CORPORATE STORIES

Forging Human Connections

In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms and automation, the power of human connection has never been more vital. For businesses, this means cutting through the digital noise with corporate videos that foster trust. I can deliver bespoke audiovisual solutions that humanise your brand and resonate deeply with your audience.

What links the stories below?

► A podcast on Diageo's Fusion Partnership Lab

► A former Prime Minister of Iceland's & former CEO of Unilever thoughts on wellbeing

► An explainer for a major personal finance app

► Good-humoured yet intricate discussions on AI law 

Well, me. But they're also all about clarity, credibility, and ultimately, human connection.The cornerstones of effective corporate video storytelling.

In Faces We Trust

In an era where many brands are tempted to cut costs by expanding the use of AI-generated content, your greatest opportunity to stand out is to humanise your brand and invoke trust from your consumers. A survey demonstrated that 57% of people trust human-generated content more than AI-generated content (Source), and more than half would be less likely to engage with content explicitly marked as AI-generated (Source). Simultaneously, more than 80% of consumers are attracted by brands that nurture authentic connections with their customers.(Source)

Putting a human face to your expertise elevates your brand's authority and immediate relatability.

The Impact of Faces

Our brains are hardwired to recognise faces, forming impressions of strangers in as little as a tenth of a second - and we are more likely to both understand and trust what's being communicated when we see the human behind the voice. (Source)

Bringing the human element to the forefront, particularly through the visible presence of company leaders or founders, significantly shapes how a brand is perceived. A study found that websites featuring human faces experienced an average conversion rate increase of 38% compared to those without human elements. (Source)

All this to say: first impressions matter, and while AI can certainly be useful, it's generally not advisable as your brand's primary gatekeeper. First impressions have a more positive and long-lasting effect if they happen human-to-human.

The Many Approaches to Welcoming Audiences

As we established, a charismatic human face is still the most inviting visual for capturing new audiences.

We can leverage this across a variety of formats:

► Talking Head style videos allow brand leaders and experts to share insights directly, building a personal connection that static text cannot. Studies show that consumers are customers that like a brand's story are 55% more likely to convert. (Source)

► Explainer videos simplify complex information, making it both accessible and trustworthy to audiences. Particularly if you need to break down statistics to your audience, as people are are 22 times more likely to remember them within the context of a story. (Source)

► Podcast style interviews fit right into our digital zeitgeist, and allow for nuanced conversations with an immediate sense of intimacy. This format fosters an unique connection, with 85% of podcast listeners feeling a stronger connection to a podcast host than to a TV or radio personality. (Source)

The possibilities are countless, of course. Each brand and/or person carries with them the potential for a distinct story.

The Art of Combating Camera Shyness

My approach to corporate video production is built on translating your brand's personality into compelling, digestible stories. It's about bridging the gap between complex information and your audience's need for relatable content. I ensure every frame builds confidence and clarity.

My expertise covers everything from strategic concept development that aligns with your business goals and storyboarding for impactful communication, to expert direction that elicits authentic performances. 

As a Video Production Specialist, I can help you with tell your story through my expertise in:

► Concept & Storyboarding

► Pre-Production (Talent, Small Crews & Project Management)

► Video Production (Directing, Photography & Sound)

► Post-Production

Most importantly, I can support you with the practical directions for feeling comfortable, even if you're camera-shy.

Pride and Joy: Achievements in Focus

This page showcases a diverse range of corporate projects with impactful results. Here are some key highlights:

► Oxford University Wellbeing Research & Policy Conference 2022 - I was responsible for the editing of dozens of interviews and presentations, contributing to the successful dissemination of critical research and powerful speeches on the state of human wellbeing by world-renowned scholars.

► Diageo's Fusion Partnership Lab "Founders x Pioneers" Series - Working for a titan of industry such as Diageo is already an achievement in and of itself. After all, the company owns Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Baileys, Captain Morgan - and well, seemingly every other alcohol brand a non-drinker like myself can think of. The Founders x Pioneers podcast-style interview series I shot and edited for their Fusion Partner Lab led to the renewal of several contracts with the Founders Makers agency.

► Plum Interest's "A Rate You Won't Hate" - Voted as the "Best UK Personal Finance App" in the British Bank Awards 2023, Plum is not only excellent at what it does, but has great people behind it. Shooting and directing this explainer video was a remarkable professional experience, and provided an enriching challenge, as the talent had to perform both in English and French - a language that me, the Director, did not speak. The video currently has over 650,000 views on YouTube.

► Founders Law LinkedIn Content - I provided support in the creative direction and full production for two of their highly engaging LinkedIn videos. One involved watching expert lawyers navigating legal advice while drinking disgusting cocktails I came up with. Needless to say, audiences loved it. 

Whether it's behind the camera, a NLE's timeline or both, I'm here to help you tell your story - and hopefully add it to this list of achievements.

Ready to Forge Connections With Your Audience?

If you're looking to build real connections with your audience, I'm here to help you.

Let's tell your story together the meant it deserves to be told.

kelvin@crucible35.com