How to make great EVENT videos

As you set the stage for your upcoming event, it's crucial to plan video content that captures the spirit of your mission while engaging your donors effectively. These questions will help you dissect key aspects of your video strategy, from understanding your audience's needs to ensuring your content remains impactful across different platforms. Use the questions in this guide to help shape a video strategy that not only informs, but also inspires and mobilizes your attendees.

1.WHO IS YOUR AUDIENCE?

How well do you understand the unique characteristics and preferences of your gala audience? What values, interests, and motivations drive them to support your cause? Before diving into production, take the time to understand your potential donors, and tailor your video content to resonate with them on an emotional level.

2.WHAT TYPES OF CONTENT DO YOU NEED?

Have you considered all the types of video content you might need, from gala highlights to donor testimonials and personal profiles? How can you plan a production schedule to include these varied pieces efficiently? Planning your video content strategy early allows you to fully harness your production resources, reducing costs and ensuring thematic consistency.

3. hOW DO YOU EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR VIDEO CONTENT?

What strategies can you implement in the early planning stages to ensure your videos serve multiple functions post-gala, such as social media snippets or updates for email campaigns? By considering how videos can be repurposed or adapted during the initial planning stages, you ensure that the content created serves multiple functions.

4. hOW DO YOU BEST USE NARRATIVE TO ENGAGE DONORS?

Personal stories and testimonials are not just supporting elements; they are the heart of successful fundraising. Galas can provide that unique magic when donors, supporters, and staff are in one room, celebrating a year’s work. Leveraging narrative in this moment is key to engaging donors. Well-crafted stories transform abstract statistics into relatable, human experiences, enhancing the perceived value of the contributions and encouraging higher donations at your galas.

5. hOW DO YOU SHOWCASE THE IMPACT OF DONOR CONTRIBUTIONS?

In what ways can you use first-person narratives, before-and-after footage, and testimonials to make donations feel more tangible and meaningful to our audience? Transforming data into compelling personal journeys allows donors to witness the impact their contributions make, bridging the gap between abstract numbers and tangible human experiences. This method deepens the connection between donors and the mission, driving home the importance of their support.

6. WHAT IS THE IDEAL LENGTH FOR a GALA VIDEO?

We generally recommend producing videos that are succinct yet powerful, ideally between 3-5 minutes. This timeframe strikes the perfect balance between providing essential information and maintaining viewer engagement, making every moment count. However there are always opportunities for longer marquee films (10 minutes or more) that can play during meals, or as a capstone to the event. As well as short (1 minute or less) sizzle videos that can re-up the energy or help transition between speakers.

7. what calls to action should YOU include?

A call to action isn’t just a request—it’s an opportunity for gala attendees to become a part of your story. Ensure that each video clearly articulates how viewers can contribute, be it through donations, involvement, or spreading the word. Clear and direct calls to action are key to transforming interest into active support.

8. ARE YOU USING FEEDBACK TO REFINE YOUR CONTENT?

Who says you can’t play around a bit? Testing different video approaches lets you see what truly engages your audience. Treat feedback from your gala attendees as invaluable insights that allow you to pause, rewind, and refine your content. It’s a playful yet practical way to ensure your message hits home every time.


Knowing the best practices is one thing, but putting them into action is another. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

We’re Think Out Loud and we know video.

Are you looking for a production company to help ensure your next gala is a success? Think Out Loud brings years of experience and a track record of producing award-winning event videos.

We collaborate with leading organizations across various sectors, ensuring that our expertise aligns with the high standards expected by top-tier institutions.

If you’re looking for a video production team that understands the nuances of crafting exceptional gala content, let us help you make your next event a celebrated success!

Want to talk more about your next event video project?

  • "Think Out Loud was a thoughtful, collaborative, high-quality partner. When we previewed the video at our board meeting, it received a round of applause. It’s going to make a huge impact!"

    Holy Glover, Director of Advancement

  • “Think Out Loud helped New Republic kick-off the 100-year Anniversary Gala with a smart, funny, and moving tribute. They were essential partners, from concept to creation."

    Chris Donovan, Integrated Marketing Director

  • "Think Out Loud brought AFSCME's biennial convention to life with two moving videos. Their professionalism and flexibility shone throughout the project, making them a pleasure to collaborate with."

    Amy Hendrick, Assistant Director of Digital and Video Production

our services

PRODUCTS

  • personal profiles

  • brand videos

  • Animations

  • year in review

  • tributes

  • testimonials

  • Opening/ closing videos

events

  • Anniversary galas

  • Conventions

  • Board Meetings

  • fundraising dinners

  • Opening Receptions

  • festivals

  • Development

    Discovery Call

    Storyboarding

    Style Guides

    Scripting

    Shoot Planning

  • Production

    Quality Interviews

    Cinematic Broll

    Field Producing

    4K Camera Packages

    Studio & Mobile Lighting

  • Editing

    Professional Editing

    Collaborative Reviews

    Animation & Motion Graphics

    Sound Mixing

    Color Correction

  • Goals

    Create emotional connections.

    Move donors.

    Amplify your mission.

    Fuel year-round progress.

    Build Community

Let’s get started

Elevate your next event with powerful visual storytelling that inspires generosity. Schedule a free consultation call today, and let us help you bring your vision to life. Connect with our team now to get started!