We’ve all heard the term ‘corporate video’ being thrown around like a derogatory slur. It immediately evokes feelings of stale, emotionless dialogue backed by that sort of plucky, upbeat music we all cringe at.
So, with that out of the way, let’s make sure we never go there… deal?
With easier access to great video teams, more defined brand identities, and influence from the content of culture defining brands, we’re seeing more and more elevated corporate video work. So below, we’ve created our guide to corporate video production, from the very basics, through to defining a visual style and nailing it. Nothing excites us more than creating work that gets liked, shared and above all else, boosts your business. In simple terms, your success is our success.
So let’s start!
1. Establish the ‘Why’ Behind Your Brand Video Production
Are you training a new team, launching a game-changing product, or telling a heartfelt company story? Whatever your goal is, this question is the foundation of any effective video, so it must be clearly defined from the start.
We have a saying here: “Make me care.”
Assume your audience is ready to skip—and give them a reason not to. When you stay focused on the why, every other part of the video like the visuals, script, pacing, and tone, exists to support that purpose.
2. Target the Right People
Knowing who you’re talking to is everything. If the video is aimed at new customers, keep it polished, benefit-driven, and visually engaging – after all, it’s still a reflection of your brand language and brand values. If it’s for internal training, a more direct and informative tone may work better.
Understanding your audience also helps you choose the right platforms, whether that’s YouTube, LinkedIn, internal portals, or somewhere else entirely.
Pro tip: If your video includes interviews, check out our guide on How to Get the Best Interview Answers for Corporate Video Production post.
3. Ace Your Pre-Production
Skipping pre-production is like running a marathon without stretching… not ideal.
This phase is where your video starts to take shape, and it’s crucial for staying on track (and on budget). Focus on a few key areas:
- Scriptwriting and storyboarding – Map out your story arc, key messages, and visual direction.
- Scheduling and location scouting – Know exactly where and when you’ll film to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Gear and crew planning – Decide whether to use your in-house team or bring in the pros, and make sure everyone’s ready.
Put in the legwork early, and you’ll save time, money, and a lot of stress once you’re on set.
4. Keep It Short and Punchy
These days, time is precious. A corporate video that rambles risks losing its audience fast. Therefore, aim to keep things tight, engaging, and laser-focused on your message.
If necessary, break your content into bite-sized chapters in a short video series vs a long, slow edit. After all, a little suspense can go a long way in keeping viewers hooked.
5. Prioritise High-Quality Production
Your video reflects your brand, so quality matters. Would you trust someone in flip flops over a suit? Perhaps if they were selling beach towels, but not much else.
So, wear the suit. That means clear audio, good lighting, and professional editing aren’t optional, they’re essential. If your budget allows, hiring an experienced production team can dramatically elevate the end product, the engagement and the result.
6. End with a Compelling Call to Action
Once your story lands, don’t leave your viewers wondering what to do next. Instead, wrap up with a strong, clear call to action whether it’s “Visit our website,” “Book a demo,” or “Share this with your team.” In short, your CTA is where viewers shift from passive watchers to active participants.
7. Stay On-Brand
Your video might include actors, animation, or a quirky voiceover but it still needs to feel unmistakably “you.” As such, stick with your existing brand elements: logo, tone, colour palette, and style.
Consistency across all your marketing materials helps build trust and polish your professional image.
8. Need a VO? Nail the Right Voice
The right voiceover can do wonders. Whether you need a male vs female, a particular accent, or something else entirely, a VO can make or break all the work that’s come before it. So A/B test here with a few different options.
A confident, clear delivery brings credibility and keeps attention. That said, if you’re on a tighter budget, AI voice tools like ElevenLabs can work surprisingly well, especially for internal comms or fast-turnaround content. Or cheaper marketplace-style alternatives like Voices.com can also provide similar results with real people.
(Want better interviews? Check out our Crafting Effective Interview Questions for Corporate Video Production guide.)
9. Polish It in Post-Production
Editing is where it all comes together and some furhter experimentation can happen.
Key tasks include trimming footage and refining pacing, adding music, sound effects, and onscreen text, and incorporating graphics and transitions that align with your brand. As you review the edit, ask yourself: Does this flow? Is there clarity in every scene? Are we holding the viewer’s attention?
The more clear and concise your feedback here, the stronger and more efficient the overall process and result will be
10. Plan the Launch of Your Corporate Video
Finally, don’t let your masterpiece gather digital dust. Instead, build a smart distribution strategy. Choose platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, your website, or email campaigns, whatever aligns with your audience. Moreover, consider exporting multiple versions tailored to each platform’s specs. That way, your video reaches the right people, in the right place, at the right time.
Ready to Roll the Cameras on Your Next Corporate Video Production?
To sum up, corporate video production isn’t just about capturing great visuals. It’s about strategy, clarity, and knowing how to deliver your message with impact. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by storyboards, scripts, or equipment don’t stress. That’s where Story Machine comes in. We specialise in crafting high-impact corporate videos that look incredible and align with your brand goals from day one.
Need help bringing your video to life? Drop us a line at Story Machine. We can’t wait to help you tell your brand’s story in a way that resonates, inspires, and most importantly gets results.
