Creating Promotional Videos for Non Profits

A video is huge in today's marketing environment. In fact, moving pictures with sound are starting to take over the majority of internet traffic as consumers accept video campaigns as a primary means to learn about products. In the same way, donors and potential advocates will most likely engage and be compelled towards your non-profit cause with creative video promotion.

If pictures are worth a thousand words, imagine what moving images and compelling storytelling can do. Videos are powerful tools not only to inspire, but also to educate and build awareness that leads to stronger support and advocacy. The following are some useful tips you can apply to your non-profit video campaign in terms of direction, production, actual scene capturing/shooting, editing and other post production activities:

• Direction – Your script is everything, but you should know how to stretch its limits and use present elements to enhance its vision. Set the scene, use location images to create context, and capture honest moments, even if this means other people or a camera will be in the shot. When it comes to non-profit videos, you have to show more of the organization's human side to compel the public to extend their support. Show powerful images that spark discussions, but never overstep your bounds, especially when using children. Always be respectful and don't border exploitation. Share positive stories instead of putting too much focus on selling misery—you can raise awareness and get your message across with equal effectiveness when done with the right balance of positivity and bitter realities.
• Production – Use multiple cameras that will help you capture not only the important bits of your interviews/spiels but also the environment/scenery you want to portray and establish. Experiment with transitions by playing with jump cuts, focus, and zooms. When shooting in the fields, follow actions, try new shot angles and perspectives, capture beautiful images, and don't be afraid to try new things.
• Post production/editing – Always start strong and spend time constructing the first few seconds of the video. A great opener (first 15 seconds of strong content) will draw viewers in and prevent them from clicking away. Simplify your message, set expectations, but don't be overly predictable. Use repetition to increase impact, and experiment with effects, backgrounds, imageries, and music. If inexperience is getting the best of you as you try to create a promotional video campaign for your non-profit, there are always companies that can professionally work with you to achieve the kind of final output that will effectively promote your cause.

Sunny Arora CEO of a href=http://b2w.tv/Broadcast2world started its company in November 2009 with the passion and belief in the concept of animated marketing to be the next revolution.