How We Create and Obtain Testimonial Videos
Different types of videos each require a different approach. This is especially true of real employee and real customer testimonial videos. We have some tools available to reach out and find customers to interview, but we encourage you to let us know who you think would be best and either we or you can arrange to have them come to a location that works for the video’s goals.
Often we have to interview people that are not used to being on camera, and we understand that that can be challenging. Many people are shy to the camera, or may feel uncomfortable with the idea of being on screen.
When we interview people for a testimonial, especially those without a script, our videographers will first make every effort for those on camera to be as comfortable as possible. We’ll have conversations first, answer questions, and make sure that the entire process is not intimidating. After so many years working within the video production field, we know how to make people feel welcomed.
For videos that involve actors, we typically find actors that look like the role they need to play for your brand, and then have the actor focus on your greatest strengths in order to create a succinct, valuable video that is able to encourage future customers to call.
Once we have your goal on hand, we are happy to talk to you about next steps – including how to request a customer testimonial, or how to choose which employees will be best for the role – and how we can make the process easier for you.
Our Production Process for Testimonial Videos
Testimonial videos have a lot of power. But as a business, you need these videos to be more than “just” testimonials. You need them to reflect positively on your brand. You need them to be perfectly edited. You also need them to be cost effective.
The way that we’re able to offer all of these different things to our clients is through the process that, over time, we have honed to be as efficient and effective as possible in helping you achieve your goals. Typically, with our video production services, all you need to do is come to us with a goal, and then we take control. We handle coordination, planning, and of course gathering the video, using a multi-step production plan that helps us craft a final testimonial that exceeds expectations. The process includes:
Pre-Production
Pre-production is often especially important for testimonial videos. The footage and editing matter, but in many cases, the component that is key to success is all the planning that goes into creating it.
We provide extensive planning, and use our experience to envision the end product before it’s created so that we can shoot better footage to get the final cut we need. We are able to handle it all, with the scheduling that varies depending on what type of testimonial we are creating. For example, our pre-production planning process may include:
- Hiring Actors or Scheduling Hair/Makeup
- Determining Interview Questions
- Planning a Setting/Backdrop
- Determining Animation or Stock Footage
- Writing Scripts
- Storyboarding, and Much More
Long before production takes place, we make sure that every single detail is as carefully planned as possible. This is especially important when non-actors are used, because we know you have a busy schedule and we want to make sure that we are able to capture the footage in one take whenever possible.
Production
Before we shoot even a single clip, we make sure that all the planning is in place, from the scheduling to the backdrop to the plan for the video. Once that planning is over and the scheduled filming day has arrived, it’s time to start collecting the footage, and all the work that we put into making these videos falls into place.
Any time there are outside parties needed to create the video, we double check scheduling, set up room for them, ensure all parties have arrived, and get to work filming everything we need to.
When the work is completed in house with real people, we ensure all the necessary elements are ready in advance. We want to make sure that the process is as seamless as possible, not only for us but for the person on camera as well.
Our videographers are hired not only because they’re talented artists, but also because they’re personable. It is not uncommon with testimonial videos to work with people that have never before been on camera, which means that it is especially important to make sure that everyone is comfortable. That is something our videographers take especially seriously, because we know that the person on the video has to be comfortable and authentic for it to be effective.
Once production day is finished, we pack everything up with all the footage we required, and leave nothing behind so that it was as though we were not even there.
Post Production
As soon as all the footage is collected, we begin the post-production process, where we review everything that we have gathered and start putting all the pieces together in order to craft the story that these testimonial videos are meant to convey. Post production is where all that work becomes something real so that the video is ready to be seen by others.
With some of the other types of video we create – corporate video, event videos, product videos, etc., – the post production process is where the many pieces of footage are finally pieced together and turned into something that makes sense. Testimonial video production is slightly different, in that the testimonial itself is the strength that may drive editing decisions.
However, the process to create the video is similar. First, we set you up with your own personal project management login, so that you can see our progress as we move forward with the video. We produce video using three cuts:
- Rough Cut – We take the testimonial footage (and any complementary pieces) and splice them all together until there is a clear narrative. At this stage, we haven’t yet started color corrections, detail edits, as well as some of the texts and graphics, but we have completed the most challenging work to give you something to view. We then send it to you to get your feedback, which we integrate into the next step.
- Fine Cut – The fine cut is where we start putting together the touches that turn the rough video into something more professional. We add text, graphics, animations, and any other remaining items that need to be added to the video to help it be more engaging. Sometimes, this fine cut is all that is needed, but we send it to you for additional review and then integrate your feedback into the next step.
- Final Cut – With all the feedback that we’ve been able to compile, we are ready for the final cut. Your testimonial video production is ready, and can then be shared on any platform that you’d like or sent to you in your preferred file format.
This process makes it possible to guarantee that you’re getting a video you’ll be thrilled with. You’ll be able to track our progress throughout the way through your personal portal, and know that we’re finishing your project on time.
After the Production is Completed
Our three step production process is what we use to make sure that we’re able to get you the testimonial video that you envisioned. Once completed, we can either get started on other videos or you’re welcome to use the testimonial any way you see fit.
But we also know that not every business is equipped to handle all the next steps involved in getting that video seen. That’s why if you need any additional support to help you use the video to expand your business, or integrate tools to give the video further views, we are here to help. We are highly experienced with helping businesses grow with video and beyond, and we’re here for you if you need help after the video production is over.
Contact Zipinmedia Today to Get Started
Zipinmedia is a full service video production company available to assist you with any type of video you need. Our experience with testimonial videos is one of the many reasons that we’ve become such a popular choice for those not only locally in South Florida, but also throughout the United States when possible.
We are able to produce testimonial videos with a high quality, fast turnaround, and engaging content. We also do all this while viewing yourselves as your partner and an extension of you, which makes the experience better and the quality of our products stronger. If you’d like to learn more about our testimonial video production services, or you’d like us to get started with your video, please contact us today at any time.
