Image & Video Guidelines

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ALX Video Content Playbook

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Top priority checklist

Why you should care about brand visual?

To create an effective brand experience, you need to be intentional with the communication you are sending to consumers. A brand is not what you say it is, it is what they say it is. The image plays an important part in communicating effectively. By doing a brand shoot, you are differentiating yourself from tons of organisations who are using the 3rd party stock images repeatedly. 

When creating a brand shoot, these are the key main point to think of: 

An ad, poster, banner, billboard, etc., lingers in the audience's minds if it has made an impact on their lives. It's not only the words that move people; they also consider visuals as a significant factor in making decisions about a brand or a company.

The 4 P’s approach

The 4 stages of coming up with a concept/story

1. Pick: browse concepts, choose a storyline
2. Plan: execution strategy
3. Produce: develop content, curate content
4. Promote: execute the rollout

Why the 4 P’s approach?

This is a very direct way to approach the concepts for our campaigns. Having a solid structure allows us to work on something tangible, rather than assuming it's what we need to create.

Additionally, it's about the order; ideas are shared every single day, and not having a proper way to communicate those ideas leads to confusion. 

1. PICK

The initial stage of the creative process. Browsing through different themes and concepts, seeking an idea that could be converted into a visually compelling place.

This stage requires a lot of research, exploration and thinking outside the box.

2. PLAN

The design stage of the process, we are assembling a method to tell the story through our campaigns and preparing a strategy needed to complete the project. This includes the copy used, the timelines and projects allocation. 

3. PRODUCE

The implementation stage of the creative process. We are combining all the elements of the project (ensuring we are sticking to the brand guidelines, and the type of imagery we are using).

4. PROMOTE

The final stage of the process is to show and tell, all the assets we have created goes live to our audience and we measure the data, look at the our approach and whether it is still true to the brand and which areas of the process we can expand on. 

Art Direction

What you should achieve in a shoot?

Visual communication is key.

The audience must believe in themselves as they seek to find their greatness. We should encourage our audience to find their strengths and follow their passions and we let them see the faces of a global audience and how diverse our community is.

What you should achieve in a shoot?
Content should inspire the audience to push their limits, fostering hope and self-belief on their path to greatness. We encourage them to discover their strengths, follow their passions, and connect with a diverse global community.

Poses 

What kind of poses are we looking for? 

We're looking for youthful yet brand-appropriate poses, including power poses, standing, and sitting positions. The subject should exude comfort and confidence, reflecting a professional demeanor while remaining relatable to our audience.

Props

Props bring a soft touch to the images, we are also using props to create variety when using the stock. Having props is another way to bring a message i.e having an image of someone using a laptop can align with someone who is in the tech Industry.  

Laptop

The laptop is the primary device, symbolising our online community's learning nature.

Mobile Phone

A mobile device also symbolises the era of digital evolution. 

Journals / Books 

These can be used to demonstrate continuous learning and our community of curious and talented individuals who are eager to keep learning.

Testimonials

Why you should care about video testimonials? 

Creating video content has proven to be highly effective in how we communicate and market. People tend to gravitate towards videos as they get to experience the entire ethos. Video inspires, moves people, and contributes to decision-making. According to WYZOwl, 94% of marketers say that using video content has helped increase user understanding of a product or service. Customers will only buy your product when they understand what it does and how it will help them. 


Before you begin the process, there are a few things to consider

1. Concept: What is the purpose of the video you're creating, and what message are you trying to convey to the audience? Are you trying to create awareness, consideration, or inspire action?

2. Communication channels: Thanks to the advancement of technology, a single video can be posted on various communication channels. These channels include YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, emails, or websites. You need to know the video dimensions (refer to the campaign assets list), the quality of the video, and how many videos are being created. Is this long-form, short-form, a snippet video for Instagram stories, etc.? Having these details planned out will help you decide which channels need to be prioritised the most based on audience engagement.

3. Define your budget: Every decision needs to have a solid reason, and this includes budgeting. If the video idea doesn't align with the budget, you need to re-evaluate some of the costs.

4. Plan and project track: A well-executed production is properly planned out. Regardless of the tracking system you use, consider making it as detailed as possible. For someone who is seeing the project for the first time, they need to get a full scope of what is happening and how far the project has progressed.


How are testimonials used for marketing?

The videos can be used for various marketing purposes on social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Additionally, they can be used on landing pages to provide insight into the programs, create credibility, and encourage buy-in.


Objectives / KPIs being targeted by this content

Testimonials act as proof of what the programs are about and the impact they have on real people. This helps from a marketing perspective to gain trust and buy-in from future applicants and talents.

Increase the demand: By showcasing our talent, who they are, and what they are capable of, we are also showing future and potential employers who our talent is.

Key takeaways when creating a testimonial

From the first frame to the last one, all scenes need to tell a story. A video can tell so much in just a minute. In this following section, you will be given a guide to creating a video, these are the guidelines the Brand Team uses to structure a video. This formula has been tested and proven to be working in how we tell a story. 

HERO SHOT

The subject should engage with their surroundings they can either be walking, writing in a journal or using a mobile device.

List of shots 

- Tracking shot of the subject walking around the area 

- Headshot of the subject looking over the area (talking on a phone etc) 

- Close-up of hands movement (fixing a shirt, pressing a phone etc) 

- Side shot of the subject (sitting down or walking)

Other shots 

- Tracking footsteps

- Wide angle from front and moving closer to the subject 

INTERVIEW STYLE

We get to engage with the subject in a more intimate and engaging manner.

List of shots 

- Close-ups

- Headshots

- Side shots from the waist above

Other shots

- Subject using tech device (laptop) 

NB: the above shot lists are not intended to limit creativity, they are a guide on how you can decide on the type of shots you going for. Think of the audience, would they want to see the work you making and will this work reflect our values? 

Close-Up Shots

City Landscapes 

Silhouettes

Open Spaces

These shots can be used to create an ambience or as a breakpoint to introduce a different scene. Video stocks can also be an used during editing process.