How Has Video Production Changed in 2020?

Not to harp on about it, but the pandemic and all of the restrictions and precautions that have been a by-product of it have really forced a lot of businesses to take a step back and look at the way they do things. Video production companies have been no different.

We’ve really had to think about what services we provide and how we can provide them in a safe manner whilst also not foregoing the unique touches that make video so special. It’s thrown up a lot of challenges, but just as you would do with any obstacle, we have overcome them time and time again.

Adam sat down with Jasper Alyn-Stephens – a member of the Incite family and owner of Yellow Glove Productions – to find out.

(Adam) We’re all having to adapt in this video production industry. A lot of live events have been cancelled or put on hold until next year, and it’s been interesting to see how not only how the videographers and the production companies have adapted, but also the clients. I filmed a socially-distanced wedding a few weeks ago and the church had a set-up for live-streaming that I was very impressed with.

(Jasper) I also did a lockdown wedding and I just had to make sure I pressed ‘record’ on Zoom before it all started, so that was a lot of pressure as well as filming the actual wedding.

(A) Now more than ever, video is so important for these events – these are going to live long in the memory, but to be able to show people who weren’t there what happened on the day… it means we’re carrying even more weight than usual.

(J) That’s something I’ve realised. Despite some of the work being delayed until next year, the value of video has shot up because if someone can’t make it, if you’ve had it professionally filmed, they can watch it back and basically be there.

(A) I think a lot of people have had a taste of video where they’ve been forced to join Zoom calls, or promote their business through other means.

(J) Like you said, people have to go on Zoom now to do business. People are getting more comfortable with video, being on video, using video, watching it back for work.

(A) Something I spent a lot of sleepless nights stressing over was how to adapt, but I don’t think we are the ones who need to adapt. A lot of clients came to me and said “We need your services, and this is how we’re going to do it.” So it’s not us having to adapt – the clients adapt for us.

(J) In terms of health and safety videos, and announcement videos as well – companies want their customers to know, and the best way to let them know is through video; to show them. It’s been a wake-up call in a way because we’ve diversified into animation, 360 walk-through tours, branding videos on the commercial side has gotten busier because we’ve had more time to market it, so we’re doing more commercial services than before. With the clients as well, some of them have had more time to focus on their marketing because of this and therefore want video now that they’ve got time to do it.

Watch the full interview: