In an era where businesses need to build their brand through authenticity and core values, corporate documentaries are becoming an indispensable communication tool. More than just a promotional video, a corporate documentary offers a comprehensive, emotional, and intimate look at the journey of development, culture, and people within a company. So, what exactly is a corporate documentary, what are its specific benefits, and what is the production process? Let's explore the details in the article below.
What is a corporate documentary film?
Corporate documentary film A business video is a type of video structured similarly to a television news report, combining storytelling, on-location filming, and interviews with real people to authentically convey the story of a business. The content can revolve around the company's history, production process, brand story, or notable activities.
Corporate documentary films are not simply advertising videos, but rather media products that tell stories, build trust, and evoke emotions in viewers.
The difference between corporate documentary films and regular TV commercials or promotional videos:
| Criteria | Corporate documentary film | TV commercial | Introductory video |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 3-10 minutes or more | 15 – 60 seconds | 2-3 minutes |
| Style | Intimate, authentic, and profound. | Concise, eye-catching, and highly technical. | Focus on providing an overview. |
| Content | Storytelling, on-site interviews, and filming. | A concise, powerful message. | Summary of basic information |
| Target | Building image, increasing credibility. | Make a quick impression | Provide information |
Key features of corporate documentary films:
- Filmed on location at the business.
- Interview leaders, employees, partners, or customers.
- Narrate through commentary or MC, with background music.
- Emphasize the value of people, processes, or the development journey.
- Highly persuasive due to the element of real people and real stories.
The benefits of corporate documentary films.
Increase credibility and build a professional image.
A well-produced documentary film will help businesses make a strong impression on customers, partners, and investors. It is an effective tool to vividly and crediblely showcase the company's vision, mission, and core values.
Conveying an authentic message easily creates a positive impression.
Compared to scripted commercials, documentaries offer a higher degree of authenticity. Viewers can clearly see how a business operates, its work environment, and the real people behind its success. This easily creates a positive impression and evokes more favorable emotions.
Increase the effectiveness of multi-channel communication and marketing.
Documentary films can be used flexibly across multiple platforms: company websites, social media (Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn), screenings at events, sending to partners, or use in presentation materials. They are a long-lasting and versatile media asset.
Contributing to attracting investors and partners.
For businesses seeking funding or expanding partnerships, a professional documentary film will help investors quickly and deeply understand the company's capabilities, direction, and operations. Authenticity and clarity in the content are major advantages in the persuasion process.
Optimized for events, workshops, and internal communications.
On occasions such as anniversaries, grand openings, product launches, or customer conferences, documentary films serve as an impressive opening or the main content of the event. They also provide valuable material for internal training or onboarding new employees.
Which businesses should use corporate documentary videos?
Medium and large enterprises
Medium-sized and larger businesses typically have the resources and content to create an in-depth documentary film. This group also frequently needs to build a sustainable brand.
The company has a remarkable growth story.
If your business has a memorable journey of growth, stemming from unique circumstances or achieving a significant milestone, then a documentary film is a great way to share that story.
Businesses want to build a long-lasting brand.
Documentary films serve not only short-term campaigns but also long-term media assets. Businesses aiming for sustainable brand development should invest in this type of media.
The process of producing a professional corporate documentary film.
Step 1: Receiving requests and providing script consultations
The production unit will receive requests from businesses, discuss objectives, target audience, main message, and context. Based on this, they will provide preliminary advice on ideas and content structure.
Step 2: Conduct field research and develop content.
The production team conducts site surveys, preliminary interviews, and writes a detailed script including: the opening, the main plot, commentary, a list of interviewees, and necessary shots.
Step 3: Filming – Interviews – Documentary
This is a crucial step that determines the "authenticity" and emotion of the film. The film crew will shoot realistic scenes such as production activities, operations, employee work, interviews with leaders and customers, etc.
Step 4: Film Editing – Post-production – Voiceover
After filming is complete, the post-production process includes editing, color correction, adding background music, narration, and necessary effects. Depending on requirements, dubbing or subtitles may be added to suit various platforms.
Step 5: Handover and media support
Finally, the production team delivers the complete version and supports businesses in using the video effectively: cutting short clips for social media, optimizing titles and descriptions for YouTube uploads, suggesting publishing strategies, etc.
>> See more: Top 10 corporate film production company reputable and famous
Some things to keep in mind when making corporate documentaries.
Corporate documentaries demonstrate professionalism, enhance a company's market position, and leave a lasting impression on partners and customers. Several key points should be considered when making such films:
- Prioritize authenticity, avoid excessive staging: Today's audience can easily spot forced or staged moments in videos. Therefore, prioritize naturalness and capturing genuine moments instead of trying to create something overly perfect.
- Choose a production company with experience in documentary filmmaking. Not every video production company does a good job with documentary-style corporate films. Choose a partner who has experience producing documentary-style corporate films, knows how to tell stories, ask interview questions, and handle post-production with depth.
- Ensure the script has depth and stays on track with the message: A documentary film is only good when it conveys a clear message and there is a strong connection between the images, commentary, and story. Businesses should collaborate with production companies to ensure the content is truly "on target" and "reaches the right audience."
Corporate documentaries are a modern, professional, and emotionally engaging form of communication. They not only help businesses build trust with customers and partners, but also serve as a bridge to create a sustainable brand image in the public mind. If your business is looking for a unique and compelling way to tell its story, a corporate documentary is a worthwhile investment.
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