Client: A film production company in Virginia, 1663 Arts, Inc., producing a theatrical trailer to raise investor funds to produce a multimillion dollar family film.
Challenge: The client wanted to create an impactful film trailer for a yet-to-be produced movie for potential financing by high net worth investors. However, they lacked a cohesive vision and creative direction for the project. Previous video efforts had been technically sound but failed to resonate, resulting in low engagement and lackluster reception from potential investors. The company needed a way to ensure that their new trailer would not only highlight the film’s entire story but also capture the interest and imagination of their target audience. The challenge was finding the right balance between professionalism and creativity, particularly in field production, where adaptability and a clear vision are crucial.
Solution: RSC Media Group was brought in to lead the project, with Rob Child as the creative leader for field production. Having over 20 years of experience in video and film production, Rob brought a wealth of expertise in both technical production and creative storytelling. The key to transforming the client’s vision into a successful investor trailer was strong creative leadership throughout the entire field production process. Since trailers are normally produced after a film is finished, not before, Rob had to create multiple scenes that had not been shot yet.
Rob worked closely with the client developing the script and logistics of the shoot. He developed a creative strategy that focused on creating “story point” scenes that would convey the entire film, yet resolve on a cliffhanger. Since trailers, as mentioned, are normally produced after a film is finished this was a demanding production challenge. The trailer had 11-pages of script and 21-setups all in a single 12-hour day of filming.
Execution: As the creative leader in field production, Rob took charge of key decisions on location, lighting, and composition, ensuring that every aspect of the video aligned with the overarching creative vision. He guided the team through each shoot, fostering an environment of collaboration while maintaining a sharp focus on the project’s goals and budget.
Rob’s leadership allowed the crew to adapt quickly to challenges in the field, such as changing weather conditions or shifting client requests. His experience allowed him to think on his feet, ensuring that any last-minute changes still aligned with the creative strategy and didn’t compromise the overall vision.
By directing both the technical and creative aspects, Rob ensured that the final trailer wasn’t just polished but emotionally engaging. The video trailer captured the full essense of the final film and gave the impression that it was “already completed.” Additionally, his leadership encouraged the crew to push creative boundaries, adding dynamic shots, sound design, seamless CGI elements, and polished post-production effects to elevate the final product.
Results: The final trailer was a resounding success. The company saw a significant increase in engagement across their social media channels after the trailer’s release. More importantly, the client received overwhelmingly positive feedback from prospective investors, with many commenting on how engaging and polished the video was compared to previous attempts. The trailer was used in multiple formats—from website company pages to live events and digital ads—demonstrating the versatility and long-term value of the final product.
Conclusion: Having a strong creative leader in field production is crucial for the success of business video projects. In this case, Rob Child’s leadership ensured that the video not only met high technical standards but also delivered a cohesive, engaging narrative that resonated with the company’s target audience–investors. His ability to guide the project from concept through execution allowed the client to create an impactful, memorable sales tool that elevated their marketing efforts and enhanced their reputation as an upper-tier film production company.
This case study highlights the importance of a creative leader who can balance technical expertise with storytelling, ensuring that field production aligns with a company’s strategic goals. A strong leader can adapt to challenges in real-time, inspire the crew, and deliver videos that go beyond showcasing products—they connect with audiences on a deeper, more emotional level, ultimately driving engagement and business results.
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