We’re not about to launch into a lengthy discussion about corporate video production here. We’re not even going to mention the amazing films we’re capable of producing for big brands even in a COVID-environment. We simply want to touch on why video content is king for businesses operating right now (and always has been in our books).
Video is a powerful communication tool as it instantly puts you in the moment. You can see, hear and observe elements of a video in a way that you simply can’t in written or photographic content. The most significant discovery we’ve made as a film production agency in Sydney during the COVID-19 crisis, is the ability of video content to share information visually to deliver operational services or internal communications, such as applying for a tender with a large organisation.
We want to talk about a video project which was a ‘virtual tender tour’, that we recently filmed on the streets of Sydney for a client, under the thumb of the Coronavirus.
We filmed the entire thing on a Sony FS7 camera, with decisive post-production editing that communicated informatively to the viewer. And we think this kind of content in a corporate strategy for internal, and external communication is the way forward for businesses.
Video: Your Creative Solution to Operational Nightmares?
If you’re a large organisation operating during a pandemic, there are still a variety of mandatory operational services that need to go ahead. But with the added complication of social distancing, remote working, and digital reliance… communication and meeting become a challenge. How can a company that relies on physical interaction, site visits and face to face liaison deliver their service remotely? How can trades and construction companies apply for tenders in buildings they can’t visit as a group? How can audits or inspections continue without breaching government restrictions?
This was the immediate problem faced by one of our regular clients, the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). They wanted to publish a tender for a job (the delivery and installation of an industrial-sized chiller), as the COVID-19 outbreak slowly affected the city. A group-led physical site meeting, inspection and presentation may have happened under normal circumstances, but UTS had to adapt the way they presented vital site information in their tender… Could video help?
The companies applying for the tender needed to review the site remotely, so capturing the entire location on video for applicants was a great alternative approach to issuing this tender. During COVID-19, the strategic use of video content could visualise areas inaccessible on a group site visit, but still share valuable information to tenderers.
How to use Strategic Video Content in a Government Tender
Once UTS contacted our video production company in Sydney to request professional footage of a site inspection with their Project Manager, we knew this was a brilliant opportunity. Not only could we assist with our professional video production skills, but we could build this service into a new corporate video strategy for companies who quote for their services on a project by project basis, or corporates who regularly put out tenders.
Following social distancing regulations, we still-shot the UTS site tour footage on our Sony FS7 camera, complete with a storyboard and text overlay on the footage where necessary. The brief required strategic communication storyboarding, rather than artistry, and was more about producing a virtual environment rather than an award-winning corporate video!
This particular project demonstrated how effective video content can be to support operational services for large organisations like UTS and will be part of the “new normal” everyone is talking about. It saved UTS countless hours of individual tours, back and forth communication and scheduling return site visits. As a leading production agency, we are constantly evolving with the current climate, combining technology & production expertise to deliver effective content for our clients moving forward.
As a result of this successful project, any company in Sydney seeking or applying for a tender can now come to us and request a “virtual tender tour” or a site inspection video (but that doesn’t sound as catchy!). Not only will this comply with physical distancing, but it may give the competitive edge you need to win a tender, or allow greater clarity for future tender briefings.
What is a Virtual Tender Tour?
A video featuring a tender tour (site inspection) is just one example of the many ways corporate video production is evolving. Film production companies have always been great at shaping their content around different scenarios, but no scenario has ever presented as many challenges as COVID-19.
Capturing a site inspection on video is beneficial for businesses right now as it:
- Allows tender applicants to watch the video footage remotely, when it suits their schedule
- Allows the touring project manager to visualise their plan for the site for applicants
- Allows clear visuals to support briefing points with context
- Allows commenting where necessary at exact points in the site tour
- Complies to government restrictions during COVID-19
Our video agency works regularly with UTS, but this project was a unique and innovative way to adjust how we work together with clients during this difficult time. After completing the virtual tour video, we can see there’s clear potential for this new form of communication in business.
