We were delighted at VideoWorks to work with UCD on creating a video about ESIPP, Energy System Integration Partnership Programme. In our video, we explore ESIPP’s progress towards decarbonisation of our energy systems. In this article, we’ll be exploring how to create an environmental video.
Why not view the finished results of our collaboration here:
Here are aspects to consider when creating a video about fighting climate change.
1. Define your audience
With ESIPP, we needed to focus on viewers who would be interested in collaborating, on some level, with the programme. The video is structured so that it’s easy to understand and covers the key aspects of what the programme aims to achieve. Our target audience has knowledge of energy systems, so having peers speak about their own work within the project was crucial.
2. Establish goals
Climate action needs to be just that. If the video focuses on the problems without offering solutions, the content will fail to inspire a response. Instead, ask your team what they want viewers to think, feel or respond to watching a video.
See then if you can reduce it down to three main goals.
- Viewers to find out more about the programme
- Showcase the positive impact of ESSIP
- HIghlight the multi-disciplinary approach and cross-collaboration with research organisations
Once we have these in mind, it’s our job at VideoWorks to create intrigue. We use storytelling, lighting, sound and music to create an inspirational video that encourages viewers to research more into the programme.
3. Casting
We didn’t need to cast for this video. Instead, we had the opportunity to feature experts in their field discuss the programme. To increase the average watch time, we included five speakers across various areas of expertise. Not only did this showcase the breadth and depth of research conducted within ESIPP but it provided a far better chance for potential members of the programme to notice the presence of their specialisation or area of interest. Without a doubt, it’s important to feature people how are excited about the topic of climate change prevention.
4. Outline the problem
At the beginning of this video, we explored some key facts about CO2 produced by human activities, especially in the burning of fossil fuels. We used panning videos to create drama and interest onscreen, and clear, simple fonts to get across the key points. It’s best not to overload viewers with text. The sprawling text might have worked for Star Wars opening crawl but it’s best to efficiently get your key points across.
5. Showcase impact
On the other side of the previous point, we also created a vision with UCD to highlight how ESIPP is a catalyst for change. With this, we focused on how ESIPP is working towards the decarbonisation of energy systems. We took shots in their labs, so viewers got a sense of the technologies these researchers have access to as they create a positive impact on the environment.
6. A strong finish
Leave your viewers with a lasting impression— you’ve got to give them a CTA.
Professor Andrew Kane, ESIPP Lead PI and Director of UCD Energy Institute, finishes the video with “[ESIPP] provides a great platform towards future success to build on what we’ve achieved. Particularly, in progress towards the achievement of a net-zero carbon energy system”.
The final line evokes progress, hope and innovation.
After that, the logos of the organisations involved appear.
Discover what your closing scene will look like. What do you want viewers to leave with, knowing that the average person watches five hours of videos per day, according to Broadcast watchdog Ofcom. Making a video might not sound too complicated, but creating one that rises above the noise requires creative storytelling, regardless of your industry.
Looking to create a video?
If your organisation needs high-quality and compelling videos, you can get in touch with us at VideoWorks Dublin.
Our sister companies, VideoWorks Belfast and VideoWorks London, are also available to help with your next production.