Formats
With the fast-changing way we consume media, it is not enough to film for one specific format. We have to keep in mind that the footage will be used on different platforms and screens, i.e. television, cinema, smartphone, tablet, web, and social media. We call this recyclability of footage. Videos are always shot in 16:9 aspect ratio, but remember that each video must be adaptable and ready to use for social media content (1:1 or 9:16 ratio). In other words, footage needs to be taken with a wider shot so it can be cropped in post-production.
Video types
Testimonial
A testimonial is a very personal type of video. It depicts a Umicore employee who shares and endorses Umicore values, his day-to-day work and his passion. These videos are mainly for Employer Branding purposes. The basis for this video is an interview with the employee. This is what is called A-roll footage. We support this with B-roll footage where we show the same employee in their work environment.
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A-roll footage: interviewee in front of the camera not in the middle of the image but more to the side of the screen, to the left or right. The interviewee should never look directly into the camera but at the interviewer who is positioned next to the camera
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B-roll footage: we film natural situations, using the fly-on-the-wall principle where real-life situations are filmed and the camera crew works as unobtrusively as possible. The camera should never be acknowledged by the subject/interviewee.
Commercial
Commercial videos promote a product, service or brand. The goal is to raise awareness, acquire new leads, nurture existing leads and increase conversations. This type of video is completely scripted. We create the situations and scenarios we want and the people and /or actors featured in the video help us to tell our story.
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Voice-over: The voice-over guides you through the commercial and can give a deeper meaning to the images shown. This takes away some of the freedom for interpretation by the viewer and makes sure it is interpreted as you want it to be.
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Text on image: Some videos might use text on image and inspiring music to convey the message instead of a voice over. Make sure you follow the guidelines on why letter type should be used.
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Camera angles: Commercials can be compared to feature films. In general, the presence of the camera is not acknowledged. Camera angles and content vary, depending on what the director wants to visualize.
Documentary or thought leadership
A documentary video is a non-fictional motion-picture that documents reality, primarily for the purpose of educating and informing. Comparable to a testimonial video, the content will include a broader picture of the topic that we wish to communicate. Documentaries may have more than one interviewee providing their expertise on the subject. This translates in the length of the video being longer than the previous examples. It’s not a day in the life, but rather touches on several subjects and opinions. A-roll and B-roll footage are also important in this type of video, the latter being more observational footage of the subject being filmed. You will also film reality scenes for a documentary, which are scenes in the daily life of the interviewee.
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Voiceover: No-voiceover. The interviewees tell the story with their comments.
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Camera angles: Same as the testimonial.
After movie
Umicore events and conferences are the perfect scenario for shooting video content. This type of video can reproduce and portray the atmosphere of the event to those who were there but also to those who were not there.
- Camera angles: When filming during events you have less control over conditions. The best approach is to film with a camera on your shoulder. It is important to shoot B-roll footage of the event itself to show the atmosphere and activities at the event and to give the video some breathing space.