Studio Blog
2009 in Review - My Favorite Demand Studios Video
Posted by Jay | December 16, 2009 | Leave a comment
I had never heard of Airsoft until I started seeing the word show up as a trending topic on YouTube earlier this year. With a little research I quickly learned that this paintball-like sport, wherein players engage in tactical simulations with replica firearms capable of shooting 6mm plastic BBs at 500 feet per second (!), has a massively engaged online community centered on swapping videos of their matches. One thing I have learned over my tenure at Demand Studios is that when you are dealing with a subject that people have this much passion for, credibility and authenticity play a very important role in the success of your content. For these reasons, I’m choosing a video from a series on Airsoft Guns as my top pick of 2009.
Who Shot It: Michael Burton
What I Like About It:
We talk a lot about the “Wow” shot – that opening shot that draws viewers in and hooks them for the remainder of the video. This video delivers one of the best of the year, with a one-two punch of well executed hand-held shots of our expert in full tactical gear making his way through the woods. Not only does this make for a visually stunning into to the video, but it also helps establish the expert’s credibility with the audience. Now he is not only a talking head, but a fellow enthusiast – something viewers responded too, earning this video over 210 comments and a stunning 143, 4 ½ star ratings.
How You Can Copy It:
Know your audience. For titles that require opening b-roll, take a few minutes to research your audience and attempt to give them what they want. For a surfing video, showing your expert riding the waves in your opening is a great way to both establish credibility and give the audience some cool footage to watch.
Shoot more b-roll than you think you will need: You can never have too much b-roll. Even if you just plan on using a few shots at the beginning, shooting more b-roll than you anticipate using will give you the flexibility to cut together a dynamic intro segment.
Work your way up to the right expert. In large enthusiast communities like the Airsoft one, finding someone with authority and experience is key. If you are having trouble finding that person, reach out to the hobbyist communities and ask them who the local experts are. Being closer to their specific community will allow them to have the knowledge of who the real authorities are and who they would want representing their community on camera.
