Over the last decade, we have developed a unique and proven methodology to create and deliver the most engaging digital content and platforms for clients as efficiently as possible and with as little drain on your resources. This page outlines our methodology and our process so that you know exactly what to expect when working with us.
- Project Management – applies to all projects – see below.
- Key Steps – Video Production – applies to all videos we create – jump
- Key Steps – Website, Microsite, Digital Platform or Graphic Design Projects – applies to all other projects – jump
- FinPix interviews – jump
Project Management
All of our projects are tightly project managed by a designated project manager within our business. Much of the work that we do involves many moving parts and our project manager will quite simply ensure that projects run on time and to budget.
At the outset of every project, we will confirm (and if necessary discuss and adjust) our project timeline with you. This timeline will then form the backbone of the project and we will work to those timelines unless some unforeseen problem or delay causes us to have to adjust them.
The key principle here is that we will keep you fully informed right throughout the duration of the project so that you know what to expect.
Key Steps – Video Production
Please note that unlike the video production process for a TVC (television commercial) or scripted sales video, when creating interview-based videos we focus on creating engaging content in an editorial style. This means that we do not start with a full script or scene-by-scene storyboard. Rather, we start with a clear understanding of the communications objectives and then we interview the subject matter experts for maximum engagement, using their own words to talk about their work passionately and authentically. Only after reviewing the transcripts from all interviews do we decide on the strongest narrative and decide on visual elements and animations to add to the mix.
The following are the key steps in our video production process:
- Taking a detailed brief from you [the client]. If necessary, development of a reverse brief. This document ensures that we are all in agreement as to objectives, audience, deliverables, timeframes, etc.
- Development of Creative Treatment. This is a written document which describes the creative direction we will take with your video and may well include visuals [ours our others] to indicate the creative direction we will take the project.
- Shoot logistics. We plan and organise all shoot logistics, including date, shoot schedule, location, and all other requirements.
- Brief for interviewees. We provide you with a simple brief for anyone who’s going to be interviewed. See further details below.
- Shoot day. We fully manage all of the elements of the shoot on the day to ensure that we capture what we need and what has been agreed.
- Transcription. We transcribe the interviews fully so that we can review exactly what was said.
- Paper edit/script. For all interview based videos we now create a full script which includes all elements of the video: titles, graphics, animations, indications of any additional footage or graphics that you will see on screen, and the exact wording of any parts of the interview footage which will be included in the video. This enables you to look closely at what we are going to produce before we actually go into digital production, seek any compliance sign off or input, and suggest any amendments or adjustments to the video before we go into the edit suite.
- Digital production/edit. In our timeline we will have allowed sufficient time for us professionally edit the video to the highest possible standards with all of the agreed elements. We will then output a first client draft for you to review and comment on.
- Client review. We will provide you with a special video player platform on which to review the video. This will enable the key people from within your organisation to view the video and put comments at any point throughout the video about things that you want adjusted or need to query. Once we have an indication from the project lead from your side that all feedback has been given, we will review the feedback and come back to you with any questions.
- Amendments and final output.
Please note: for videos which do NOT comprise client interviews, there may be an additional stage which takes place immediately following the development and agreement of the Creative Treatment.
- Development of a Script. We will only develop a script at this stage for videos which do not involved interviews, so this includes animated videos, product videos, and others where all content is predetermined. By contrast, videos which include interviews with some of your key people will not scripted in advance.
Key Steps – Website, Microsite, Digital Platform or Graphic Design Projects
For projects that are not video projects or which have elements relating to websites, microsites, digital platforms, or any graphic design elements including infographics, we have a slightly different process. This process is as follows.
- Take a full brief from the client.
- Develop a full reverse brief if required, so that we are all clear on objectives, outputs and timeframes.
- Develop a detailed project timeline for sign-off
- Development of Creative Treatment. This is a written document which describes the creative direction we will take with your outputs and may well include visuals [ours our others] to indicate the creative direction we will take the project.
- Development of technical specifications [if required] – for example, website specifications.
- Build period – potentially with milestone review points for much longer projects.
- Client Review and sign-off.
- Development or inclusion of content – this is especially relevant for websites, microsites, and platforms.
- Delivery to client.
- Training if required and applicable.
FinPix interviews – our approach
FinPix interviews are generally conducted following a methodology which we have found to produce engaging content whilst also minimising the preparation and logistics time of interviewees and clients.
Our interviewing style is quite straightforward. It’s essentially a conversation between the interviewer and you. We’ll ask plenty of questions around key topics, and we want to focus on areas you are passionate about, very familiar with and have a point of view you want to share. We’re also looking for material which will make sense to people who aren’t necessarily in the industry or commentators – so straight-talking, everyday language is perfect. This is about demystifying and clarifying some of these issues and topics for people who want to know more.
Because this is for the digital use (for phone and web), we’re looking for many concise answers to many questions, rather than one lengthy interview. The smaller clips are easier for us to edit, manage and share. We’re well versed in this format and will encourage you to break “bigger” answers down a little.
You’ll be interviewed looking “off camera” (looking at the interviewer, not the camera), and you can sit throughout (or stand if you prefer). In edit, the interviewer’s questions will be cut out.
You’ll be wearing a lapel mic, and we suggest you wear what you normally would to a meeting (or indeed a TV interview).
In terms of preparation, please think about some of the core areas you might like to cover in the interview, but please don’t prepare a script or talking points. This will be a natural, non-threatening business discussion, which we just happen to film! You can retract anything or “have another go” an an answer if need be. We’ll also be honest with you if we feel something is not working.