for
Between 2019 and 2021, this project became my fourth or fifth venture into wireless headphones. One could say that I entered the crowdfunding world through wireless headphones, much like my client, I suppose.
Naturally, I was well-acquainted with the market, and familiar with all the competitors (some of which were campaigns I personally worked on), and I had a clear plan in mind on how to create something intriguing.
Storyboard Creation
The foundation of the video was dance, sports activities, and typography animation. We decided to create transitions between scenes using 3D animation. As for scenes in challenging locations, as usual, we opted to shoot them on a green screen.
We began with a script that outlined how the headphones could be used during sports, their noise-canceling capabilities, and wireless charging features. I fine-tuned the script, and our artist illustrated each frame in sequence, depicting the actions and movement directions of various elements within each frame.
Because we had the time, and our production designer was also a skilled artist, we initially created a rough storyboard to help us conceptualize the video’s structure. Afterward, we crafted a visually appealing storyboard for client approval.
I always point out the importance of creating a storyboard when crowdfunding video production. It allows you to approve all the details with the client before you start shooting and determine what the actors, locations, visual effects in the video should be, etc.
Thanks to a clear storyboard when providing post-production services, time savings and coordinated, consistent work are guaranteed. And, of course, it significantly saves money on product video production. We shoot frame-by-frame without stretching the team’s and actors’ working time.
Gym Filming Session
In the commercial video production for this project, we needed to film in various locations to showcase the headphones being used in different scenarios. To demonstrate their suitability for exercise, we rented gym space in our city.
The gym was entirely at our disposal without any visitors. This allowed us to realize the necessary goals for crowdfunding video production fully. And one of them was to make lights in the frame that matched the color of the Kickstarter ad campaign.
We used lighting equipment to add red and yellow hues. That’s how we got colorful shots in our grocery video. The cameraman, director, lighting technician, makeup artist, and assistant were involved in shooting these shots.
Filming Dance Sequences in the Studio
The opening of our crowdfunding video featured dynamic shots set to music, with actors dancing while wearing the headphones. To achieve this, we chose a studio with a white background. Additionally, we utilized lighting equipment to ensure crisp and well-lit shots. Prior to the shoot, we carefully selected and approved the actors’ wardrobes, ensuring that their clothing adhered to the same color scheme without any overly bright elements.
Chroma Key Studio Shoot
During the crowdfunding video production, we needed to capture a shot of a girl dancing against the backdrop of a night city. For this, we utilized footage of Night City from stock. Our task was to film the dancing girl against a green screen so that, in post-production, we could seamlessly integrate her into the cityscape footage to create a seamless transition.
To achieve this, we set up a green screen in our studio and positioned a spotlight above it, emitting a red light. This arrangement facilitated a smooth and natural synchronization between the footage of our actor and the city background during post-production.
Behind-the-Scenes of Crowdfunding Production
Sometimes, we are asked to showcase product usage in places where we either can’t shoot or it’s exceedingly expensive. That’s when we incorporate VFX 🙂
We spent several days in crowdfunding video production, working in various locations alongside different actors. One memorable scene involved filming an actor on roller skates at a roller rink. Instead of utilizing traditional Dolly for the camera to follow the actor’s movements, our cameraman rode a gyro scooter.
We also shot footage of the actor sitting at his laptop in the cafe and on its premises. The laptop screen was equipped with a chroma key, allowing us to seamlessly transition from the previous shot during the post-production stage and overlay the headphone crowdfunding campaign page on the screen.
Also, we needed a shot of the actor in the subway for the crowdfunding video production. For this, we also used footage and chromakey shooting in our studio. We immediately added the footage to the already purchased footage during filming to see how the frame would look in the final.
Nevertheless, the most challenging task was when the client decided to launch the campaign two weeks earlier than planned. This was due to production delays, and we had no choice but to go all out. Considering that we were simultaneously handling a complex project like Gamma (link), both my team and I were pushed to our limits. I remember having to boost the team’s morale to meet the deadline.
Video Draft Preview
The post-production services include the creation of a rough cut. At this stage, we stitched together all the footage we had filmed and showed sequentially where there would be 3D, animation, photos, etc. Each frame had commentary and descriptions of the actors’ actions. This video version is also needed to approve by the client all the details and proceed to further services post-production.
Producing Headphone Product Video for Another Client
In 2020, my team and I filmed a campaign for ReduxBuds headphones on Kickstarter. We shot the last footage for this video during the global pandemic in the spring of 2020. Even though the world was paralyzed, we filmed and did all the post-production services to get the campaign up and running quickly.
In this project, we also produced a crowdfunding video and developed content for the campaign page on Kickstarter. We filmed in a cafe, office, gym, park, and studio. You can see what we got out of the product video production here.
Photos Production
When crowdfunding video production, a professional photographer always participates in the shooting and takes photos during the shooting process. In addition, the photographer creates photo content for the company page and advertising banners, if necessary.
Good quality photography is just as necessary for product promotion as video. The photographer makes photo content with precise details and composition to show the product at its best and demonstrate its benefits. So if you intend to create a video to promote your product, you need to think about creating photos that are just as good and attention-grabbing.
Final Video
Despite the rather voluminous layer of work on crowdfunding video production, we met all the goals. Many tasks were completed at the post-production stage, such as animation, creation of 3D models, dynamic soundtrack, etc. I think you should see what we got as a result.
The crowdfunding campaign was successful and raised HK$1,216,522 and more than 2K+ backers. I was thrilled to work with this client and would happily work again on video production. You can check out the campaign page, which our team also did entirely.
P.S.
Yes, unfortunately, these are not the highest figures. I believe that the headphone niche is losing its uniqueness and becoming oversaturated. Nonetheless, thanks to effective marketing, the client remained profitable and satisfied with the outcome of the project.
The video created for the campaign received a significant amount of attention from both clients and the videography community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What is the Advantage of Crowdfunding Video?
Crowdfunding videos are a decisive factor in convincing your potential investors. You can make a beautiful description and add many pictures, but this will not influence people’s minds as much as a dynamic and colorful video. With crowdfunding video production, you can tell the audience a story about your project or demonstrate all the product’s essential features, as we did with the Mobi headphone video. This way, you can connect more closely and build trust, making investors more willing to invest in your campaign.
How Long Should a Crowdfunding Video Be?
Is Post-production the Same as Editing?
