Welcome to “Reel Talk: Laughing Through Lenses,” a quirky exploration of the corporate and commercial video production world. While the phrase “corporate video” might make some cringe, imagining dull training videos or monotonous presentations, I’m here to tell you that corporate video production can be far from boring. In fact, it can be downright hilarious.
Let’s start with the basics: why add humor to corporate videos? Well, the power of laughter is universal. It breaks the ice, builds connections, and makes content more engaging and memorable. Imagine watching a product demo or a company introduction video that genuinely makes you chuckle. Not only does it grab your attention, but it also improves message retention and viewer engagement.
1. The Case for Corporate Comedy:
Think of corporate video as serving a buffet of information. A sprinkle of humor can be the special sauce that turns viewers into lifelong fans. For instance, instead of an HR training video that inspires clock-watching, why not create a quirky skit that pokes fun at common office missteps? By addressing serious topics with levity, you encourage learning without sacrificing entertainment value.
2. Behind the Scenes: Crafting Comedy on Set
Bringing humor into video production requires careful planning. Scriptwriting becomes a balancing act of delivering the message while weaving in wit. The key is in the timing, delivery, and context of the humor—that finely balanced act of being funny yet professional.
Finding the right talent is crucial. Corporate actors must have both comedic timing and the ability to communicate your brand’s message effectively. Maybe it’s an executive with a hidden comedic talent or a charismatic employee who lights up the screen, sometimes the talent is right in front of your camera.
3. Post-Production Punchlines:
The editing suite is where the comedic magic truly happens. The timing of a cut, the perfect use of bloopers, and sound effects can elevate a decent joke to side-splitting comedy. Editors are the maestros who make humor harmonize within the final product.
4. Successful Corporate Comedy Examples:
Look at brands like Dollar Shave Club or Old Spice, whose humorous videos became viral sensations overnight. They knew their identity, understood their audience, and seamlessly merged humor with marketing. While you might not be riding a horse bare-chested in your corporate video, channeling a fraction of that creativity can set your content apart.
5. Risks and Rewards:
Injecting humor into corporate content involves risk, but with great risk comes the potential for great reward. Misjudged humor can fall flat or offend, so always test your content with a diverse audience before releasing it into the world. But when it hits the mark, it can humanize your brand, forging stronger connections with your audience.
In conclusion, the art of adding humor to corporate video production is about embracing imperfections, sharing the smiles, and ensuring the audience leaves with more than facts—they leave with a feeling. So next time you’re tasked with creating a corporate video, remember: a little laughter goes a long way. Reel Talk, anyone?