We're often asked to send in a proposal and bid on a company's upcoming video production. We usually don't send anything for a few reasons:
1) It's a distraction:
In the time it takes to chase someone who maybe-kinda-sorta-possibly interested in doing a video production, we can maintain focus on our committed clients and be amazingly productive for them.
It's like when you walk into a store looking for someone to help you, but instead of attending to your needs, they keep answering the phone. You committed time and energy by physically walking into their store. Random phone calls and casual questions should take a backseat to the your immediate and concrete needs.
Focusing on our paying clients takes priority above all else. Even potential new business. And that's never really a problem when we're repaid with positive word-of-mouth.
2) Apples to oranges:
No one else really does what we do. Or, at the very least they don't specialize in it. If a company wants a bid from us - and other studios, they usually just have a vague idea of what they want to accomplish, like "an online video". Just having a vague idea of how to accomplish your video goals isn't a problem, we can help with that. But we should at least have a clear idea of what your goals are, otherwise it's impossible to know if we're on the right track.
3) Published Prices:
SunPop publicly publishes it's prices and process to keep things fair for everyone. It's lame when someone makes you contact them for a price quote, just so they can size you up and charge the largest amount possible. Our price is the price, if it's not a fit for you, no worries.
For those reasons, this most recent proposal request (below) didn't get a direct bid from us. However, they asked several questions that are relevant to a lot of people, so we're dropping our Answers here in the blog. The company's name has been removed for their privacy.
As part of our Internet marketing initiative, {our company} is seeking a designer to create a video spokesperson for our Web site. After reviewing Web sites of potential designers, we have included SunPop Studios on our short list of companies for consideration. Please provide the information requested below to help us make an informed vendor selection: Most of the video spokesperson examples we have reviewed on the Internet run about 30 seconds. Some of our vendor selection committee members want to have a minute, to three minutes of video. What do you recommend, and why?
A video's recommended run-time depends entirely on your goal(s) for that video. Context is everything here. The following example is a bit simplistic, but, if someone is already on your website, they are actively expressing an interest in what you do, and are more likely to prefer a thorough, more detailed video. You already have their attention, now it's time to tell them things they want to know to draw them in and close the deal.
However, if your video isn't primarily meant for your website, then a shorter video is often a better way to go. While surfing through blogs, video sharing sites, social media sites etc. people are in a click-and-skip mentality with an ocean of distractions begging for their attention. You have a small amount of time to make an impression, so say it quick and say it good. You can be more detailed and nuanced after they've walked through your front-door (on your website).
There are exceptions to any rule, but that's is a solid rule of thumb when it comes to online video.Some of our vendor selection committee members feel we can write their own speech, while others feel we should have it written for us. Can you write our speech for us?
We're able to write fantastic scripts and speeches, but that isn't a service we're offering at this time.
May we provide our own speech?
Not at this time. We may develop a process for people who want to use a script someday, but only if we can consistently do it exceptionally well without sounding like just another cheesy production.
In the meantime, our unscripted pre-production process helps layout a roadmap for a successful production, allowing us to move towards clear goals, while tapping into the value of an unscripted, conversation and authentic tone. Which way would you advise us to go, and why?
Do a scripted shoot somewhere else if you need absolute control over ever phrase and syllable. Shoot with us if you truly have something valuable to offer people, and need to authentically communicate it without the fluff and filters of artificial ad-speak. Not sure if we want to have someone on our staff be our spokesperson or hire an actor. Can you provide an actor / actress?
No, we only work with the real people within a business. The actual owners, staff, customers, etc. It may sound daunting at first, but the vast majority of our clients have never been in front of a camera, and are amazed at how easy our studio experience is. The conversational process we've developed and refined over the past decade ensures that we hit strategic goals for the video, while providing a relaxed, conversational experience in the studio. That may sound a bit lofty, but we shoot for 60 minutes and only need 3. Anyone can be great for 1/20th of the time =)If so, how can we see / hear them to pick one?
not applicableIf we have one of our staff members as the spokesperson, what would that process be?
The A to Z process can be found on the Process Webpage of our website. It'll be a better information resource that anything I can put into a few lines of an email.
www.sunpopstudios.com/the-process
How long will it take to create the video (from the start, to a finished video on our Web site)?
We can usually deliver finished online video files in about a week. More if a client has any delays on their side of the communications.
Can you put the video into our Web site, or do we need to have someone else do the Web page editing?
Someone else will need to do that. We don't touch the inner workings of a client's website. Their are plenty of hosting companies that can provide you with a simple html embed code that is copied and pasted into a webpage to display the video.
If we decided to hire you what would our involvement be?
Someone from your organization is designated as the "Point-Person". This is often the person featured in the video. That "Point-Person" handles all communications with us, rather than multiple people sending us uncoordinated, sometimes conflicting information.
What would we need to provide in terms of information, materials and people?
We just need the person who will shoot in our studio to go through our Online Pre-Production Questionnaire. Beyond just being available for questions via email, there are video guides to assist that person through the questionnaire.
How do we provide these items?
We usually have 1 or 2 initial phone calls with a client. After a project is booked, email is going to be ideal, as it provides a clear track record of all information that is communicated.
Why should we choose SunPop Studios?
If you want to show your potential customers a tightly controlled performance, a scripted shoot elsewhere is your best bet. If you want to pull back the curtain and build some trust and confidence with people considering doing business with you, we're as good as it gets.
How much will this cost?
Our prices are publicly published on our samples and prices page, but you'd probably be spending a few thousand dollars.
www.sunpopstudios.com/samples-and-pricesAdditional information / comments you would like us to take into consideration:
We have really good coffee here. No kidding, it's good coffee. Forget the video, you should consider just coming in for a cup.
Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 10:55AM 
Often one good thing leads to another, and we're especially excited at this next Big Thing. Our blog is now located at www.OnlineVideoProduction.net
