Many people fear that the commercial production process will prove incredibly stressful. They worry that they will feel overwhelmed, pressed for time, or rushed to make decisions. In reality, however, the commercial production process does not have to be a fearful experience. Consider how you can make the most of your commercial while reducing stress at the same time with these helpful tips.
1. Have clear expectations.
Before you start producing the commercial, have clear expectations for the process. Work closely with a media partner to develop a better understanding of what the production process will entail. By having this laid out for you ahead of time, you can significantly decrease your stress and get a better idea of what to expect at each stage of the process, including what your timeline will ultimately look like.
2. Know what you want the outcome to look like.
There are two key things you need to know about the outcome you want from your commercial. First, you need to know what you want to accomplish. Who do you want to reach? What does your target audience look like? What do you want the results of your commercial to be? Are you aiming to create a brand awareness campaign? To craft a campaign that will interest consumers in specific products you have to offer?
Next, have an idea of what you want your commercial to look like. What do you picture when you see the finished product in your mind's eye? The better the understanding you have of what you want from your commercial, the better you can explain what you're looking for, including what you expect from the finished product.
3. Analyze what separates your business from the competition.
There's something about your business that makes you stand out. Focus on that and show consumers why they should want to use your business for their needs, not the competition! Before you start producing your commercial, make sure you have a solid idea of exactly what that is and how it has the potential to impact your advertising campaign.
4. Determine what your timeline looks like.
How long do you have to produce your commercial? When do you want it to start airing? Carefully consider your timeline as you plan the production process since your timeline can have a substantial impact on your stress levels during production.
5. Utilize the assets you already have.
As you create your commercial, start with the assets you have available. This could mean anything from standing in front of the camera yourself or using creative you already have as you create your commercial. By utilizing existing assets, you can often significantly cut down on the expense and stress associated with producing your ad.
6. Plan for the social distancing measures currently in place.
As we shoot commercials in today's world, we, like other providers, must keep social distancing measures in place. That may mean that you place your own microphone. Masks may be in use on the set for anyone not currently in front of the camera. When possible, team members will keep their distance from others around them. Prepare ahead of time for this changing environment as you shoot your commercial.
7. Recognize that you don't have to be on camera.
If the idea of being on camera stresses you out, you can breathe a sigh of relief: you don't have to be! You can create an effective, high-quality commercial without the need to appear on-screen yourself. If you do not want to be on camera, share that with your media partner ahead of time so they can help you make plans accordingly.
8. Work with an experienced media partner.
Working with a media partner can make a big difference in the commercial production process. Not only do you get access to an experienced team that will help deepen your understanding of your target audience and their needs, but you can also use your media partner's guidance in every step of the production process. That includes designing and shooting creative commercials that will appeal to your target audience. For many business owners, simply working with a media partner can substantially reduce stress as they manage the commercial.
Creating a commercial does not have to be a stressful process. By setting out your expectations clearly ahead of time, you can improve your ability to make it through commercial production without increasing your stress levels. Working with a media partner will also give you a better idea of what to expect, a clearer timeline, and more information about how to create a stunning commercial without feeling overwhelmed.
