all posts tagged “Explainer Network”
Video Explanations by 1/29 Explainers
Posted by: leelefever on October 4, 2011- 2:39pm
Categories: 1/29, Explainer Network, Explanation, marketing, video
From time-to-time we like to show off the work of a member of our Explainer Network of video producers. The videos below are by 1/29 Explainers in Oakland CA.
This first example on Next Gen Web Security from McAfee is a classic story-driven narrative. It works well as an explanation by telling a story through the experiences of a character that is likely to connect with the target audience, in this case, IT managers. It plays on the loss of control that IT managers feel (the pain) and shows how that pain is resolved with a product (the resolution). It leaves the viewer (the target viewer anyway) with the feeling that it would be good to feel like Ted, the main character.
Our second example is a video called "In Your Hands" for the organization CompTIA, which is the voice of the world's information technology industry. It's a bit of an outlier in the explanation space, as it uses mostly text and is in 3D. At first I wasn't sure about the video's format, but I found myself being completely engaged by the animation of the words, which feel so real in how they fall. It kept my attention and felt impactful. I think it does a great job of relating the seriousness of the subject without being cheesy or over-the-top.
Our last example from 1/29 is about GigWalk. I found this video interesting in a number of ways. First, like so many apps, it's a completely new idea. People may have never even considered that such a thing is possible. A video explanation is perfect for these kinds of ideas and this one does a solid job of building a foundation of understanding in just over a minute. Something else I noticed... The viewer sees, visually, that you earn money based on "gigs", but that fact never comes up in the script. It's purely visual. I think this keeps the focus on the big idea and value to customers vs. the financial incentive to participate. It's a smart move because if you go too far into the "you can make money!" it distracts from the core message, which seems to be about the Gigwalk customer vs. the GigWalker.
You can find listings for 1/29 and other video producers that can explain your product or service at the Common Craft Explainer Network.
From time-to-time, we like to highlight the work of Explainer Network members like 1/29 Explainers. Nick Seuser down in the Bay Area runs the show at 1/29 has serious video and animation chops. Plus, they've successfully added explanation to the mix, creating some of the most creative and high-quality explanatory videos we've seen. Below you'll see a handful of videos by 1/29 with a few notes from Nick...
Over the past few months, 1/29 Explainers has been producing a wide variety of animation styles - Stop-motion, illustrative, and 3D animation - with a diverse set of clients. Take a look:
The Go Game App - The Go Game App is the first location-based game app to fully integrate video into the core of gameplay. It’s about real-world fun with your real live friends. The Go Game’s missions result in the kind of hilarious pictures and videos with friends that anyone would want to share through Facebook Connect.
Note from Lee: I *love* the stop motion animation and choice of figures and costumes in this video. It has a fun and accessible feel that's genuinely entertaining.
Healthtree "Spotlight on Diabetes" - The goal was to create a PSA about diabetes that would compel people to take action.
Extreme Networks "Ridgeline" - The challenge was to define EN’s new offering – Ridgeline Service Advisor. Make it relevant and accessible on Extreme Network's website as well as play independently as a continuous loop at trade shows like the 2010 Ethernet Expo and Telco TV 2010.
Note from Lee: I think this video really shows off 1/29's animation and explanation skills. The video is beautifully done, but more than that, I watched it once and had a good understanding of what the problem the product solves. My favorite part is when the canyon crumbles. :)
If you're looking for a custom video for your product or service, contact the folks at 1/29 Explainers or check out other members of our Explainer Network.
The Startup Video and Explania
Posted by: leelefever on April 4, 2011- 9:44am
Categories: Explainer Network, Explanation, startup, videos
I'm biased, but I think nearly every business website could benefit from a video that explains what they do in about two minutes. This is certainly true with startups - these young businesses are often putting something completely new into the world. Their challenge is to explain it - and few things compare to the power of a video to show people what you do and why.
Our friends at Explania, who are members of our Explainer Network, feel the same way. They are based in Belgium and have been doing a lot of work on Content Marketing lately. Here are their "three reasons why start-up videos score well in an online marketing strategy."
1. Start-up videos can be very convincing so they can increase the ROI of a website. Internet surfers usually don’t have much time, are overloaded with information and are very quickly distracted. They don’t have the time to read and wade through texts and web pages thoroughly. An animated video catches the attention, demands less energy to watch and the video provides much more information in a shorter time span.
2. A start-up video creates brand and product awareness. When the video is produced professionally and in an educative and captivating way, then it will be distributed via the internet. People will share it with their friends on social networks; bloggers will write about it and embed the animation. In this way the video achieves a larger audience and a wider online awareness.
3. Product videos can contain a call-to-action at the end. They tell a story and create a bond with the visitor. They outline a problem, provide the solution and can connect to a call-to-action: a test, a discount, a benefit. In this way the viewer of the video becomes much more strongly associated with the product. Furthermore, the call-to-action at the end will yield many more results than, for example, a classic banner advertisement.
Learn more about Explania, or check out other members of the Common Craft Explainer Network.
Epipheo Studios Joins the Explainer Network
Posted by: leelefever on December 6, 2010- 4:00pm
Categories: custom work, Explainer Network, partner, video
Today we’re excited to announce that Epipheo Studios has joined our Explainer Network of video producers.
I remember when I first saw an Epipheo (what they call their video creations). I think it was for Google Wave. The laid back style, the humor and creativity, the animated storytelling all made for a great explanatory experience. It wasn’t surpising to see them go from making a couple of videos to being hired by Facebook, Yelp, SAP, etc. They are very good at what they do.
Here are a couple of examples (see their whole portfolio)
Like all members of the Explainer Network, they have a listing on our website that points business their way. We all see incredible potential in short animated videos and the Explainer Network is one way for us all to learn from each other and promote the value of our little industry.
If you need a short animated video for your website, check out the Explainer Network.
We currently have six members of our Explainer Network of video producers and three of the companies hail from the Pacific Northwest. Despite this proximity, we had never tried to get everyone together in one plans. I recently learned that the folks from Switch Marketing were coming to Seattle, so I decided to organize an impromptu explainer meetup. Below is the group at Boom Noodle in Seattle's Capitol Hill:
From the back, left to right: Bryan and Jen Zug from Lilipip, Andrew Angus and Kelly McKenna from Switch Marketing, Sachi from Common Craft, Maresa from Splainers, and the last two guys on the right are Mark from Splainers and Ben from Epipheo Studios in front. Epipheo is not currently a member of the Explainer Network, but part of the community.
We did some bowling, had some drinks and ate some food. It was so great to see so many video makers together. Most had never previously met face-to-face. We missed a some members of the Network who aren't based in the area, or couldn't make it. They include Say it Visually, Animated Explanations in Belgium and 1/29 Explainers in the Bay Area. Next time we'll get everyone.
Lilipip's Latest Videos
Posted by: leelefever on May 26, 2010- 5:00pm
Categories: custom videos, Explainer Network, Explanation, video
Lilipip is one of the newest members of our Explainer Network of video producers and lately they've been pumping out some great videos for their customers. I'm highlighting a few below...
The first video is for Circle Street and as I told Jen at Lilipip, I really like the way they approached this video. It's informal, fun and tells a story about a problem being solved. It made the value proposition of Circle Street clear in one minute. Take a look:
Second is a video for Adobe's eLearning Suite 2. Another great video and one that highlights a different visual style and script. This script is more oriented for elearning pros vs. the mass market, so it's a bit more technical. What I really like is the visual animation style. Notice how color is used to highlight the product in a mostly gray video. It also has a noir feel and matching music that gives it style. Good stuff.
Lilipip, like all members of our Explainer Network, produce custom videos for organizations of all types. Visit the Explainer Network page for more information.
1/29 Explainers Video: What is Geocaching?
Posted by: leelefever on March 30, 2010- 5:00pm
Categories: 1/29, Explainer Network, Explanation, geocaching, video
1/29 Explainers, members of our Explainer Network of video producers, recently released a couple of great videos that highlight their work. Nick and the folks at 1/29 have serious video chops and have been putting them to good use in short, animated videos like the ones below.
What is Geocaching? (produced for GoGeocaching- currently has nearly 90k views in two weeks!)
Atlassian also hired 1/29 to create this fun video about JIRA Studios which integrates with Google Apps.
Like all members of the Explainer Network, 1/29 Explainers can be hired to make a video for your product or service.
Splainers Video: SMS for Life
Posted by: leelefever on March 17, 2010- 5:00pm
Categories: Explainer Network, mobile, sms, splainers, video
Splainers recently published a new video for the Roll Back Malaria Partnership. I'm impressed, not only with the video explanation, but the idea behind SMS for Life, which uses mobile phones to ensure that malaria medicines are available for families who may need to travel to find treatment. It's great to see Splainers working on such a worthy cause and matching their skills to an idea that becomes more clear through video.
Splainers, like all members of the Common Craft Explainer Network, can be hired to create videos explaining your product or services.
A big congrats to Instruxion (the company behind Animated Explanations) for being awarded the Platinum Seal of e-Excellence in Europe, which recognizes companies who have a track record of innovation. Of course, we see this recognition as further proof that video explanations are a valuable and productive element of marketing and education. Animated Explanations is based on Brussels, Belgium and a member of our Explainer Network of video producers.
Here's the description of the award from the award website:
The European Seal of e-Excellence rewards ICT and Digital Media companies with an excellent track record in innovation marketing. Awarded annually since 2003 by the EMF and its Partner Organisations, the Seal is widely known for recognizing companies with:
- innovative products and services;
- excellence in the marketing thereof.
Again, congrats to Geert and the Instruxion team!
Welcoming Two New Members of the Explainer Network
Posted by: leelefever on September 20, 2009- 5:00pm
Categories: business, Explainer Network, Explanation, network, video
We're so excited to have two new members of our Explainer Network of custom video producers.
Lilipip is a Seattle-based company that has been making videos for years. They're seeing new opportunities in the world of animated video explanations and we think they'll be a great fit for the Network. From their listing:
We make animated videos about your product, service, or concept. We’re an “Open-Source Creative” team with transparent pricing and processes – featuring global artists with a wide range of styles. Follow Lilipip on Twitter.
Here is one of Lilipip's most recent videos:
Animated Explanations is based in Brussels, Belgium and focuses on the European (and global) market for explanatory videos. They have extensive experience in making complex ideas easy to understand in video form and we're happy to have them in the Network. We're especially excited to have European representation in the Network. Follow them on Twitter @instruxion. From their listing:
Animated movies, interactive tutorials and instructional videos in attractive formats and any language.
Here's a sample:
How to find a new job using LinkedIn? - Animated Explanations
The Common Craft Explainer Network is a group of video producers that specialize in making custom explanatory videos. The Network currently has six members that represent a number of skills, styles and formats. If that chunk of text on your home page just isn't doing the trick anymore, contact an Explainer Network member.
- 1 of 2
- ››
Recent Post Topics
Subscribe with RSS