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Part one of this two-part blog series discussed commonly overused production devices including clichéd language, common voiceovers, and generic transitions and effects. Unfortunately, there are many other generic tools that could ruin your production. Some of these ideas can be used as jumping-off points, but it is important to recognize how many could keep your video from standing out to viewers. Scroll down to discover more stereotypical devices worth avoiding in your next Florida video production:
- Stock Visuals
If you have decided to invest in creating a video production, chances are you were not planning to fill it with stock footage. In some cases, however, using stock imagery such as photographs, videos, and graphics may be tempting, especially as slipped into trade show or training videos. At other times, stock flyovers may be used, such as in the opening of nearly every movie to establish the location. If you decide to use any pre-existing footage or images, however, simply choose wisely. Stock photos, in particular, can look extremely dated, while many graphics and video clips may make your production seem generic. If possible, ask your camera crew to recreate a particular scene or image you have in mind.
- Untargeted Audience
Priming your Florida video production for a target audience funnels your marketing dollars in the right direction. By not identifying and specifically targeting your audience with a video production, you are limiting the effectiveness of your advertisement while losing money. Advertising campaigns should have a singular goal and niche market in mind. Even if your company’s brand, products, or services are meant for or applicable to a very wide audience, consider narrowing down the focus for each new ad. This will also help in the media buying and ad placement process, allowing you to position your production for the greatest amount of return on investment.
- Overused Background Music
There is actually a term for the type of cheery, upbeat music used in the background of countless productions: “happy claps.” This music is often folk-like, with whistling, folksy instruments, or acoustic guitar. While there is nothing inherently wrong with such music, its sheer overuse in advertisements and other corporate productions have made it an almost comical production tool. In addition, today’s viewers are so used to hearing similar background music that they may subconsciously tune your production out. Instead, use background music to serve and support your production, without distracting from its overall message.
- Stereotypical Personas
Since video productions are often quite short, stereotypes can be useful to quickly establish a character type. This includes the idea of stock scientists or researchers, an ideal family group complete with a golden retriever, or a group of teenagers walking past an elderly grandmother. Unless you are moving in another direction by creating a recognizable mascot based in hyperrealism, try to make your actors look like real people instead of stereotypes. At the same time, however, be aware that even an overdone “average Joe” can cause problems by being too forgettable. Ask your actors to give a little something extra to help their characters stand out or feel more authentic.
- Child-Like Animation
Thanks to the sleek, flat designs of Windows 8 Metro and iOS 7, more and more companies seem to be incorporating 2D graphics and animations into their productions. An unfortunate negative side effect from this is the overuse of child-like animation. The use of such animation helped productions stand out when it first arrived on the scene, but using it today may make your video blend in with all the others. Try to incorporate child-like animation in a more modern way, or strive for a different aesthetic entirely.
This is not to say, however, that this production tool of any of the other devices discussed throughout this two-part blog series should be entirely avoided. It is possible to include familiar ideas, characters, or visuals without making your overall video production feel generic. For help making your video stand out, call our Orlando video production company, NG Production Films. We have over fifteen years of expert filmmaking experience to help ensure your production is a success. For a free, non-obligation consultation, call us at 877-203-2895 or fill out our simple contact form for a prompt reply.
