Video Production Companies in Johannesburg: Talent Dilemma
Your company is in need of a marketing video for your brand, and you’ve decided to use company employees as the talent. After all, it’s the people that make the company. As the camera starts rolling, you can see the nervous fidgeting of your employee, the light sweat drops that have suddenly appeared on their forehead, and the nervous stutter that accompanies their words. What you hoped would be an authentic and natural performance has quickly turned into a nervous wreck. This is the very dilemma many companies face when deciding between featuring their own employees or hiring professional talent. The decision between authenticity and polished performance can be tough. Should you rely on the real, unfiltered voices of your team, or is it better to hire seasoned actors who know how to perform under pressure? This article explores both options, weighing the benefits and challenges of each, and offering advice to help you make the right choice for your video production. With the help of video production companies in Johannesburg, you can weigh these options carefully and determine which approach is best suited for your next project.
Benefits of Featuring Employees in Corporate Videos
Authenticity and Credibility
The first and perhaps most compelling reason to feature employees in your videos is authenticity. Employees bring a level of honesty and credibility that cannot be mimicked by professional actors. When employees share their experiences, discuss company values, or talk about the products and services they believe in, the message resonates as being real. People can often tell when something is scripted or rehearsed, and real stories told by real people are more likely to build trust with your audience.
Cost-Effectiveness
Another advantage of using employees is cost. Hiring professional actors can be expensive, especially for a long or complex shoot. By using your own employees, you can significantly reduce costs associated with talent fees, casting, and other related expenses. Of course, you will still need to consider production costs like equipment, crew, and post-production, but cutting out talent fees can make a substantial difference in your budget. For many companies, especially smaller businesses or startups, cost savings in this area can be reinvested into other parts of the production, like higher quality visuals or more advanced editing techniques. Video production companies in Johannesburg can help optimise these savings by focusing resources on areas such as scriptwriting or post-production editing.
Deep Understanding of Company Culture
Employees already have an in-depth understanding of your company’s culture, products, and services. They know the message you want to communicate, and their insights and perspectives are often more genuine because they experience it every day. This can be especially useful in videos that focus on corporate culture, internal stories, or team highlights.
Challenges of Using Employees On-Camera
Lack of On-Camera Experience
One of the biggest hurdles to using employees in videos is that not everyone is comfortable or experienced in front of the camera. They might feel nervous or self-conscious, which could result in unnatural or stilted performances. If you are considering featuring employees, it is essential to recognise that some people might need extra training or rehearsal to deliver their lines or to feel confident on set. Video production companies in Johannesburg can provide professional direction and support during filming, helping employees feel more comfortable and reducing anxiety, so their natural personalities shine through.
Consistency and Availability
Depending on the size of your team, it might be difficult to ensure consistent appearances, especially if employees are required for multiple shoots over an extended period. Scheduling conflicts can also arise, delaying production. Furthermore, employee turnover can become an issue. If an employee leaves the company after appearing in a video, the content may become outdated or inaccurate, necessitating reshoots or changes.
Advantages of Hiring Professional Talent
Polished and Consistent Performances
Professional actors are skilled at delivering lines confidently and convincingly. They know how to convey emotions, adapt to scripts, and adjust their performance based on direction. If you need your video to convey a specific mood, tone, or character portrayal, professional actors can consistently deliver the performance you require. In many cases, professional talent can save time in the editing room as they are more likely to get the right take on the first or second try.
Efficiency in Production
Experienced actors are often more efficient on set. They understand how to prepare for a role, memorise lines, and follow directions quickly. This can significantly reduce the number of takes needed during production, speeding up the filming process and helping to keep the project on schedule. In turn, this efficiency can help lower overall production costs.
Versatility and Flexibility
Another benefit of professional actors is their versatility. They can portray a range of characters or take on different roles across various types of videos. Whether you need a spokesperson or someone to convey a product demonstration, actors can adapt quickly to the needs of the script. This can be useful if you need to create several different video types for different audiences or purposes.v
Drawbacks of Professional Talent
Perceived Lack of Authenticity
One major downside of using professional actors is that sometimes their performances may seem too polished or scripted, leading to a lack of authenticity. This can be especially noticeable in videos that are meant to be more personal or focused on employee experiences. Viewers may feel that the message is not as genuine when delivered by someone who is simply acting.
Higher Costs
Hiring professional talent comes with a cost. Actor fees, casting agents, and other related expenses can quickly add up. Depending on the size of your production, these costs might outweigh the budget you initially planned for. These fees can be prohibitive for companies with a limited marketing budget. Video production companies in Johannesburg can often help optimise the use of professional talent in ways that balance costs with desired outcomes, ensuring the best value for your production.
Limited Company Insight
Professional actors might not have an intrinsic understanding of your company’s values or culture. While they are skilled at playing a role, they may not be able to authentically communicate the nuances of your company’s inner workings or speak from a personal place. This can create a disconnect if the audience is looking for real, inside perspectives.
Helping Employees Shine in Video Production
If you do decide to use employees in your videos, there are a few ways to help them feel more comfortable and confident on camera.
Provide Clear Guidelines and Expectations
One of the first things you should do is ensure your employees understand the expectations for the video shoot. Walk them through the script, the objectives of the video, and what their role will be. The more they understand their part, the more confident they will feel in delivering their lines or engaging with the camera.
Media Training
For employees who are nervous or lack experience, media training can be incredibly valuable. Providing them with basic media training on how to act in front of the camera, how to speak clearly, and how to engage with the audience can help them feel more prepared.
Create a Comfortable Environment
To make employees feel at ease, it is important to create a relaxed, supportive environment. Consider using familiar settings, keeping the crew small and friendly, and allowing employees to practice their lines before the shoot. Giving them time to get comfortable on set can make a big difference in how they perform. Video production companies in Johannesburg can help design a stress-free environment, where employees feel confident and are able to deliver their best performances.
Highlight Their Expertise and Passion
If your employees are knowledgeable or passionate about the subject of the video, give them space to share their insights. Employees who are speaking about something they genuinely care about will naturally come across as more authentic and engaged.
Making the Decision: Employees vs. Professional Talent
Ultimately, deciding whether to use employees or professional talent depends on several factors:
- Video objectives: What is the purpose of the video? Does it require a personal, authentic touch, or does it need the polished professionalism that actors bring?
- Complexity of the content: Some videos, especially those with technical information or a need for precise delivery, may benefit from professional actors who can handle the material effortlessly.
- Budget considerations: Hiring actors can add significant costs, while using employees can be more affordable but may come with additional time for training or preparation.
- Audience expectations: Understand what your audience values. If they prioritise authenticity and transparency, employees may be the better choice. If they expect a high-quality production, professional talent may be necessary.
A professional video production company, such as one of the trusted video production companies in Johannesburg, can help assess your needs and recommend the best approach for your project.
Conclusion
The camera rolls, and after a few takes, the nervous fidgeting starts to settle. The once-hesitant employee takes a breath, finds their footing, and delivers their lines with a newfound ease. A bit of preparation, some guidance, and a comfortable environment have turned uncertainty into confidence. Knowing when to refine an employee’s presence on camera and when to bring in professional talent comes down to the goals of the video. Some employees will find their rhythm with the right support, while others may struggle despite preparation, making professional talent a more practical option in certain cases. The decision ultimately depends on the message, the audience, and the intended impact of the video. With careful planning and the right approach, even the most uncertain start can lead to a confident, effective final product that feels both natural and engaging.
Not sure if your employees are ready for their close-up, or thinking it might be safer to call in the professionals? Either way, Sound Idea Digital has you covered. We will help you create a video that looks great and feels natural—without the on-camera panic. Let’s talk about your next video project today!
We are a full-service Web Development and Content Production Agency in Gauteng specialising in Video Production, Animation, eLearning Content Development, Learning Management Systems, and Content Production.
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