Welcome to the Weekly Video Round-Up!

Every week we take a look at how companies are using video to communicate with customers, employees and investors.

Calgary Herald TV

A recent comScore report stated that over the last 12 months, videos published online by newspapers were watched over 720 million times. The same report states that the newspaper industry had over 14,561,000 unique video viewers online, and averaged 952,000 daily unique viewers, with the average newspaper viewer watching 3.9 videos online. As the numbers show, video has made a significant impact on the way the newspaper industry is delivering stories, and how readers choose to access the news. While stories are still largely delivered in print, papers have recognized that changing technologies have also changed the way people prefer to access information, and have expanded their delivery methods to online and video content to better serve their audience and avoid extinction.

The Calgary Herald recently added a video section to their website, that is organized similar to their sections in the paper, each containing video of news stories that are featured on the site and in print. With the addition of this video section, the Herald is able to add visual and audio components to their stories, creating a greater connection to the story and enhanced experience for the reader. Not to mention, watching a clip on the story can be much faster than reading it, which is an important thing as people tend to move quickly online and lose focus after a short amount of time. Even in a time where print newspapers are declining, the Herald manages to maintain readership by offering different mediums to get information, and accommodate the needs and preferences of their audience.

Lurpack Butter

Lurpack Butter was actually able to successfully market themselves to the generally health-conscious masses with this ad by associating their ‘lightest’ butter with healthier meals. The fun close-ups and colorful scenes are both aesthetically pleasing and mouth-watering.

Nike Kobe System

Poking fun at motivational speaking, Kobe Bryant speaks to a crowd of A-listers at the top of their game and urges them to ‘go over the top’. The formula seems simple enough, buy the shoes and you’re on the way to success. You can thank Kobe later.

Family Guy- Wheat Thins

In this spot, Wheat Thins is trying to appeal to the younger generation by enlisting the help of Brian and Stewie from Family Guy. Using the TV shows trademark of repetition, they managed to create a script entirely out of the brand’s name.

Welcome to the Weekly Video Round-Up!

Every week we provide a look at how companies are using video to communicate effectively with customers, employees and investors.

VIDEO PROFILE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

The Big Reveal

Encana created this video as an introduction to their new and improved website. Wanting to stay away from the more reserved ‘talking head’ approach, Encana envisioned something a little more fun, that would reflect the dynamic and engaging layout of the website. The video is a unique approach to a website reveal, using real Encana employees and community members to describe the new features and the functions of the site. To build the hype, Encana released a short trailer weeks before to promote the launch, with the tagline ‘ Redesigned with you in mind.’ Encana was effectively able to promote their new website and had some fun in the process while giving viewers a glimpse of their personality and the culture of the organization.

SUCCESSFUL VIDEOS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Santa’s Assistant

Ever wonder how Santa is able to deliver all those presents in one night? Well, now we know. He uses the Siri assistant on his iPhone. With 3.7 billion appointments, there’s no wonder he needs an assistant.

Luck is an Attitude

The Martini brand released this ad which teaches the lesson that luck does not happen by chance, but is seized instead. When all else fails, a little liquid courage may make things easier.

Snow Woes

By showing a compilation of winter driving fails, TomTom is able to hammer home the point of safe driving and careful planning needed in winter driving conditions.

Welcome to the Weekly Video Round-Up!

Every week we provide a look at how companies are using video to communicate effectively with customers, employees and investors.

VIDEO PROFILE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Vacation Videos

It’s been reported that roughly 85% of travelers consider the internet their main source of travel planning, and nearly 68% of travelers watch travel-related videos before choosing a destination. Since most consumers go online to plan their vacations, WestJet wanted to accommodate their needs by creating a series of destination videos, specifically related to the vacation packages the airline offers. With each video is a new WestJet destination, where a host guides viewers through the local hot spots and attractions, giving them a glimpse of what each place has to offer. Conveniently located on their YouTube page, WestJet eliminates the need to refer to multiple sites for additional information. This is a great way to show travelers what they can expect during a holiday, or, if they aren’t already sold on the idea, reasons why they should visit. WestJet already has the reputation of providing excellent flight services, but these videos firmly establish the airline as vacation experts as well.

SUCCESSFUL VIDEOS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Walmart – Yodeling Cat

This video has no real purpose but to entertain. And entertain it does. Walmart was smart in keeping branding to a minimum, so as not to distract from the ‘talent.’

Hyundai Christmas Commercials

Hyundai has embraced online video with their latest commercials, by placing various viral video stars in the ads. We like the approach, although for the individuals who don’t find themselves up-to-date on the latest viral sensations it may miss the mark.

Will Ferrell – Old Milwaukee

Will Ferrell filmed a few ads for Old Milwaukee. In this spot we find him in the exotic location of Davenport, Iowa. Whatever the reason for these commercials, the result is still hilarious. Who better to sell your beer than Frank the Tank?

Welcome to the Weekly Video Round-Up!

Every week we provide a look at how companies are using video to communicate more effectively with customers, employees and investors.

VIDEO PROFILE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Internal Videos Go External

As part of their ongoing workplace safety efforts, Encana recently produced a training video focused on safe driving. The video was created to facilitate conversation amongst workers and create awareness of safe practices for driving work vehicles. What Encana did differently however, is post the video publicly on their YouTube channel, as opposed to posting it on an internal website. Not only did this make it easier for employees to access the video, but from a Public Relations standpoint it shows that Encana is a safety conscious organization, constantly making efforts to train employees properly and provide resources to prevent accidents from happening further.

SUCCESSFUL VIDEOS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Heineken Beer Friender

Heineken is relying completely on social media for their latest Christmas campaign, and integrated with video into their strategy to market their idea and spread the word. This is one of the more clever social media campaigns we’ve seen, although it may be easier to just buy it yourself.

Kittywood Studios

This clever video was launched with the intent to mock the agency and production world with the launch of Kittywood Studios. The video quickly went viral, boosting the producer’s image in the process.

Great Films Fill Rooms

Sony created a series of videos to promote the new Playstation Video Store. Each video was created with the intent to show a virtual world. Shot in real time, one take, no editing or post-production. The effects really are unbelievable!

Welcome to the Weekly Video Round-Up!

Every week we provide a look at how companies are using video to communicate more effectively with customers, employees and investors.

VIDEO PROFILE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Content Marketing

Research has shown that prior to making a purchase, many consumers go online for information on products before even stepping foot in a store. It’s not longer necessary to physically go from store to store, comparing stock and prices, it’s all available at our finger tips. To differentiate themselves from their competition, many companies are taking advantage of Content Marketing, a strategy that focuses on delivering relevant and useful information to customers as opposed to competing on price or even quality.

Sport Chek created a series of online tips on various sports and activities with the intent to educate consumers and enable them to evaluate their equipment options as they would in the store. Each video has a host detailing how the sport is played and gives suggestions on what equipment is needed based on technique and style. The Chek Advice series can be found on their website as well as their YouTube channel, giving consumers all the information they need to make the right purchase, without having to leave the house. Not only do these videos provide additional advertising for their products, but it also establishes the chain as experts in their industry and a valuable source of information for their customers.

SUCCESSFUL VIDEOS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

World of Warcraft

This ad appropriately targets the gaming community with one of the biggest internet icons out there; Chuck Norris. Chalk full of ‘Norrisisms’ it’s an instant hit with just over 7 million views in two weeks.

Fiat 500 Abarth

Fiat didn’t stray far from traditional advertising techniques with this one. Add a beautiful woman and suggestive imagery and you instantly get everyone’s attention, but it’s the unexpected ending that makes it memorable.

Old Spice Motorcycle

Another Old Spice commercial! We feel the brand’s description sums it up best: ‘Turning embarrassingly normal guys into face model champions who smell like adventure and fine cutlery’.