You know that video killed the radio star.

But did you know that it can make all the difference in your marketing efforts?

We know all about using moving images to boost traffic, get shares, and jack the algorithm – you can read all about those benefits of video here.

But today, we want to talk about the most crucial element of filmmaking: storytelling.

You can get a lot of attention with moving images. But to truly win, you need images that move. You need to reach the customer on a deeper level than finance – feeling.

Here’s a few of our favorite films, and a few things we learned making them. But if you don’t keep scrolling, walk away knowing one thing:

Story sells. Story stirs. Story soars.

PAC-MAN ENTERTAINMENT

That moment when the flashing neon lights can’t quite match the glow on your child’s face. When all the ghosts turn blue. Video games are a portal to a better world of fun, for as long as you’re there, and PAC-MAN Entertainment makes that possible. We set out to put that lightning in a bottle, and pour an inviting cup to gamers of all ages to usher them into this realm of interdimensional 8-bit awesome.

With a jaunty electric score and energizing animations stylizing the iconic shapes from PAC-MAN, this campaign made guests want to replay the moment again, and again, and again.

Lessons learned:
– People forget the plot. They remember the moments.
– Wanna be great? Animate.
– Life is better in technicolor. So is film.
– Fun disrupts the feeds in the best possible way.
– Cheat code: hire good hair and makeup. Thank us later.
– Focus on FOMO and forget the rest.

AURORA STORAGE

Ultimately, every product or service is not the thing. It’s the thing that gets you to the thing. At Aurora Storage, there was a story behind everything they stored. So they don’t store “stuff”. They store stories.

To show off the industrial-grade bespoke solutions of our peerless client, we first embarked on a tale of one librarian getting in touch with her history.

Lessons learned:
– A good actor makes all the difference. Cast well.
– Cut costs: get it in-camera. Contrary to what you might think, shooting on location can save you endless hours building sets or fixing it in post.
– As much as people crave newness, they hunger for the past. Nostalgia is a delicate but potent tool.
– Make the grade. Color correction is essential for setting the right tone for your film.

BALANCE AUTISM

A narrative film empowers and leaves you feeling full. So does our client Balance Autism. They engage individuals to live their best lives with a range of adult services based on finding balance – balance of vocational services and unique living opportunities, balance between a life of independence and a life of community, and balance to overcome.

“This is my life” offers a tender, intimate glimpse at the world through the eyes of “Alexa”, played by a real-life Balance Autism client.

Lessons learned:
– A narrative video is not only entertaining. It also establishes a legitimacy – we know what you’re facing, and we’re by your side to help you tackle every obstacle.
– Music is as important as words. Choose the right track for your scenes, and you’ll never be forgotten.
– The script signs the deal. Get it right before you shoot a single scene.
– People need to do more than see it. They have to feel it.