In this blog article, I give a brief overview of corporate video editing when compared to different genres.
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Part of a corporate video timeline showing Avid video effects b built up over seven layers
Critical requirements for video production
Corporate clients require a wide range of professional skills for their video productions and post-production editing. These are some of their key requirements.
Professional technical standards
In my experience, the technical standard of corporate video projects is generally expected to be as high (or higher than) as it is for some programme content broadcast on network television. It’s more likely that there will be sufficient budget for the project which may enable a full filming crew with suitable lighting. A full crew would comprise of at least a producer, a cameraman and a sound-man.
Filming in studios and sets
Corporate clients frequently use studio locations and specially designed virtual sets. Control of the lighting and environment can help to increase the level of content quality. Interviews filmed in front of a chroma key background enable clients to have control over their video styles with keyed backgrounds which in turn helps them promote their new corporate look.
B-roll footage
Extra shots might be filmed or stock footage licensed to illustrate specific points in and film or presentation video. Larger corporate clients will commission specially shot footage from across their business-wide operation. This B-roll footage might be used in motion graphics or graphics animation.
Complex post-production
The corporate video editing that I have edited generally have included animations, complex multi-layered motion graphics along with additional text information. Corporate videos can be required to show facts and figures using additional text to support the talking head or content dialogue. Complex, animating graphics take extra time to create and may be supplied (hopefully already signed off) by a specialist a graphics company. These digital files may be delivered with an embedded alpha channel to enable quality keying over live-action or interview footage.
Working with a producer or agency
In my experience, corporate clients tend to have a communications team that works with external producers and agencies to deliver their creative content. It’s then the agencies or producers that will commission freelancers when required. You might be delivering content through various stages rather than directly to the actual client.
Many levels to sign off the edit
It can be the case that corporate clients have a greater number of people involved in the actual sign off process. This can mean many more detailed changes than would normally be considered for other clients (perhaps with less budget?). The actual client signing off the project may be located in a different country or time zone.
Fast data file transfers
To help manage the approval process efficiently, it is a good idea to have the fastest internet speeds available. Fast upload speed is essential. I now use Hyperoptic for full-fibre broadband which helps me deliver my edits to the client as fast as possible for feedback and eventual sign-off.
Highly responsive attitude
Working as a video editor on corporate projects, I’ve realised that greater importance is attached to being highly responsive to the corporate client’s needs. It can be the case that editing is required to overrun into the night and weekends. The expectation of working within the corporate world is that you will strive to excel and outperform, and this ethos translates out into the creative projects they commission.
