What are some inexpensive ways to put together a high-quality video?

Erick Calder Solutions Architect at Union Bank/MUFG

March 30th, 2016

I need one for my startup's website. I'd like something with that modern feel, personal, crisp, exciting. I don't want to spend much on it and it doesn't need to be very long either. so I'm hoping there are some clever ways to put something together that feels good

Philip Miller Founder at Hempies™ Paper Inc.

March 30th, 2016

It all starts with a script.

One minute per page.

The rest works itself out so easily. Use iphone. Use Stills. Use Voice Over. Keep it simple. 30 years experience and that is the recipe.

Craig McClure Producer at HD Broadcast AZ

March 31st, 2016

There are a lot of ideas flying around here on how to save a buck with templates and high school students and so forth. The important part is telling your story. Today people are responding to authentic people talking sincerely about products they are passionate about. That means combining an interview section with video and/or stills that communicate the emotional reasons that someone would buy this product along with the facts.

Quality video and sound are important, great direction and editing help. You don't have to spend a fortune to get all this, just find a professional who can bring it all. The quality of your video will tell your audience how much value you put on your company.

Paul Romero Founder at Romero and Braas

March 31st, 2016

Totally agree with Craig McClure here, there are great DIY solutions out there but they will never replace a professional who took your idea and crafted a personalized video. Yes that can set you back as much as 2-3'000 usd (that should be the upper limit, in your case it sounds like less, you didnt specify what you'd want to show) but it will be your voice, talking to your potential clients in exactly the imagery you wanted.

Of course, since you said "start-up", what many people fall back on to explain their product/service pre-funding stage are whiteboard animations, they can be emotional but usually they are a great way to demonstrate your business to potential clients/investors at a very early stage.

We offer inexpensive whiteboard animations so get in touch if that's what you're looking for (or just google one in your area), but the best advice is to get a professional to help you.

And let us know what you went with! Would be interesting to hear what worked for you out of all of the good advice given here

John Naylor Independent Media Consultant

March 30th, 2016

Here are some resources:

www.bensound.com - royalty free music for the backing track. You just need to acknowledge use and put a link to the site in the credits.

Use a pro voice over artist. These can be found on the web at $30/hour. I use a friend in the biz, Tom T Morse who has a basso profundo register that lends gravitas if that's what you're after. I'd be happy to connect you if you want.

Write a script. I use a 3 column table in word or excel with the script sectioned into boxes in column 1. Column 2 describes the main action to match the script - each should be a single shot. Column 3 describe any graphics or titles or effects that happen over the main content.

Once you've got this far, you've got a plan that can be executed.

In terms of quality, honestly, the movie capabilities of today's smartphones far exceed anything that George Lucas had available when shooting Star Wars and could be good enough.

Good luck!

John

March 30th, 2016

Take a look at Gloopt!. Great luck!

Clifton Pugh 3D Designer

March 30th, 2016

I would start with some stills consisting mostly of text and colors that gives you the look and mood. From there I would do a google search words that singularly capture the purpose of the video, find a few images that capture the either capture the mood or invoke the desired response. These alone would give you a decent framework and a bit of coherency to start. From there its about adding your motion, video, etc. which are more specific to each circumstance. If you are doing it yourself, I would suggest finding a video you like and try to emulate it as much as possible. If its for a startup I would look to one of the more established players in the given field for a model.

Leo PhD Product development executive, serial entrepreneur and Angel Investor

March 30th, 2016

Agreed with Philip.

The biggest part is the script. For your purpose, a concise, accurate script that makes clear the value proposition of your offering. A good use case could also be helpful.

You should test the script with your potential audience and see how it resonates.

After that, you can either DIY with Stills and voice over or do simple video with voice over. It's easy to do it "cheap", it's not easy to do it "well". "Well" comes with a well-tested and well thought out script. But well also doesn't mean "expensive", it's a matter of thoughts.

You can also spend a small amount of money with services like VideoIgniter (they create animation videos to explain service offerings, great team).

Andy Collen Producer, Director,Owner, Happy Trails Animation

March 30th, 2016

You could always try this... http://www.mactrast.com/2014/05/adobe-debuts-voice-ipad-animated-video-stories-app/

Allison Bliss Marketing & Communications Agency for corporations,Marketing Coach for small business

March 30th, 2016

All above ideas are relevant, but only part of the big picture! Check out an affordable video with dual TV/VideoDirector and Marketing Director to ensure your message is delivered in the best way to compel your audience -

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David Austin Relentless problem solver and innovator.

March 30th, 2016

For talking head check out wistia.com for some of the best advice out there (esp. with lighting). For whiteboard videos I use videoscribe ... there really is no equal. Try to make your video under a minute, no matter what it takes. If using video scribe that means moving things in and out with hand gestures (do very little "writing" animations). Spend most of your time on your script, and a bunch of time getting images that tell a story (worth 1000 words). Be careful about music which can make or break a video ... videoscribe has a great built-in selection, clso check out audiojungle. Audio quality must be at least as good as the video. This means not relying on your iphone mic (though you can use 2 iphones, one closeup for audio - wistia suggests this). Good luck!

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