Look, I’ve been in the video game long enough to know that most people freeze up when they hear “corporate video.” They picture some stuffy boardroom scene with bad lighting and worse acting. But here’s the thing – creating a corporate video in 2025 is nothing like that anymore.
## **The Real Deal About Making Corporate Videos**
You know what? Let me walk you through this like we’re having coffee. Because that’s really what this is about – having a conversation about your business, just… on camera.
First things first. Every good video starts with figuring out what the heck you actually want to say. Sounds simple, right? It’s not. Trust me on this one.
## **Step 1: The Kick-Off (Where Dreams Meet Reality)**
This is where you sit down with your video crew and basically brain dump everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. What’s your business about? Who needs to see this video? What do you want them to do after watching?
The video team – they’re gonna ask you questions you probably haven’t thought about:
– Who’s your ideal customer? (And please don’t say “everyone”)
– What makes you different from Joe’s business down the street?
– What’s the ONE thing viewers should remember?
Sometimes this takes 30 minutes. Sometimes 3 hours. Depends how clear you are on your message.
## **Step 2: Discovery Phase (Getting Into Your Head)**
Okay so now the production team goes away and thinks. They’re looking at your competitors, your market, your whole vibe. They come back with ideas that might surprise you.
Maybe they suggest animation instead of live action. Maybe they want to film in your actual workspace instead of renting some generic office. These folks know what works because they do this every. single. day.
## **Step 3: Pre-Production (Where It Gets Real)**
This is my favorite part honestly. This is where you:
**Write the script** – And no, you don’t need to sound like Shakespeare. You need to sound like YOU. The best corporate videos? They sound like the owner is just… talking to you.
**Create storyboards** – Fancy word for “drawing out what each scene looks like.” Even if it’s stick figures. Seriously.
**Make a shot list** – Every single angle, every single scene. Because on filming day? You don’t want to be figuring this stuff out.
**Scout locations** – Your office? A client’s place? That cool coffee shop downtown? All options.
**Cast any actors** – If you need them. But honestly? Real employees often work better than actors.
## **Step 4: Lights, Camera… You Know The Rest**
Filming day. This is where people get nervous. Here’s my advice: Don’t.
The crew shows up with more equipment than you thought possible. Lights that make everyone look good. Cameras that pick up every detail. Microphones that somehow don’t pick up that construction noise from next door.
You might do each scene 5 times. Or 15 times. That’s normal. Even Spielberg does multiple takes.
Pro tip: Have someone from your team there who knows your business inside out. Because sometimes the perfect moment happens between takes, and you want someone who recognizes it.
## **Step 5: Post-Production (Where The Magic Happens)**
This is where your video goes from “bunch of clips” to “holy cow, is that really us?”
The editors:
– Cut together the best takes
– Add music that fits your brand
– Color correct everything (goodbye, weird office lighting)
– Add graphics, text, your logo
– Create different versions for different platforms
You’ll get a rough cut first. Watch it. Give feedback. Be honest but not brutal. “I hate it” helps nobody. “Can we make this section faster?” helps everybody.
## **Step 6: Launch & Distribution**
Video’s done. Now what?
This is where lots of businesses drop the ball. They spend all this money on a video then… stick it on their website and hope for the best.
Nope. You need a plan:
– **Website placement** (obviously)
– **Social media strategy** (different edits for different platforms)
– **Email campaigns**
– **Sales team usage**
– **Trade show displays**
– **YouTube optimization** (those keywords matter)
## **The Timeline Truth**
People always ask me “how long does this take?”
Here’s the honest answer: 4-8 weeks for most corporate videos. Could be 2 weeks if you’re in a rush and decisive. Could be 3 months if you’re doing something complex or keep changing your mind.
Biggest time suck? Usually the approval process. When 5 different people need to sign off on everything.
## **What This Actually Costs**
I’m not gonna give you numbers because every project is different. But think of it like buying a car. You can get a reliable Honda or you can get a Ferrari. Both will get you there. One just has more bells and whistles.
Factors that affect price:
– Length of video
– Number of shooting days
– Location requirements
– Animation vs live action
– How many versions you need
– Special effects or graphics
## **Final Thoughts**
Look, creating a corporate video isn’t rocket science. But it’s also not something you knock out with your iPhone in an afternoon. (I mean, you could, but… should you?)
The best videos happen when you:
1. Know your message
2. Trust your production team
3. Stay authentic to who you are
4. Actually use the video once it’s done
One last thing. That nervousness you feel about being on camera? Everyone feels it. Even people who do this for a living. The good news? A professional crew knows how to make you comfortable. They’ve seen it all. They know the tricks.
So stop overthinking it. Your business has a story worth telling. A good video just helps you tell it better.
Now go make something awesome.
—Bryce
