Sometimes you’ve got to ask yourself the right questions to get a brilliant answer. Time to think like Bruizer and further the thought-process on that brand film you’ve been debating…

It’s a good question – why have a brand film? A strong brand film can help define a company: where you’ve come from, what you do, and where you’re going. The past, present and future of your business identity, packaged in stunning pictures.

On the fence? Time to ask yourself some key questions and get the creative juices flowing…

Alright bear with us, we know it seems like an obvious one. But even for the most experienced of us, it’s tempting to leap into the creative and get carried away with cinematic potential and Oscar-winning ambition. However, the first and crucial step of the journey really is that simple and shouldn’t be overlooked. Ask the question, what does ‘brand film’ mean to you?

Knowing and understanding what you’re trying to do from the outset and who you’re communicating with will ensure the video works hard for you and in the most seamless way. Think duck: gliding on a visually stunning surface, while relentlessly driving your message underneath. As such, developing a clear vision at the creative stage is crucial (easy with a Bruizer helping hand). It all begins with your top line brief so getting that right is key

Where will my brand film be shown and how can I ensure it’ll be visible?

Once you know who you want to speak to, time to think about where it’s going. Where will your brand film be seen? Does it need to compete with a crowd, or will it be given dedicated space to breathe and entice audiences?

We exist in a culture of short attention-spans so it’s important that your brand film takes account of its surroundings and draws on a creative that will maximise its opportunities in that space. If you’re frequently at in-person events, you may need visuals that steal the show, whether you’re watching to the end or only seeing it for a split-second.

Perhaps your brand film will form part of an induction or have a dedicated page on your website to allow viewers to appreciate the story in full, with opportunity to craft a whole narrative arc, utilise distinctive voiceovers or characters, and construct a satisfying pay-off.

What’s the first impression?

In this digital age, a brand film might be the first look a prospective client has and will use it to gain understanding of your brand. Video is a way to make yourself easily accessible to first impressions and craft these, making yourself familiar to a new or existing audience.

If your company is very costumer-facing, it can’t be underestimated what a difference it makes to see the real faces, so treating the client to a preview of who they’ll be working with, and the standard they can expect, can go a long way to making them feel comfortable. Or if you’re manufacturing product, an in-depth look behind the scenes at your process can speak to your quality and expertise, like this milestone brand film for Maldon Salt.

Atmospheric and artful, this cinema-standard brand film parallels the devotion that Maldon Salt show in their production process. Utilising heritage techniques for their signature rustic taste, their one-hundred-and-forty year history is beautifully rendered through archive and modern day filming, demonstrating Maldon Salt as a brand steeped in experience and dedication.

What’s the takeaway?

Some of the best brand films are successful because they become synonymous with the company identity and bring it to life. Video allows you to appeal to a wide range of human emotions and create something that’ll stick in the mind. Laughing, crying, inspired – you should be looking to illicit an emotive response in the viewer to know you’ve got an idea that’s memorable and will serve you well.

Creating a lasting impact on your audience, with strong visual motifs or an emotional connection, will fix you in their subconscious so next time they need someone like you, you’re on the tip of their tongue.

How will a brand film convey my message?

Not just pretty pictures, video is an integral tool for communication. The beauty is that it’s also one of the most diverse methods available. Subliminal or direct, video content can deliver your key message with just the right amount of nuance but no less oomph. Maybe you’re unparalleled in your field and want to shout about it (I mean, why wouldn’t you?) so a show-stopping approach singing your praises, with real life testimonials, or a record-breaking challenge demonstrating your strengths, might be aptly on the nose.

Alternatively, you might be a quieter or complex character more inclined to subtle messaging. Video allows you to lean into metaphor, showing your message without forcing it on the audience. Show clients you care with demonstrative narratives and visual cues, such as keeping characters protected from the rain or extending each other a helping hand.

And all goes without saying the endless methods of incorporating brand colours, fonts and iconography to ensure your identity is at the forefront, from keeping your logos large and central, right down to the bright purple rug in your main character’s living room – everything can tie back to who you are and leave your audience in no doubt who they’re dealing with.

I’ve already got a marketing strategy – do I need a brand film as well?

Yes! A brand film shows investment in your marketing approach, that you value your image and are looking to connect with people through diversified forms of media. A brand film will help maximise your outreach, broadening accessibility and distributing your message most widely.

With a stellar brand film, you’re not just getting one film; you’re creating something that can potentially support your entire strategy and spearhead a cohesive marketing campaign that spotlights your identity, elevates your company, and achieves it in a way that lasts. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Still asking yourself that same question – why have a brand film? The real question is, why not?