and Timeline:

Our max budget for this video is $10,000, and we would like to have the video completed within 6 weeks from the start of production.

Deliverables:

We will need a 3-5 minute testimonial video that we can use on our website and social media channels. We will also need access to the raw footage for future use in other marketing and fundraising materials.

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Create a Storyboard and Shot List

A storyboard and shot list are crucial elements of pre-production for your testimonial video. They help you visualize your story and ensure that you capture all the necessary footage during production.

In this article, we'll cover how to develop a storyboard and shot list that will help you create an effective testimonial video.

Storyboarding

A storyboard is a visual representation of your story. It's a series of sketches or illustrations that show the key moments and actions in your story. Storyboards are a great way to plan out the visual flow of your video and ensure that you capture all the necessary shots during production.

To create a storyboard for your testimonial video, start by breaking your story down into key moments. These could be specific events, emotions, or actions that are important to your story. Once you've identified these key moments, sketch out the visuals that will accompany them. You don't have to be a great artist to create a storyboard. Stick figures, simple shapes, or stock photography can be just as effective as more detailed illustrations.

Shot List

A shot list is a detailed plan of all the shots you need to capture during production. This includes everything from close-ups of your subject's face to establishing shots of the location where the story takes place. A shot list is essential for ensuring that you have all the footage you need to tell your story.

To create a shot list, start by going through your storyboard and identifying each shot that you need to capture. Be as specific as possible in your descriptions. For example, instead of "interview shot” write "medium close-up of interviewee answering question about their experience with our organization."

It's also helpful to organize your shot list by location and setup. This will help you plan your shoot more efficiently and ensure that you capture all the necessary footage in each location.

Developing a storyboard and shot list is an essential part of pre-production for your testimonial video. It helps you plan out your story and ensure that you capture all the necessary footage during production. By breaking your story down into key moments and creating a detailed shot list, you can create a testimonial video that effectively communicates your organization's impact and inspires viewers to take action.

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Understanding the video production process

If you decide to work with a video production agency to produce your testimonial video, it's important to have an understanding of what to expect from the process.

This article will provide an overview of what you can anticipate when working with a professional video production team.

Initial Consultation

The video production process typically begins with an initial consultation. During this meeting, you'll discuss your goals for the project, the message you want to convey, and any other details that are important to you. You'll also have the opportunity to learn more about the video production agency, their process, and their experience.

Concept Development

After the initial consultation, the video production team will begin developing a concept for your testimonial video. This may involve brainstorming ideas, developing a script outline, writing interview questions and creating shot lists. This is an important step in the process, as it lays the foundation for the rest of the project.

Pre-Production

Once the concept has been approved, the pre-production phase begins. This is where the logistics of the shoot are planned, including scouting locations, coordinating schedules, and gathering any necessary equipment. During this phase, the video production team will also work with you to prepare the subjects for filming, and finalize the shot list and interview questions.

Production

Production is the actual filming phase of the video production process. This is where the footage is captured, including interviews and b-roll footage. Depending on the complexity of the project, this may take anywhere from a few hours to several days.

Post-Production

After the footage has been captured, the post-production phase begins. This is where the footage is edited, color corrected, and sound is added. Music, voiceover, and any other post-production elements are also added during this phase. This is where the final product is created.

Review and Approval

Once the final video has been completed, it's important to review and approve the product before it is released. You'll have the opportunity to provide feedback and request any changes that need to be made.

Final Delivery

After the video has been approved, the final step is to deliver the video to you in the appropriate format. This will most likely be a digital file that can be uploaded to your website, social media channels or copied to a thumb drive for playing back on monitors, projectors, etc.

The video production process can vary depending on the company you choose to work with, but the steps outlined above are a good starting point for what to expect. It's important to work with a reputable video production agency that has experience producing testimonial videos to ensure the final product effectively communicates your message and resonates with your audience.

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Selecting the right video production agency

Selecting the right video production agency is a crucial step in creating a successful testimonial video. Choosing a partner who understands your organization's values, mission, and message is essential to creating a compelling and effective video.

Here are some tips on how to select the right video production agency for your testimonial video project:

Look for experience: When researching potential video production partners, look for companies that have experience producing testimonial videos. Ask for samples of their work and read reviews or testimonials from previous clients.

Understand their process: A professional video production agency will have a defined process for creating videos. Ask about their process for creating testimonial videos, from planning and pre-production to post-production and distribution. Understanding their process will give you an idea of how they work and how they will approach your project.

Consider their communication skills: Clear communication is crucial when working with a video production agency. You want to work with a partner who listens to your ideas and understands your message. When interviewing potential partners, pay attention to their communication skills, and how they respond to your questions.

Check their equipment: A professional video production agency will have access to high-quality equipment for filming and editing videos. Ask about the type of equipment they use and how they ensure that their equipment is well-maintained.

Consider their creative approach: Each video production agency has its creative approach to producing videos. When selecting a partner, look for a company that aligns with your creative vision for the testimonial video. Ask about their creative process and how they approach storytelling.

Discuss your budget: The cost of video production can vary widely, so it's important to discuss your budget upfront. Be honest about your budget and discuss your goals for the project. A professional video production agency will work with you to create a video that meets your goals while staying within your budget.

Check their availability: Finally, make sure that the video production agency has the availability to complete your project within your timeline. Ask about their production schedule and whether they can meet your deadline.

By following these tips, you can select the right video production agency partner to create a testimonial video that tells your organization's story and engages your audience.

Need help producing videos for your company?

As a full-service video production agency with 250+ camera crews strategically located in cities throughout the United States, 6 STRONG MEDIA offers a faster, simpler way to make great videos for your company, without all the hassle. Let’s explore working together!

When to hire a video production agency

When it comes to creating a testimonial video, you may be faced with the decision of whether to produce the video in-house or to hire a professional video production agency.

While there are benefits to producing a video in-house, there are also benefits to hiring a professional agency. In this article, we will discuss when it is appropriate to hire a video production agency to produce your testimonial video.

You Need High-Quality Production Value

Professional video production companies have access to high-quality cameras, lighting, and sound equipment, as well as editing software and expertise. This means that the final product will have a higher production value and be of a higher quality than if it were produced in-house. High-quality production value can make a significant difference in the overall impact of your testimonial video.

You Want to Tell a Complicated Story

Sometimes, organizations have complex stories that are difficult to tell. In this case, hiring a video production agency can be beneficial as they have experience in telling complex stories in a concise and compelling manner. They can also provide suggestions and creative solutions to ensure that your story is told effectively.

You Want to Save Time and Resources

Creating a testimonial video can be a time-consuming process, and if your staff has limited experience in video production, it can take even longer. By hiring a video production agency, you can save time and resources, as they will handle all aspects of the production process from planning and filming to editing and post-production.

You Want to Reach a Wider Audience

Video production companies can help you reach a wider audience by producing a high-quality video that can be shared on various platforms, including social media, your website, and in email campaigns. By reaching a wider audience, you can increase awareness about your company, which can lead to increased revenue.

You Want to Ensure Professionalism and Accountability

When you hire a video production agency, you can be assured that the final product will be professional and high-quality. They also have a process in place to ensure accountability and will work with you to ensure that your vision is met. Additionally, they will have liability insurance to protect your organization in case of accidents or equipment failure.

Overall, there are many reasons why you may want to hire a video production agency to produce your testimonial video. If you need high-quality production value, want to tell a complicated story, want to save time and resources, want to reach a wider audience, or want to ensure professionalism and accountability, then hiring a video production agency may be the right decision for your organization.

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As a full-service video production agency with 250+ camera crews strategically located in cities throughout the United States, 6 STRONG MEDIA offers a faster, simpler way to make great videos for your company, without all the hassle. Let’s explore working together!

Measuring the Impact of Your Testimonial Video

Once your testimonial video is complete and ready to share, it's time to start thinking about how you'll measure its impact.

After all, the ultimate goal of your video is to raise awareness and generate leads, and you'll want to know how successful it was in achieving that goal.

There are several ways to measure the impact of your testimonial video, including:

View and engagement metrics: One of the most basic ways to measure the impact of your testimonial video is to track how many people viewed it and engaged with it. This can include metrics such as views, shares, likes, comments, and click-through rates.

Customer conversion rates: Another important metric to track is how many people who watched your video went on to become customers. By tracking conversion rates, you can get a better idea of how effective your video was in inspiring people to take action.

Fundraising amounts: For non-profit organizations, you can also track the amount of money your video helped raise for your organization. If you have a specific fundraising goal in mind, you can use your video as a way to encourage people to donate and track the total amount raised.

Increased website traffic: A successful testimonial video can also drive increased traffic to your website. By tracking website traffic, you can see how many people were inspired to learn more about your organization after watching your video.

Brand awareness: A testimonial video can help raise awareness of your organization, products or services. By tracking changes in brand awareness over time, you can get a sense of how your video impacted the public's perception of your organization.

To effectively measure the impact of your testimonial video, it's important to set specific goals and metrics before you release the video. This will help you know what to track and what success looks like. You can also use analytics tools provided by social media platforms and your website to help you measure your video's impact.

In addition to tracking these metrics, it's also a good idea to gather feedback from viewers of your testimonial video. You can do this through surveys, social media polls, or by asking for feedback directly from donors and supporters.

By taking the time to measure the impact of your testimonial video, you'll have a better understanding of what worked well and what you can improve upon for your next video project.

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As a full-service video production agency with 250+ camera crews strategically located in cities throughout the United States, 6 STRONG MEDIA offers a faster, simpler way to make great videos for your company, without all the hassle. Let’s explore working together!

Reaching New Audiences with Your Video

After creating a compelling testimonial video for your organization, the next step is to share it with the world. But how do you make sure that your video reaches as many people as possible, and that those people are the ones who are most likely to become customers?

Here are some strategies for reaching new audiences with your video:

Share on social media: One of the most effective ways to reach a large audience quickly is through social media. Share your video on your organization's social media accounts, and ask your supporters to share it with their networks. Be sure to include a call-to-action in your posts, asking viewers to make a donation or take some other action to support your cause.

Reach out to influencers: Identify influencers in your field or related fields who have a large following on social media, and ask them to share your video with their followers. Be sure to personalize your outreach and explain why you think your video would be of interest to their audience.

Use paid advertising: While organic reach on social media can be limited, using paid advertising can help you reach a larger audience. Consider using targeted Facebook ads or Google AdWords to reach people who are most likely to need your products or services.

Embed the video on your website: Make sure your video is prominently displayed on your organization's website. This can help drive traffic to your site and encourage people to learn more about your organization and the work you do.

Send it to your email list: If you have an email list of supporters, send the video to them along with a personal message from your organization's leadership. Be sure to include a call-to-action asking viewers to make a donation or take some other action to support your cause.

Pitch it to media outlets: Reach out to local media outlets, including newspapers, TV stations, and radio stations, and pitch your video as a potential story. If your video is compelling and tells a powerful story, it could be picked up by a news outlet and shared with a much larger audience.

Show it at events: If your organization hosts events, consider showing your testimonial video as part of the program. This can help create an emotional connection between the audience and your company, and encourage attendees to make a purchase or take some other action to support your organization.

By using these strategies to reach new audiences with your testimonial video, you can help raise awareness about your company and encourage more people to take action related to purchasing your products or services.

Need help producing videos for your company?

As a full-service video production agency with 250+ camera crews strategically located in cities throughout the United States, 6 STRONG MEDIA offers a faster, simpler way to make great videos for your company, without all the hassle. Let’s explore working together!

Use Your Testimonial Video in Fundraising Campaigns

Creating a testimonial video is an effective way to engage prospects and raise awareness about your non-profit organization.

However, producing the video is only one part of the process. After you have created your video, the next step is to share it and promote it through various channels.

Incorporate your video into your fundraising strategy - Your testimonial video can be a powerful tool in your fundraising efforts. Consider incorporating it into your fundraising strategy by using it as a centerpiece for a fundraising campaign, sending it to major donors as part of an appeal, or featuring it prominently on your website's donation page.

Share your video on social media - Social media is an effective way to reach a wide audience and promote your testimonial video. Share your video on all of your organization's social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Encourage your followers to share the video with their own networks to help expand its reach.

Use your video at events - In-person events, such as galas or fundraising dinners, are a great opportunity to showcase your testimonial video. Use it as part of your presentation or set up a video booth where attendees can watch the video and learn more about your organization.

Use your video in email campaigns - Email is still one of the most effective ways to communicate with your supporters. Use your testimonial video in your email campaigns to help tell your story and inspire donations. Make sure to include a call to action in your email, encouraging recipients to make a donation or share the video with their own networks.

Leverage video SEO to boost visibility - Search engine optimization (SEO) is critical to getting your video seen by as many people as possible. Use keywords and tags that accurately describe your video and your organization. Share your video on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, which are designed to optimize video SEO.

Measure the impact of your video - Finally, it's important to measure the impact of your testimonial video. Use tools like Google Analytics to track views and engagement. Use this data to evaluate the effectiveness of your video and make improvements for future campaigns.

By using your testimonial video effectively in your fundraising and awareness campaigns, you can maximize its impact and reach a wider audience. Remember to continually evaluate and refine your strategy to achieve the best possible results.

Need help producing videos for your company?

As a full-service video production agency with 250+ camera crews strategically located in cities throughout the United States, 6 STRONG MEDIA offers a faster, simpler way to make great videos for your company, without all the hassle. Let’s explore working together!

Review and Approval Process for a Testimonial Video

Once you have finished editing your testimonial video, it's time to review and approve the final product before sharing it with the world.

This process is crucial to ensuring that your video accurately reflects your organization's message and values, and that it resonates with your audience.

Here are some steps to follow when reviewing and approving your final video:

Establish clear criteria for success: Before you begin the review and approval process, establish clear criteria for what you consider a successful video. This might include factors such as whether the video effectively communicates your organization's message, engages your audience emotionally, and aligns with your brand values.

Gather feedback from key stakeholders: Identify key stakeholders in your organization, such as your executive team, board of directors, and program managers, and solicit their feedback on the video. This feedback can help ensure that the video aligns with your organization's goals and values.

Get input from your target audience: If possible, share the video with a small sample of your target audience and get their feedback. This can help ensure that the video resonates with the people you're trying to reach.

Review the video for accuracy: Ensure that all facts and figures presented in the video are accurate and up to date. Review the video for any inaccuracies or misrepresentations.

Ensure that the video aligns with your brand: Make sure that the video aligns with your organization's brand values, messaging, and tone. This can help ensure that the video feels like an authentic representation of your organization.

Check for technical issues: Review the video for any technical issues, such as poor sound quality or lighting problems. Address any issues before final approval.

Approve the final video: Once you're satisfied that the video meets your criteria for success, it's time to approve the final product. Make sure that all key stakeholders are in agreement before giving the green light.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your testimonial video is an accurate, authentic, and effective representation of your organization's message and values. This will help maximize the impact of your video and build awareness and credibility for your organization's important work.

Need help producing videos for your company?

As a full-service video production agency with 250+ camera crews strategically located in cities throughout the United States, 6 STRONG MEDIA offers a faster, simpler way to make great videos for your company, without all the hassle. Let’s explore working together!

Editing Techniques and Best Practices

Once you have completed filming your testimonial video, the next step is to edit it into a cohesive and impactful story.

The editing process can be daunting, but with the right techniques and best practices, you can turn your footage into a compelling video that effectively communicates your organization's message.

Review Your Footage: Before you begin editing, review all your footage and take notes. This will help you remember what you have, where it is, and how it can fit into your story. Once you have an overview of your footage, you can begin to organize it into categories.

Plan Your Story: Decide on a beginning, middle, and end, and plan the sequence of events in between. Choose the footage that best tells your story and fits into the flow of the video.

Keep it Short and Sweet: The video should be long enough to convey your message, but not so long that the viewer loses interest. Aim for one to two minutes in length.

Focus on Emotion: Use the footage that conveys emotion to help connect the viewer with your cause. Remember, people are more likely to remember a story that makes them feel something.

Keep the Music Simple: Choose simple and appropriate music that helps set the tone of your video. The music should not overpower the story or the interviews, but should enhance them.

Add Text and Graphics: Use text and graphics to help emphasize important points, key data, or statistics. Keep it simple and easy to read.

Get Feedback: Get feedback on your video from people outside your organization. This can help you identify areas for improvement and ensure your message is clear.

Edit for Length and Impact: Focus on the message and keep it simple. Make sure that the most important parts of the story are at the beginning and the end of the video.

Review and Approve: Once you have completed your video, review it and seek feedback from your team. Make any necessary changes and approve the final version.

Editing your testimonial video can be time-consuming, but by following these techniques and best practices, you can create a compelling video that effectively communicates your organization's message.

Remember to focus on the emotion of the story, keep it short and sweet, and get feedback from others to ensure your video makes an impact.

Need help producing videos for your company?

As a full-service video production agency with 250+ camera crews strategically located in cities throughout the United States, 6 STRONG MEDIA offers a faster, simpler way to make great videos for your company, without all the hassle. Let’s explore working together!