The connect phase

Every project kicks off with a connect phase. It’s during this phase that we take the time to learn as much as we can about the project at hand, and yourselves as a business.

We start with an immersion session. We like to treat this meeting as if we’re new starters at your business, learning how you work, why what you do is important and what it is that’s essential to the way you operate. Taking the time to learn what makes your business unique really helps us to ensure the content we produce ticks the right boxes for you. It also helps us to identify opportunities when on set to bulk shoot – this means capturing additional content on the day that can be used for multiple platforms later down the line. 

As well as learning about you, the connect phase is where we discuss creative inspiration. We’ll cover your likes, dislikes and stylistic preferences to help inform how we’ll execute the final content. 

Once we’ve gathered all the necessary information, we’ll then move on to the strategy phase. 

The strategy phase

This is the phase where we start to explore different routes of creative execution. We’ll form ideas and create a clearer picture of what we’re aiming to achieve. 

This is where we’ll also start to work on pre-production. This involves nailing down the requirements for the upcoming shoot. This might involve organising:

• Permits
• Cast and crew
• Equipment
• Scriptwriting
• Shot lists
• Storyboards
• Scheduling
• Location finding
• Number of edits to be produced
• Format for each edit

Where necessary, we’ll create a Gantt chart to maintain full visibility of the tasks at hand, so both ourselves and stakeholders client side can see the video production workflow. 

Many if not all of these tasks can be produced as collaboratively as you see fit. For example, some clients may prefer for us to write a video script for them to sign off, whereas others prefer to fully take on this task. 

Tasks such as completing the storyboard help to create a visual guide of what the finished video will look like scene by scene. It helps to ensure we’ve captured the right narrative, and we’ve featured all the relevant points needed for the final video. 

During pre-production, we may also go on a shoot recce. This allows the team to see the location we’ll be filming it, identifying the right backdrops, determining what equipment we’ll need to take and confirming the timings of the shoot day. 

We’ll also confirm a shoot date during this phase, and work to complete all pre-production tasks to that deadline. 

The filming day

If all pre-production has been completed, all crew and team members should be aware of what’s happening on the filming day, including where they need to be and at what time. Everyone’s roles will have been defined already, meaning the shoot day should run as smoothly as possible. 

Contingency plans will be made for things that can affect the plan, such as illness or the weather, and everything is coordinated by our Producer. 

On the filming day, there’ll be camera ops, potentially drone videography, audio capture and video direction. We’ll also plan to capture behind the scenes content which can be ideal for social media posts. 

Once all content has been captured for the day and the shoot is wrapped, we’ll move on to post production.

The post production phase

During post production, our editor will get to work creating the final edits of our project. Depending on the project, this can be a straightforward edit and colour grade, or it might involve producing several edits, incorporating animation or graphic overlays, working on the sound design and potentially working with a voiceover artist. 

Where the project allows, we may share a rough cut of the edit with our clients for them to check whether the necessary information has been included, or if any other ‘best bits’ need to be swapped in or out. 

Feedback and revisions

The process for feedback and amends will be agreed beforehand, but we’ll always factor in time for at least one round of feedback. During this phase, it helps to collate all feedback from key stakeholders on the client side so it can be implemented in one go. 

Delivery and distribution

Once all parties are happy with the final edits, we’ll share the files ready to be put live on the chosen platforms! This is where the fun really starts, and you can start to measure the performance of your content.

How long does the process take?

This largely depends on the type of project involved. If it’s a simple shoot with minimal moving parts and a simple edit output, we can turn around a project in as little as two to three weeks. Of course, the larger the project, the longer it can take, but the connect phase of our strategy is where we’ll nail down the timeline of a project and agree on the milestones that need to be met at each phase in order to keep things on track. 

Why a clear process matters

Keeping everybody in the loop is essential to make sure the content we produce meets your goals. Taking the time to properly plan and understand a project is key to ensuring the output is effective, and also identifies opportunities to maximise the output and create efficiencies along the way. 

This not only ensures your budget is being spent in the most effective way possible, but helps keep the teams informed so they can enjoy the process of capturing fantastic video content!

If you’d like support in maximising the output of your production budget, get in touch with us today. 

The post Our corporate video production process explained (step-by-step) first appeared on Lester Film Co..

And, that’s not all. 

Our collective work is also shortlisted in the Smiley Charity Film Awards 2026 too!

What’s the campaign about?

The “If I Told You” campaign was created with the intention of raising awareness of epilepsy and the stigma surrounding it. By highlighting the lived experiences of those with the condition, the campaign aims to improve the understanding of it, encouraging more informed conversations. 

Take a look at the full video below:

So what’s next?

Voting is open now for the Smiley Charity Film Awards until 23rd April 2026, and you can vote for our entry here. 

The winners of Prolific North’s Champions Awards 2026 will be announced on Thursday 14th May at an awards ceremony in Manchester – watch this space!

The post “If I Told You” for Epilepsy Action and Magpie – We’re Shortlisted! first appeared on Lester Film Co..

Here we’ll break down the different types of corporate video you might choose, including their benefits, purpose, when to use them and how long they should be, so you can create a detailed content plan as part of your marketing strategy. 

Brand films 

Brand films are a fantastic tool for telling your story. If you’ve got a big history, a big outlook, or you’re trying to create a movement, behaviour change or explain something big and bold, a brand film is an ideal way to do that. 

They’re great for putting faces to your name, and showing the heritage of your company. They are not a tool for necessarily selling products, they’re about building trust with your audience and creating that sense of familiarity that helps build confidence in your brand. 

Brand films tend to be about a minute and a half in length, and can make excellent features on your homepage and social channels. You can also repurpose a lot of the content shot for a brand film by editing the whole film into a series of social shorts. This is ideal if you have several pillars to your brand that you want to focus on. 

If you want to build trust, showcase your brand and reach a wider audience, a brand film is a great place to start. 

Recruitment videos

Recruitment videos are an excellent way to attract the right talent to your business. They can help you to explain a role in a way a traditional job spec might not, with the added benefit of showing your office, premises or current staff in situ that helps to create familiarity with potential candidates. 

“Meeting” an employer through video before meeting in person can really help to boost confidence and likeability. You can showcase your branding, your services or products, and attract talent to your team. 

Customer testimonial videos

These are a fantastic way to showcase your business. We always say that your happy customers are one of your best marketing tools, and creating video testimonials that present that are a great way to show real life examples of your brand in practice. 

A video testimonial with a customer is one of the best ways to build trust with potential new audiences, and they can also be a fantastic way to encourage repeat business or customer loyalty! 

Promotional videos

Promotional videos are a great way to draw more focus on an event, product or service you’re launching or pushing. They can coincide with your marketing activity, with applications in social media and paid social ads, as well as adding value to your product or service descriptions on your website. 

Explainer videos

Explainer videos go a long way in explaining your product or service in a way that still images and descriptions simply can’t. This is especially vital if your service or product has a nuance or technical application that is best shown, rather than told. It allows your audience to “see” your service without having to be there in person. 

Event videos

Documenting an event with video is a brilliant way to not only capture your event, but to promote future events too. Event videography can capture speakers, talking head interviews, vox pops, branding, promotional stands and much more, creating the opportunity to produce an abundance of edits and social snippets to showcase your activity.

Social media videos

Incorporating video into your social media strategy is pretty essential these days. It often achieves higher levels of engagement and the key platforms (Facebook, Instagram and TikTok) all prioritise video content in their algorithms. It’s really important for establishing trust with your audience, and gives a better insight into your brand. 

Social media videos are short, snappy, and are front loaded with their key message. 

How to choose the right type of video for your brand

The right type of video for your brand really depends on your goals, and your budget. It’s worth spending some time figuring out the challenges you need to address before planning your specific content. It might be that a combination of a brand video and explainer content are needed, or perhaps a testimonial video would tick more boxes than you originally thought. Working backwards from the goals you want to achieve is a great place to start. 

If you’re not quite sure or could use a sounding board, drop us a line at Lester Film Co. We always work collaboratively with our clients, immersing ourselves in their operations and business ethos in order to fully understand where their challenges lie. We can work together to map out the best plan of action for your video content project.

Get in touch with us today to find out how your brand can benefit from video marketing. 

The post 7 Types of Corporate Videos Every Business Should Consider first appeared on Lester Film Co..

Prices can vary wildly depending on the level of production value you want to achieve. Some video projects, such as short, snappy social media shorts might be able to be produced in-house, whereas if you’re looking for a legacy video showcasing your brand’s heritage and story, something with a higher production value produced by an agency might be more appropriate.

And of course, if you’re planning on creating a TV campaign, bringing in a specialist production house might be the best bet.

Here we’ll look at the types of costs you can expect when planning your brand’s video production budget, and what kind of output you can expect to achieve for each.

Typical corporate video costs in the UK
As a rough guide, included below are the typical costs you can expect for certain levels of video production:

• For a simple, talking head interview style edit, lasting no more than 1 minute, you’re looking at somewhere between £2,000 and £3,000.
• For a promotional brand video, featuring interviews and b-roll footage, you’d likely need to budget between £5,000 and £10,000.
• And for a large scale video campaign, featuring multiple filming days, edits and locations, you’d likely need upwards of £15,000 minimum.

These are of course very rough guidelines – you can find out more about what affects the overall cost of video production in the next section.

What affects the cost of video production?

The overall scale and detail of your video are generally what affects the cost. The number of days required to film, the location, and how much content you want to produce from the shoot days all have a knock on effect on the budget you’ll need.

Pre-production planning
For the majority of projects, there’ll always be pre-production involved. It’s very rare that a video team can turn up with cameras ready and achieve the desired outcome. Pre-production might involve:
Scriptwriting – particularly if you have a ‘speaker’ or narrator to your edit.
Storyboarding – this is where the video is mapped out scene-by-scene.
Location planning – this might involve booking a location, checking out whether permits are needed, scouting locations and conducting a recce.

Filming requirements
The size of your production and the people involved can also up the cost of your video project. Filming requirements might include:
The number of filming days
The size of the crew involved
The equipment needed and if any specialist equipment is required

Post production
Post production can sometimes come in at a higher cost than the filming days themselves, depending on the project. There are a few factors which can affect the post production process, such as:
Whether you require animation or graphics
The number of edits and formats your require

How to budget for corporate video

The first thing to do when planning for your video production is to decide what you want to achieve with your video production. Knowing what your goals are can really help to determine what type of content is the best fit for your brand.

For example, do you need to explain a complex process? Maybe animation would be necessary here. Do you want to showcase the benefits of your services? A testimonial case study video from one of your customers might be the better option to do this.

Once you’ve nailed down your goals, you can start to map out how many edits you need, and what type of features they need to possess.

It’s important to allow for flexibility here, and the ability to change tact if you need to, so it’s a good idea to explore all the creative options early on in the process.

How to get the most value from your video

We always encourage our clients to bulk shoot their video content. It takes a lot longer than you think to set up a scene for filming, so it makes sense to film as much content as you can while you’re there. You can film multiple videos in one day, or plan to focus on a wider range of products that just one or two while you’re in the filming space. It’s also worth thinking about whether the content you’re producing would be ideal to repurpose for different platforms, and therefore planning in any particular shots that would help to maximise the output.

Don’t forget the BTS
Behind the scenes footage is always super helpful to capture on the day. Whether it’s an additional social media post or something you can share internally, it’s always a good idea to document the create process for future use.

Is corporate video worth the investment?
In short, yes!

Corporate video is certainly worth the investment. If you use it correctly, a well-planned, maximised content shoot can keep your chosen channel running well for a while. It’s important to decide what you want to measure before you start so you can accurately document the success, is it the number of views, interactions, shares or conversions?

Corporate video production can help to increase engagement with your audience, create overall better brand perception and help to remove potential barriers to entry for your customers by succinctly answering frequently asked questions.

Corporate videos can also be really helpful for recruitment too, especially if they feature your team or premises, helping potential candidates to get a better picture of your operation.

How much does corporate video cost in Leeds?

The Leeds video production market is certainly booming right now, with tonnes of creative talent in the city. In terms of how much a corporate video would cost in Leeds? It really does depend on what you’re looking for. The best thing to do is to have conversations with video production teams and find out the exact cost you’ll need to bear in mind for your production.

Get a tailored quote
Every project is different, with different features, needs and goals – get in touch with us today to start a conversation about your goals.

At Lester Film Co. we like to provide as much as possible for our clients and their budgets. Costs are always an open conversation, so drop us a line for a transparent, no pressure chat about how we can help you.

The post How Much Does Corporate Video Production Cost In The UK? (2026 Guide) first appeared on Lester Film Co..

In today’s digital age, the rise of social media has transformed the way businesses interact with their audience. Among the various forms of content, video has emerged as a dominant force. It captivates users’ attention and drives engagement like never before. Harnessing the power of social media video production can be a game-changer for businesses seeking to grow.

The Benefits of Social Media Video Production

1. Increased Engagement and Visibility

Videos possess a unique ability to captivate audiences. This results in higher engagement rates on social media platforms compared to other content formats. The average user scrolls through thousands of posts each day. A well-crafted video makes your brand stand out and grabs the attention of your target audience.

2. Improved Brand Building and Storytelling

Through video, businesses can showcase their personality, values, and culture, fostering deeper connections with their audience. Effective storytelling in videos allows brands to convey their message in a compelling and memorable way, strengthening brand identity and loyalty.

3. Higher Conversion Rates

Integrating video into your social media strategy can lead to improved conversion rates, whether it’s driving sales, encouraging sign-ups, or prompting other desired actions. The dynamic nature of video content can significantly influence purchasing decisions and drive users to take the next step.

4. Content Versatility and Repurposing

Social media videos offer versatility, allowing businesses to repurpose them across various platforms and marketing channels. A single video shoot can yield multiple pieces of content, maximizing its impact and reach while minimizing production costs.

5. Leveraging Influencer and User-Generated Content

Collaborating with influencers or encouraging user-generated video content can extend your brand’s reach and credibility. By tapping into existing communities and trusted voices, businesses can enhance their visibility and foster authentic connections with their audience.

Tips for Successful Social Media Video Production

• Hire experienced video production professionals to handle the planning, filming, and post-production processes.
• Tailor your video content to suit the specific requirements and formats of each social media platform.
• Incorporate storytelling, personality, and relatable content to engage and resonate with your audience.

Conclusion

Incorporating social media video production into your business strategy offers a myriad of benefits, from increased engagement and brand building to higher conversion rates and content versatility. By leveraging the expertise of Lester Film Co., businesses can unlock the full potential of video content and elevate their online presence in today’s competitive digital landscape. Start harnessing the power of social media video production and watch your business thrive in the digital realm.

The post How Is Social Media Video Production Useful For Your Business first appeared on Lester Film Co..

Let’s delve into some of the key tips and techniques we find useful when creating compelling product videos.

How to Do Product Videography

1. Determine Your Video’s Purpose

Before diving into the world of product videography, it’s crucial to define the purpose of your video. Are you aiming to showcase specific features, demonstrate product usage, or build brand awareness? By identifying your objectives upfront, you can:

• tailor your video content
• apply a consistent style
• make sure it resonates with your target audience
• achieve your desired outcomes

2. Plan Your Video Shoot

A successful product video begins with careful planning. (What chefs call mise-en-place)

• Gather all the necessary equipment, including your camera, lighting, tripod, and any props or accessories
• Choose a suitable shooting location and set up the scene to create an inviting backdrop for your product
• Consider creating a storyboard or shot list to ensure a smooth and efficient filming process.

3. Capture High-Quality Footage

The key to captivating product videography lies in capturing high-quality footage. Utilise proper lighting techniques to accentuate your product’s features and create appealing shots. Experiment with different camera angles and perspectives. Showcase your product from various viewpoints, allowing viewers to appreciate its full potential. Pay attention to the small details such as:

• product positioning
• background
• overall composition of the shot.

4. Edit and Refine Your Video

Once you’ve captured your footage, it’s time to bring it to life through editing. Import your clips into a video editing software and trim and sequence them to craft a cohesive narrative. Enhance the viewing experience by adding visual elements such as text, graphics, and transitions. Make sure these add something to the video and don’t distract from the story you are telling.

Aim to create a polished final product with a clear message that resonates with your audience.

5. Optimise for Social Media

In today’s social media-driven world, it’s essential your product videos suit each platform. Adapt your content and format to align with platform-specific best practices and user preferences. Incorporate captions, subtitles, and other accessibility features to make your video inclusive for all viewers. Additionally, optimise your video for mobile viewing to cater to users browsing on smaller screens.

How Long Should a Product Video Be?

The ideal length of a product video depends on various factors, including the platform you’re using and the preferences of your target audience.

As a general guide:

Social media & YouTube Shorts:

• Aim for videos between 30-60 seconds to capture viewers’ attention

YouTube and website:

• Opt for slightly longer videos, ranging from 1-2 minutes
• Provide more detailed information about your product.

Longer-form content:

• For product demos or tutorials, consider creating videos lasting 3-5 minutes
• Thoroughly showcase your product’s features and functionalities.

When determining the length of your product video, consider factors such as your audience’s attention span, the complexity of your product.

To keep your videos concise and engaging:

• Focus on highlighting the most essential features and benefits of your product.
• Use a clear, structured narrative to guide viewers through the video.
• Incorporate visuals and animations to convey information efficiently and effectively.
• Encourage viewers to take action, such as visiting your website or making a purchase, at the end of the video.

Conclusion

Product videography is a powerful tool for businesses looking to showcase their products and drive growth. By following these tips and techniques, you can create compelling product videos that resonate with your audience and elevate your brand’s online presence.

Explore how Lester Film Co., listed among the top Video Production Companies in Leeds by DesignRush, can assist you with your product videography needs, and embark on your journey to mastering the art of visual storytelling.

The post Tips and Techniques For Killer Product Videography first appeared on Lester Film Co..

Here are some essential tips for crafting compelling social media videos:

Maximise Engagement and Visibility:

1. Grab viewers’ attention within the first few seconds using captivating visuals, bold statements, or intriguing questions.
2. Ensure your videos are user-friendly by incorporating clear visuals, readable text, alternative text, and subtitles/captions.
3. Experiment with different video lengths to discover the optimal duration for your audience’s engagement.

Emphasise Storytelling and Brand Identity:

4. Infuse your videos with storytelling elements, personality, and relatable content to captivate your audience.
5. Showcase your brand’s values through videos to establish deeper connections with your viewers.
6. Extend your reach and build trust by incorporating user-generated or influencer content into your videos.

Prioritise Production Quality:

7. Invest in top-notch equipment such as cameras, microphones, and lighting to ensure high production standards.
8. Entrust experienced video production professionals with planning, filming, and post-production tasks.
9. Tailor your videos to suit the specific requirements of each social media platform you’re utilising.

Optimise for Repurposing and Promotion:

10. Plan strategies for promoting your videos after publishing and repurpose them across various platforms for maximum exposure.
11. Leverage a single video shoot to create multiple pieces of content, maximising efficiency and reach.

Analyse and Iterate:

12. Monitor key video metrics such as views, engagement, and conversions to gauge performance.
13. Utilise analytics to identify successful strategies and areas for improvement, enabling refinement of future videos.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can produce social media videos that effectively engage your audience, align with your business objectives, and yield meaningful results.

The post Social Media Video Production: 13 Essential Tips for Engaging Your Audience first appeared on Lester Film Co..