One of the most common things I hear is, “We know we need a video, but we’re not sure what kind.” That’s a fair place to be. Video can do a lot of different things, and it’s easy to get lost in the options.
Here’s what I tell people. Don’t start with the camera. Start with what you want the video to do.
Start With Three Questions
Before we talk about length or style, there are three questions worth answering.
Who needs to see it? A video made for donors looks different from one made for families or voters.
What do you want them to do or feel when it’s over? Maybe you want them to call, give, show up or just understand you better.
Where will it live? Your website, social media, a banquet screen and a TV spot all have different needs.
Once you know those answers, the right kind of video usually becomes pretty clear. Here’s how our four packages line up.
Tier 1 – Family Memory Video
A family memory video is for honoring the people and moments that matter most. That could be a parent or grandparent’s life story, a big anniversary, a family reunion or a tribute to someone you’ve lost.
The finished video runs 4 to 6 minutes.
These are some of the most meaningful projects we do. Years from now, the voices and faces of the people we love are what we’ll want to hold onto. A family memory video makes sure those don’t get lost.
I know this one personally. We made a family memory video for my own mother, Delcie. She’s 95 now, born in Cleveland County, and she raised a houseful of us while working at Broyhill and serving her church. My sister Shelia wrote a tribute and set it to music, and we built the video around it so Mom could see and hear how much she’s loved while she’s still here with us. Like the song says, these are flowers she can touch. That’s what a family memory video is really for.
Learn more about Family Memory Videos
Tier 2 – Promotional Video
A promotional video is the best fit when you need to introduce your organization, a program or an event. It tells people who you are, what you do and why it matters, all in a way they’ll actually watch.
The finished video runs 2 to 3 minutes. That’s long enough to tell your story and short enough to hold attention on a website or social feed.
For Proof of Polk, we made community resource videos that introduced local recovery partners and the services they offer, with short versions cut for social media.
We also produced a promotional film for a family-owned wealth management firm in South Carolina. We interviewed the founder, his staff and longtime clients, filmed the office and downtown, and told the story of how the firm started and why it does what it does.
Learn more about Promotional Videos
Tier 3 – Campaign Video
A campaign video is built for candidates, causes and awareness campaigns. You get one tightly scripted, broadcast-ready spot that runs 30 to 60 seconds.
With a campaign video, the value isn’t in the length. It’s in the precision. Every second has a job to do. We work closely with you on the message so it lands clearly, whether it airs on TV or runs online.
This year we produced a 30-second spot for a sheriff’s race that was delivered for broadcast on Spectrum, along with versions sized for social media.
Learn more about Campaign Videos
Tier 4 – Premium Story Video
A premium story is our documentary-style package. It’s the right fit when your story needs room to breathe. That could be a major milestone, a capital campaign, a fundraising banquet or a project that deserves to be told in depth.
The finished film runs 12 to 15 minutes, and you also get a 3 to 5 minute excerpt you can share on your website and social media.
Cycle of Entrapment is a good example. It’s a documentary that brings together community leaders on mental health, addiction and the justice system, and it’s helped start conversations about how our county can work together. You can watch our work on our YouTube channel.
This is where we get to do what we love most, which is telling the full story of where grace shows up in the lives of ordinary people.
Learn more about Premium Stories
How Our Intern Model Helps
One thing that makes HisSpace different is that we train emerging media workers on real projects. Interns and entry-level crew learn the craft working alongside us, and the organizations we serve get quality work. It’s a way for your project to do some good beyond the video itself.
Learn more about working with us
Still Not Sure?
That’s okay. Most people aren’t when they first reach out. One conversation is usually all it takes to figure out which video fits your goals, your audience and your budget. We’ll walk through it with you and point you in the right direction.