https://explainly.wistia.com/medias/0yx8i9kyr9 Ever wondered what goes into creating a compelling live-action promo video? We recently finished producing a new Explainly live action promotional video and are excited to finally debut it! So, here’s a deep dive into the making of our latest project.  Phase 1: Pre-Production – Laying the Foundation Every successful project starts with strong pre-production. Through meticulous brainstorming, scripting, and storyboarding, we developed a cohesive, engaging, and funny story along with a clear action plan to bring it to life. Concept Development: In our brainstorming sessions we explored several scenarios of what we imagined the promotional video looking like. Many of our team members developed their own pitches for the video. One took place in a classroom, another in a news room, and another in an art gallery. Our final concept was in an art gallery that pulled creative aspects from the other pitches. The concept played off the familiar experience of standing in front of modern art and wondering what it means, but instead of abstract art, the confusing piece was a clunky software demo.   Scriptwriting: After defining the concept, we moved into the scripting phase. Several iterations of the script were developed while we were moving through multiple rounds of feedback from essential stakeholders. Since the promotional video is only 90 seconds long, we needed to ensure that every word contributed to the overall narrative. Perhaps even more importantly, we ensured that comedic beats were woven into the script seamlessly to keep the mood and tone upbeat. The completed script became one of the most imperative assets during the next phases of production, as it is used to develop an exact budget, a storyboard, a prop list, cast list, and more.    Storyboarding: Breaking down the script and visualizing the scenes beat by beat was essential. Our illustrator created detailed storyboards outlining camera angles, character movements, and scene transitions. This provided us a skeleton to work off of, so that other departments can identify what is needed from them for each scene.  Casting: Finding the right talent to bring our characters to life was paramount. We held auditions to select actors who not only fit the roles but also understood our brand's essence. During this process, we were lucky enough to encounter Kate Hess. Kate completely embodied who we were looking for in an Explainly’s spokesperson; someone who was fun, upbeat, but professional at the same time. She even went the extra mile in her audition by including her own frame, showing us just how much she understood the character and the story. Location Scouting: Identifying suitable locations that aligned with our script and aesthetic vision was key. Fortunately, we were able to source a small art gallery in Los Angeles for filming. It has been home to several art installations in the past and was the perfect size for what we needed. And it had an easily accessible bathroom, which can prove harder than you think for some productions! Props: Our art department worked diligently to create sets and gather props that enhanced the visual storytelling and provided an authentic backdrop. Our creative producer hand painted the interactive frame with our Explainly spokesperson in it as well as the other pieces featured in the art gallery.  Production Design and Costume: Our script featured a scene where the Explainly spokesperson steps into a frame and transforms from a researcher, writer, to creative producer. This required multiple costume changes and worlds to be created during the production phase in order to bring that sequence to life, which is actually only about 5 seconds of the whole video!  Budgeting & Scheduling: A detailed budget and production schedule were created to ensure efficient resource allocation and timely completion of the project. Our budget was clear and concise, making sure to include an allocation for contingency, in case we needed to make any last minute purchases during the day of production (which we did).  Phase 2: Production – Bringing the Vision to Life As the day of filming approaches, the butterflies start to flurry. However, much of our planning paid off during production. The crew was clear on what they needed to do the day of and we were off to the races!  Lighting & Sound: We were fortunate enough to enter the location the night before to set up our lighting equipment, which made the day of filming that much smoother. This moved up our schedule and allowed us to start filming earlier than expected. Although we filmed next to a cafe that was playing music…yikes- we were able to capture clear enough sound to where it was not an issue.  Filming: After a few rehearsals and blocking with the actors, we were ready to get the camera rolling! Multiple takes were filmed for each scene to ensure that we had multiple options to choose from during the editing phase. We often referred back to our storyboard in order to ensure that we were filming takes that would cut together smoothly during the editing process. Directing Talent: Luckily, our actors worked hard beforehand to memorize their lines and prepare their performance. We only had to provide minimal guidance and feedback to bring their best performances and ensure their reads were authentic and aligned with the Explainly brand.  Phase 3: Post-Production – Polishing the Masterpiece Once filming wrapped, the extensive work of post-production began, transforming raw footage into a polished final product. Editing: Our editor meticulously reviewed hours of footage, selecting the best takes and seamlessly stitching them together to create a cohesive narrative flow. Place holders were used during this process for compositions that needed to be created in visual effects.   Motion Graphics: Throughout certain parts of the video, we planned to have certain motion graphics to enhance our storytelling. During our planning in the pre-production phase, we identified scenes where we would need to create a keying grid so that our animators could insert a motion graphic during post production.  Visual Effects: We also employed visual…

https://explainly.wistia.com/medias/tg959724b7 What They Do: DomesticShelters.org, a service of Alliance for Hope International, is dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence and ensuring that victims and their support systems have access to vital resources. Their platform provides a comprehensive directory of shelters, services, legal and financial assistance, and more. Plus, they offer educational content to help people recognize the signs and cycles of abuse. Their impact report, which you can check out here, speaks volumes about their work. How We Met:  In July 2022, we had the opportunity to meet with Ashley Rumschlag, the CEO and President of DomesticShelters.org, to discuss their need for a top-of-funnel video. Ashley was upfront about the organization’s budget limitations, but despite that, we were excited about the possibility of partnering with them. What truly motivated us was the impact DomesticShelters.org has on the community, and after hearing more about their mission, we were ready to jump in. We agreed to produce the video at a reduced price in exchange for having our logo played at the end of the video.  Kick Off: Coincidentally, we were scheduled to kick off the project during a time where the entire company was attending a conference. Our Creative Producer and Project Manager rose the challenge and found a quiet corner at the venue to jump on a kickoff call with the clients. Their adaptability and dedication turned a tricky situation into a highly productive meeting, ensuring the project stayed on track.  One topic discussed during the call was the importance of showing the breadth of people affected by domestic violence. We made sure to include characters of different races, religions, and genders in the video. To create smooth transitions, we took inspiration from this scene in The Devil Wears Prada. Anne Hathaway’s character changes outfits seamlessly as she walks through New York City.  We applied this technique in animation to shift between characters while maintaining a single storyline throughout the video.  Though Explainly conducts research beforehand, our kickoff calls serve as valuable learning experiences. They allow us to ask in-depth questions and gain insights from experts. One key discussion was avoiding stereotypical portrayals of domestic abuse. Rather than showing physical injuries, we focused on physical intimidation. This approach felt more accurate and impactful. To convey the right emotions, we carefully designed each character’s expressions and body language. For example, we show a character hiding from an overcast shadow. Scripting: Crafting this script was a unique experience. While many clients prioritize diverse representation in their videos, the subject of domestic violence highlighted the stark reality that it can affect anyone, regardless of their background. Collaborating closely with the client, we ensured diverse representation throughout the video. One scene, for example, portrayed a non-binary individual sitting amidst unpaid bills in their children's playroom, powerfully illustrating the often-overlooked issue of financial abuse as a form of domestic violence. We were also made aware that this video would be played in front of different audiences. The video would be featured at a fundraiser but also on their landing page. To ensure each audience was seen, we planned to make 2 different versions of the video. Each video would have a different call to action, one for a general audience and one for donors.  Production: Because it’s a sensitive topic, we carefully reviewed all deliverables during revisions to ensure accuracy and avoid missing key messages. To achieve this, we scheduled several Zoom calls, allowing us to receive real-time feedback throughout the process. Our clients remained highly involved, providing character designs for us to refine and incorporate into the video. While we often create custom characters from scratch, this collaboration helped us stay closely aligned with their vision. Additionally, they supplied a warm-toned color palette that beautifully complemented the subject matter, balancing tone and content effectively. Post Production & Final Delivery: To wrap up the project, we carefully fine-tuned every detail to ensure the final video met our clients’ storytelling goals. Once completed, we proudly submitted it for a Telly Award—and were thrilled when it won Gold! Seeing our work recognized at this level was an incredible honor and a testament to the collaborative effort that brought the video to life. Additionally, after completion of their video in 2022, Alliance for Hope International reached out to us in 2024 to get started on producing a new series of videos. This series highlights other parts of the organization that works in conjunction with Domesticshelters.org to provide resources to victims and allies. It was such a rewarding experience to work with DomesticShelters.org, and we're proud to play a small part in amplifying their important message. Interested in an explainer video? Visit explainly.com and schedule a consultation today!  

Looking to turbocharge your video editing skills and streamline your workflow? You're in the right place! Our seasoned creative team has compiled a list of top hotkeys that will optimize your editing, saving you time and clicks along the way. Here are some of our favorites:  1. Save — Ctrl + S / Command + S In the world of video editing, saving your work is non-negotiable. Guard against lost progress during those marathon editing sessions, with large project files, leading to unexpected crashes. Make saving a reflex—your future self will thank you! 2. Ripple Delete — Ctrl + Delete / Option + Delete Meet your new best friend for swift and precise edits. Whether you're trimming down footage for social cuts or fine-tuning sequences, this hotkey is a game-changer. Being able to remove black space from your editing timeline with one click is a great way to boost efficiency while editing. 3. Paste Attributes — Ctrl + Alt + V / Command + Opt + V Trust us, this one's pure magic. Seamlessly transfer effects from one clip to another, whether it's subtitles, audio enhancements, or color grading. Don't overlook its power to elevate your editing finesse. 4. Undo — Ctrl + Z / Command + Z Embrace the power of experimentation without fear. Make bold edits, test creative ideas, and always have an escape route with this trusty shortcut. Your creativity knows no bounds! 5. Pen Tool for Audio Editing — P Dive into the realm of audio manipulation with confidence. Sculpt soundscapes, fine-tune music tracks, or polish VO takes like a pro. 6. Adjustment Layers Okay, so this one isn't a hotkey, but definitely a lifesaver when it comes to editing! Simplify complex adjustments across multiple clips and layers with ease. From color correction to motion blur, these layers are your secret weapon for uniform effects application. 7. Export Media — Ctrl + M / Command + M Need a quick turnaround for client reviews or project iterations? Say no more. This hotkey expedites the export process, keeping your workflow agile and responsive. 8. Razor Tool — C Slice and dice your footage with finesse using the Razor tool. Perfect for rapid cuts, dynamic transitions, and maintaining the flow of your edit. Speed and precision at your fingertips! With these hotkeys at your command, work efficiently, unleash your creativity, and master the art of video editing like never before. Happy editing! Learn more about video production on Explainly's blog!