If you’re a seasoned start-up veteran, then you know how important it is to get backing for your project. Unless you’ve got stores and stores of cash just tucked away somewhere to fund every entrepreneurial project you have, having additional financial backing can’t hurt at all.
This is what Kickstarter videos are for. Kickstarter videos basically tell your story. They are made in such a way that they tug at the emotional, intellectual, and purely human side of the listeners, compelling them to listen to your business venture. They can be a bit tricky to produce but, when done right, the results are totally worth it.
- WHO ARE YOU
Start with the basics; introduce yourself, introduce your team, introduce your brand. What are you all about? What do you plan to make – and why? What experience do you have in that field? Do you have a working prototype or a blueprint?
Regarding the last question, you should probably have at least a scale model or draft of what you want to produce. Having a physical, tangible object can excite people watching your video more than a vague concept can. We’re a very visual race and we rely heavily on our eyes to process information. It can also make potential backers feel safer about sinking money into this project if they know it can actually be done.
- K.I.S.S
Keep It Simple, Stupid – and we mean that in the nicest possible way. Kickstarter video production doesn’t have to be costly, but it can be when you rack up the minutes. Most Kickstarter videos are roughly two to three minutes long at most, and they’re usually fast-paced enough to keep the viewer engaged. Remember how we now have an attention span of seven or eight seconds, and we consider 140 characters or less informative enough to click on.
If your video hits the five-minute mark, you might want to consider trimming some stuff out. Just remember the miniskirt theory; long enough to cover the important bits, short enough to keep things interesting.
- INFORM AND ENTERTAIN
The great thing about Kickstarter video production is that it’s usually really fun to shoot and produce. David Petrillo from Coffee Joulies managed a three-minute video that had a lot of shots of him and his co-creator Dave (yep, same name) just fooling around. It’s the raw emotion that can convince people you’re genuine and definitely worth a shot.
At the same time, remember that you’re not performing for a crowd. You’re there to inform them. Give them the facts that will convince them that your business is worth it. This way, you appeal to both the emotionally driven and logical thinkers in the group.
- FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERYTHING
They really are. First impressions can make or break your video. You have ten to fifteen seconds to convince the viewer that your video is worth watching, and then rest of the minute or so to put your best foot forward and really sell your idea. Pick a theme and stick to it while still keeping in mind that this is business. Even if your tone is very casual and conversational, avoid the flip-flops, ratty board shorts, and messy hair. Do your best to look presentable, and not like you just rolled out of bed and into the shoot. If you’re going for a more formal video, dress like it. Invest in a pantsuit or a smart vest and tie.
For example, Emberlight’s Kickstarter video was going for casually classy, and so the main model was dressed in crisp pants and a clean, white button front shirt. The overall look was simply stylish and definitely effective.
