Test Blogs Toolbox

Blog

  • How to Choose a Video Type to Ensure the Best Conversion Rates

    How to Choose a Video Type to Ensure the Best Conversion Rates

    To say that video is an effective means of marketing would be a little bit like stating the obvious. From traditional media like television, which basically runs on advertisements, to internet-based devices like your smartphone and computers, where a large swath of websites use video content to lure customers in, video is quite literally everywhere. And this widespread growth of video is expected to continue unabated in the years to come as well.

    Cisco Visual Networking Index has some interesting statistics regarding the growth of video –

    “It would take an individual more than 5 million years to watch the amount of video that will cross global IP networks each month in 2020. Every second, nearly a million minutes of video content will cross the network by 2020. Globally, IP video traffic will be 82 percent of all consumer Internet traffic by 2020, up from 70 percent in 2015. Global IP video traffic will grow threefold from 2015 to 2020, a CAGR of 26 percent. Internet video traffic will grow fourfold from 2015 to 2020, a CAGR of 31 percent.”

    Staggering, isn’t it?

    That is, however, a holistic view of video growth. But what about a marketer’s perspective? Well, this Axonn Media survey sheds some light on that. Here are some of the highlights from the results of the survey –

    • More than two-thirds of companies now use video in their content marketing strategies
    • 78% of the organizations surveyed say that they are planning to use more video content in the future

    The study also touched upon some interesting findings about the video consumer and their habits –

    • 7 in 10 people said their perception of a brand was positively altered after seeing interesting video content
    • A massive 75% of people now share video content, and usually do so using social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook
    • Almost 1 in 5 people are watching daily videos that are to do with their work

    How to decide which type of video is best-suited for your business?

    While video is undoubtedly the way to go, the kind of video to make is an entirely different consideration. After all, while videos are effective in general, the kind of video you make has to match your objective for your product.

    With that in mind, here are the different types of commercial videos that you can upload, along their individual benefits:

    1. Commercials

    Typically a shorter form of video content, commercials are a great platform to highlight key features of your product whose basic functionality is well known. So products such as fast moving consumer goods, electronics, automobiles and more can be perfectly introduced to potential consumers through commercials, with the video highlight the crucial USPs of your products in particular, without going into detail about what that type of product accomplishes in general. For example, a car commercial can highlight the vehicle’s power figures, fuel efficiency, and other unique features, but need not explain what a car is and why they are useful. On the flip side, a short commercial isn’t the ideal platform to showcase a brand new product idea, the likes of which no one has seen before, because explaining said product and its benefits would take a little more time, and a different stylistic approach.

    2. Digital explainer videos

    Explainer videos are the way to go for products that the audience may not be too familiar with. These videos are slightly longer than commercials, and delve into a little bit more detail regarding the product, how it works, and why it would make sense for the consumer to buy it. With easy steps and a typically chronological approach to explaining how to use the product, explainers are a great way to introduce never seen before products to their intended target market, and provide clarity on both how to use these products, and why they should be bought.

    3. Corporate films

    If you want to showcase your brand’s values to customers, and try to convince them to put their faith in you and your products, then corporate films are the way to go. These long-form videos deep dive into your competencies, areas of expertise, and any honours that may have been bestowed upon the brand in the past. Corporate films are like a window into the inner workings of a company, shedding a positive light on the qualities and attributes that your company brings to the table. Take a look at our corporate video portfolio. Our latest work – a corporate film for Atlas Copco – is the perfect example of what kind of message can be put forth through a competent corporate video.

    4. Animation

    It isn’t just 2D or even 3D animations that are used to enhance a product’s image, something as simple as a dynamic brand logo also requires a certain amount of animation. Sometimes, animations are the right way to go to showcase your product’s capabilities, especially when it is slightly technical in nature, and needs to be simplified for viewers. Animations allow you to show rather than tell the viewer how things work, like the inside of a SSD hard disk, or an anti-lock braking system or even the steps to take to use a complex app. Explainers, tutorials and regular commercials can all be approached via animation to create an interesting, unique, and easy to consume video.

    If you know what kind of video you want to make for your business, product or service, explore Toolbox Studio’s services or contact us and we’ll show you how we can craft a video for you in the best possible way to spread the word and boost those conversion rates. And if you are still confused about which route to take, talk to one our experts to understand what type of video best suits your needs.

    Take your product or brand to the next level with us!

  • Behind the Scenes with the Top 5 VFX Nominees for the Oscars 2017

    Behind the Scenes with the Top 5 VFX Nominees for the Oscars 2017

    The 26th of February is a date that film fans have already marked out on their calendars.

    As the date approaches, the expectations and eagerness are building to a crescendo because this is, of course, the date on which the most prestigious awards ceremony in the film world, the 89th annual Academy Awards, are going to be held. Among the highlights this year are the remarkable Oscar-nominated movies that have captivated audiences worldwide. At Toolbox Studio, a creative setup that delivers delightful visual solutions (VFX, Animation, Commericals, Corporate Films and Motion Graphics) for film, TV and digital platforms, we too have been closely following the race for the much vaunted Best Achievement in Visual Effects category, featuring some incredible works from Oscar nominations for Oscars 2017.

    There have been some amazing motion pictures in the running from the initial list of twenty, a list which has now dwindled down to the top five. Picked by the Academy’s board of governors whose VFX division comprises of Craig Barron whose efforts in VFX for 2009’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button won him the big prize apart from being attached to a whole host of other big name projects. His contributions have also earned him several Oscar nominations, and his involvement in Oscar-nominated movies has helped shape the landscape of modern cinema.

    He is joined by John Knoll who won the Oscar for Pirates of Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, and has been associated with massive projects like Star Wars, Harry Potter and Avatar among countless others in the past. The triumvirate is completed by Bill Taylor who has worked on xXx, Bruce Almighty and 2 Fast 2 Furious to name a few. This celebrated trio have picked through all the many fantastic films that made it to the big screen last year.

    So without further ado, let us take a deep dive into their shortlisted final five:

    1. Deepwater Horizon

    This film is a dramatic reinterpretation of the explosion of the offshore drilling rig by the same name, which occurred in April 2010. The result of this tragic event was a massive oil spill and the destruction of countless animals and sea life. Craig Hammack, Jason Snell, Jason Billington, and Burt Dalton represent the film’s VFX team. The realism of the VFX in this movie was crucial, as it aimed to faithfully depict a real-life disaster. This attention to detail contributed to the film’s widespread recognition, including praise for the VFX team. Deepwater Horizon has also been mentioned among potential Oscar nominations, with the VFX team’s outstanding work drawing significant attention. In this video interview, Dalton goes through the VFX challenges and accomplishments in the movie, shedding light on the effort behind bringing such a monumental event to the big screen. It is a shining example of how Oscar nominated movies can merge reality and cinematic artistry.

    2. Doctor Strange

    Doctor Strange is a superhero movie from Marvel spun around neurosurgeon-turned-sorcerer Stephen Strange played by Benedict Cumberbatch. The film’s representatives for the VFX gong are Stephane Ceretti, Richard Bluff, Vincent Cirelli and Paul Corbould. The movie gained significant recognition in the industry and even received Oscar nominations for its groundbreaking visual effects Here is a great insight into what the films stellar star cast though of the visual effects the team created for it. Doctor Strange is of course based on a comic book, and as such is set in a world where magic, mystique and wonder are all commonplace. The film visual effects have earned rave reviews for managing to capture all of that into what is a project with some amazing aesthetics and fantastic effects.

    3. The Jungle Book

    Disney’s Jungle Book is a live action film based on the popular cartoon of the same name, and of course, Rudyard Kipling’s absolutely classic piece of literature. A tale spun around young ‘man cub’ Mowgli living in the forest with a score of wild animals and villainous tiger Shere Khan chasing him, the movie is a triumph in visual artistry. Not only did it receive critical acclaim, but it also garnered recognition during the Oscar nominations, showcasing its incredible visual effects and direction. The team responsible for this is Robert Legato, Adam Valdez, Andrew R. Jones and Dan Lemmon. Here is a short interview with Director Jon Favreau as he talks about the making of the film and its unique approach.   

    4. Kubo and the Two Strings

    Kubo and the Two Strings is created by Laika Entertainment and Focus, and is a film that stands out in this list for many reason. First, because it is the only completely animated film to be nominated in the VFX category, and the first one to achieve this in over twenty years. The film’s innovative visual effects helped it gain widespread attention, making it a strong contender in the Oscar nominations. It also stands out because it combines both visual storytelling tools – stop motion and computer animation which combine to create a riveting film. Director and Laika CEO Travis Knight spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the nomination, saying, “It’s shocking, not because I don’t think it’s deserving, but because it required the visual effects branch to look at what we do in a different way. Really, the whole thing is a visual effect. If you go back to the dawn of cinema, stop motion was one of the first visual effects.” Here’s a full length behind the scenes interview with Knight about the making of the movie.

    5. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

    Part of George Lucas’ epic Star Wars universe, and now under the might of the Disney banner, Rogue One definitely has the chops to be a big winner at the Oscars, particularly in the VFX arena. The sci-fi flick set in a galaxy far, far, away is absolutely astounding and even pulled off the amazing feat of resurrecting legendary actor Peter Cushing and his character Grand Moff Tarkin through digital effects despite his passing in 1994. With its groundbreaking achievements, Rogue One is certainly one of the top Oscar-nominated movies in the VFX category. John Knoll, Mohen Leo, Hal Hickel and Neil Corbould worked on this film. Here is an interview with the film’s Creature Effects supervisor Neal Scanlan on the making of Rogue One, which has made waves among those expecting Oscar nominations in the technical fields.

    What a phenomenal mix of visually captivating movies, including some of the most impressive Oscar nominated movies, and we can’t wait for when the final result of the Oscar nominations is announced. Whoever bags the big prize will definitely be worthy, because all these films are a master class in VFX.

    Who do you think will come out of the ceremony holding that fabled statue? Let us know in the comments below.

  • 7 Amazing Motion Graphics Trends to Keep Your Eye on in 2017

    7 Amazing Motion Graphics Trends to Keep Your Eye on in 2017

    At Toolbox Studio, we are proud to be recognized as a top motion graphics agency in Pune. This recognition comes with a commitment to staying at the forefront of the latest trends in VFX and animation. When you choose our services, you can be secure in the knowledge that you are partnering with a team that is always one step ahead in the industry.

    To that end, here are 7 predictions for the most exciting motion graphics trends in the year 2017.

    1. Matte Flat Graphics

    This animated retelling of The Wizard of Oz story is a prime example of the trend to come of matte graphics. Only two years ago shiny, chrome and 3D graphics animation were prevalent in every form of animation and VFX. Throughout 2016 however, animations with simple colours sans all the sparkles have proven to be entertaining, uniquely charming and easier to create. Such matte animations bring across concepts and stories clearly, making it a go to for many motion graphics artists. Put together with the fact that these graphics are often cheaper and less time consuming to produce, you can be sure you will see them a lot more in 2017.

    2.Simple Animated Iconography

    Following in the same line is the growing trend of companies simplifying their logos. Minimalistic seems to be the way to go with an added simple animation to give it a memorable, on screen flourish. This creation for example is one of the many motion graphics services contributing to the rising trend, while this is the type of simplistic logo animation combined with the flat graphics trend that you are likely to see in the coming year.

    3. Whiteboard Animation

    A fantastic way to keep viewers engaged while explaining an important concept, whiteboard animations have been seen here and there for a few years. Examples include the ‘Draw My Life’ videos that many YouTubers created to connect with their fans. However, these whiteboard animations can even be used to sell a product or service, as is evidenced by this video for a real estate agent, or to address a social issue in a gentle way, as seen here. Whiteboard animations are also effective as training or instruction videos.

    4. Virtual Reality Storytelling

    Perhaps the most exciting and delightful of all the trends is virtual reality storytelling, in which the story of an animation takes place in a 360 degree space, with the viewer interacting with arrows to follow the subjects. This format of storytelling has huge potential because it physically engages the viewer, requiring them to really pay attention to get the story. Try it for yourself in this video! Unfortunately, there are fewer of these animations out there than we’d like to see, but hopefully 2017 will bring in a whole lot more. 

    5. Kinetic Typography

    The versatility of words combined with fast moving visuals makes kinetic typography another popular motion graphics trend. Whether it is to outline the lyrics of a popular song, like here or to explain an abstract concept, like here, the duo of words and animation makes this form of motion graphics ideal for explanation videos, illustration of theories, promotions or even to talk about sensitive topics such as abuse or discrimination. An endless number of organizations can benefit from a well-designed kinetic typography video, which is why we’re convinced we’ll see more of them in 2017.

    6. 2D 3D Mixture

    In a previous blog article in August, we defined isometric projection animation as one of the breakout trends of 2016. This trend, which you can see here, is going nowhere on account of its numerous pros. A mix of 2D and 3D in motion graphics allows creators the benefit of a cheaper production cost without compromising on the quality or appeal of the video. These videos are often visually distinct from the videos we have become used and have therefore become a great way to explain a complicated process or to create an addictive game.

    7. Retro Themes

    Remember 1982’s Tron, a movie based on an arcade style video game? The neon suits and colourful motorcycles became iconic, not only for their striking visual appeal but also because the effects generated for the movie opened up a whole new avenue of motion graphics. That same iconic style is making a comeback today, in videos such as this and this, showing that the use of such a throwback style can help to bring almost any idea across.  With presets of the retro style being added to software such as After Effects, there is no doubt that retro themed videos will make a strong appearance in 2017.

    There they are, the 7 motion graphics trends to keep an eye on in 2017. And as enthusiasts for all things motion graphics, we couldn’t be more excited to try and bring these trends to motion graphics in India. You might just see one of these in one of our 2017 projects!

  • 9 Types of Corporate Films Your Business Must Explore

    9 Types of Corporate Films Your Business Must Explore

    As a corporate film production company here at Toolbox Studio, we have seen how impactful corporate videos have been for customers in the past. Video is more engaging than any other medium and is also one of the most popular forms of media consumption online. In the last year, the popularity of video online has skyrocketed, causing marketers to rethink their strategies for the coming year.

    CREATE DIFFERENT TYPES OF B2B & B2C CORPORATE VIDEOS WITH US

    These following statistics from Tubular Insights shed light on this growth, “There were 6.1 Trillion cross-platform video views between April 2015, and April 2016, that’s a staggering increase of 71% year-on-year. Data-driven video content is becoming the cornerstone of digital marketing campaigns, with 68% of marketers believing that original digital video content will be as important as original TV programming in the next 3 years. With YouTube reaching more U.S. based 18-49 year-olds than ANY broadcast or cable TV network, the reach and influence of online video content is only set to increase.”

    The numbers speak for themselves, corporate film production is definitely a huge influence on masses, and masses that belong to the right demographics, too. If you are looking to expand your corporate film portfolio and explore the possibility of commissioning a corporate film, but don’t know what options you can look at, we have got you covered.

    Here is a list of the nine most popular categories of corporate films that you can make.

    The 9 top corporate film types to help businesses boom

    1. The explainer
    You may have noticed that YouTube is populated with ‘how-to’ videos about using many products and services created by customers and fans. The more popular ‘how-to’ videos also have massive hit counts, and there is a good reason for that—people find it easier to learn by watching rather than reading instructions. So why not release an official video that is part commercial, part ‘how-to…’

    These videos can teach customers how to use your product or service properly, guiding them to the process step-by-step, and also promoting the product or company’s virtues in the bargain.

    2. Customer testimonials
    Customer testimonials are a great way to convince potential customers that your product delivers. So why not ask regular customers to send videos explaining why they like your products?

    These types of videos, when presented in a slick production, can greatly enhance your credibility.

    3. Industrial videos
    These videos are meant for essential industry stakeholders rather than customers. As such, they are slightly more technical in nature, and provide a more professional insight into your firm’s capabilities and competencies. Typically, industrial videos are used for B2B marketing, investor pitches, sales pitches and displayed at trade shows.

    4. Promotional videos
    It is essentially a commercial, but one that isn’t restricted by the time constraints of a TV spot. It can be a little longer and more indulgent for the online space, and have a little bit more depth in terms of content as well. Promo videos can also be shared with press and media, at promotional events or as part of any other promotional package.

    5. Product launch
    When you are at the brink of launching a new product into the market, a promotional video can be a great way to generate hype. It can be shared on official social media, pushed out on various platforms used to create curiosity, awareness and intrigue into your new product.

    6. FAQ and support
    Similar to the explainer, these videos address the most frequently asked questions and provide tips on product maintenance and other support information. Having a video to help customers with FAQs and addressing support queries can really help your customer care department and reduce the amount of individual queries that your customer care department has to deal with.

    7. Staff training
    A great way to reach a large swathe of staff for training and information without organizing camps and the like is through video. Have the trainer walk the staff through the process of using the new machine or implementing the reworked protocols or anything else that’s required, and share it with the workforce. It can accentuate of even replace physical on-the-job training exercises.

    8. Internal communications
    Whether you need to provide shareholders with an annual report or update investors and board members on the state of the firm, a video can make a strong impact. Providing key insights and data in an easily consumable format creates better engagement and fosters greater understanding.

    9. PR communications
    Sometimes, information needs to be shared with the general public or your customer base. This information can be a communication issued in public interest or an important declaration regarding the product or anything else that doesn’t qualify as a promotional video.

    These communications can be posted on official websites and shared with television and digital media.

    Benefits of an Ad Films Corporate Company

    An ad Corporate film production specializes in creating corporate films videos for businesses and organizations. Here are some reasons why you may need the services of an ad Corporate film production:

    Professional Production Quality: An ad Corporate film production has the expertise and equipment to produce high-quality videos and films. They have a team of professionals who understand the nuances of Corporate film production, including lighting, sound, editing, and storytelling. Working with a professional company ensures that your corporate video or film maintains a polished and professional look.

    Tailored Messaging: Ad films corporate companies have experience in crafting tailored messaging for businesses. They understand the importance of conveying your company’s unique values, products, or services effectively. By collaborating with them, you can ensure that your corporate video delivers a clear and impactful message that resonates with your target audience.

    Diverse Video Types: Ad Corporate film production can create a variety of corporate video types to suit your specific needs. These may include promotional videos, brand videos, product demonstration videos, training videos, testimonial videos, event coverage, and more. They have the expertise to adapt their production style to match the intended purpose of the video and the target audience.

    Professional Scriptwriting: Crafting a compelling script is crucial for any corporate video. Ad films corporate companies often have skilled scriptwriters who can develop engaging narratives and dialogue that effectively communicate your company’s message. They can help structure your video’s content, ensuring it flows smoothly and engages viewers from start to finish.

    Creative Visuals and Branding: Ad films corporate companies can help enhance your brand’s visual identity through creative visuals and branding elements. They have experience in visual storytelling, cinematography, motion graphics, and animation, which can elevate your corporate video’s visual appeal. This ensures that your brand is visually represented consistently and effectively.

    Efficient Project Management: Working with an ad film corporate company can streamline the video production process. They have project management systems to coordinate tasks, timelines, and resources effectively. From pre-production planning to post-production editing and delivery, they ensure your project stays on track and meets deadlines.

    LOOKING FOR A CORPORATE VIDEO? LET’S CONNECT OVER A QUICK CALL!

    If you want to make any kind of corporate production and need a studio with the requisite skill, experience and know-how to help make it happen then get in touch. Take a look at our corporate film production services for more information.

  • Take Your Pick: 5 Top Contenders for the VFX Oscars 2017

    Take Your Pick: 5 Top Contenders for the VFX Oscars 2017

    The 89th iteration of the Academy Awards – Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, more commonly known as the Oscars, is due to be held on the 26th of February 2017 and the anticipation regarding who bags the big prizes is already heating up across the globe. Widely considered the biggest awards ceremony for films across the world, the Oscars do generate a lot of buzz and are highly revered by not just the American film industry, but the film fraternity the world over.

    Being a part of the visual effects industry, the team here at Toolbox Studio, a VFX studio in India, has been waiting with eager anticipation to see who the Academy’s board of governors – whose visual effects branch comprises of three stellar constituents of the VFX industry in Craig Barron, John Knoll, and Bill Taylor – would pick for the coveted VFX award; Best Visual Effects in the 2017 Oscars.

    On the 2nd of December, the board of governors announced their 20 film shortlist that is in contention for the award, a list they will further whittle down to 10 before the awards ceremony. The list in full comprises of some of the biggest hits of the 2016 calendar year, and we’ve listed them below for your consideration.

     The 20 film shortlist for the 2017 Oscars

    • Alice through the Looking Glass
    • Arrival
    • The BFG
    • Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
    • Captain America: Civil War
    • Deadpool
    • Deepwater Horizon
    • Doctor Strange
    • Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
    • Independence Day: Resurgence
    • The Jungle Book
    • Kubo and the Two Strings
    • Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
    • Passengers
    • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
    • Star Trek Beyond
    • Suicide Squad
    • Sully
    • Warcraft
    • X-Men: Apocalypse

    Going through this shortlist, it is evident that the choice for best visual effects is not an easy one all, because there are some absolutely astounding contenders in this particular ring, and Messrs Barron, Knoll, and Taylor definitely have an arduous task ahead of them.

    However, we have gone ahead and made our own five-film shortlist that we think are the top contenders for the award.

    Our list of top five contenders for the 2017 Oscar for Best Visual Effects

    1. The Jungle Book

    Jon Favreau’s 2016 adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s seminal literary masterpiece, this film essentially used CGI to create all characters but for the main lead, the young jungle-bred orphan Mowgli – played by Neel Sethi, who spent all his time in front of a green screen. With the might of Walt Disney Pictures behind the project and an array of superstars lending their voices to the iconic characters such as Ben Kingsley, Scarlett Johansson, Idris Alba and Bill Murray but to name a few, the film has been a global hit. Despite the stellar cast, and the amazing story that the film drew inspiration from, the visual effects have been the one of the major cornerstones for its success. As such, we can expect the Jungle Book to be right up there or thereabouts for sure.

    2. Captain America: Civil War

    Civil War is one of two films from the list that operate within the Marvel Cinematic Universe or MCU along with Doctor Strange (Deadpool and X-Men: Apocalypse are also based on Marvel Comics but aren’t part of the MCU, at least not yet). Another hugely successful global blockbuster, Civil War cleverly marries VFX with live action in an almost imperceptible blend. This, and that explosive Airport fight sequence are enough to put Civil War firmly in the running for the award.

    3. Warcraft

    If you are into videogames then Warcraft is something you will have at least come across, if not actively played. So when Duncan Jones took on this behemoth of the gaming world and attempted to turn it into a film, eyebrows were raised. The end result was the highest grossing video game adaptation of all time, and a triumph in visual effects. In fact, despite the film underperforming at the box office, the visual effects were lauded by both critics and viewers, with the plot being the reason cited for the movie’s tepid performance at the box office.

    4. Doctor Strange

    The movie with some of the most glitzy and flashy effects on the list, owing to Doctor Strange’s unique set of powers including the creation of mandalas of light, portals for teleportation, time-travel, and flight all require a lot of effects to look good. And they do! The film has been largely well received, and the effects are a visual spectacle and have been appreciated as such by critics and fans. Doctor Strange will definitely challenge for top billing come February at the Oscars.

    5. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

    A part of another massively popular cinematic universe, this one belonging to the world of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts is set seven or eight decades before the Harry Potter era. Marking the debut of author JK Rowling in the role of screenplay writer, this film is the first of a five-instalment franchise. As the name suggests, there are some amazing ethereal animals on show, and like Harry Potter, since this world is based around witches and wizards, there is a lot of VFX enhanced magic on show as well. With the biggest box office opening of 2016 (ahead of Civil War and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice), this movie has had tongues wagging for the beauty and intricacy and magnificence of the magical elements and beasts on show, and as such makes a strong case for the VFX award at the Oscars.

    Do you agree with our list? Which film and VFX Studio do you think will take home the big award? Let us know in the comments section below!

  • Discover the Magic of Digital Explainer Videos with Toolbox Studio

    Discover the Magic of Digital Explainer Videos with Toolbox Studio

    Creativity, innovation and thinking outside the box are the kind of buzz terms you will hear people talk about when it comes to starting your own venture. This is seen with the greatest degree of prevalence in this, the start-up generation where fresh and innovative concepts, or the drastic reimagining of classic approaches to business have led to great success and renown.

    However, in our search for this holy grail of uniqueness, clever ideas, and radical solutions we often overlook one important aspect. Caught in the fervour of our own brain-child we often forget that not everyone else has spent as much time as us pondering this specific idea.

    As such, everyone we come across – be it bosses, colleagues, potential investors, prospective customers or even friends and family – may not understand our idea and our concept as simply and easily as we might have imagined. It can sometimes prove difficult to share an idea or a thought process, when the recipient doesn’t have the advantage of being able to fall back on the context that the person who came up with the idea does.

    Ideas can end up failing because of this – because they get lost in translation. If you don’t want this to happen, you need to explore going down the route of business explainer videos.

    What are explainer videos?

    An explainer video is basically a form of audio visual content created for the specific purpose of providing information to the viewer. There are many forms of explainer videos for business based on the target audience. From shareholders to customers and staff to investors, explainer videos can be created to help drive a point home to various parties. Corporate explainer videos are probably the most popular kind of explainer videos, and they are typically targeted at the consumer.

    Gaining popularity on a more and more frequent basis, these explainer videos help consumers understand what the creator’s product of service has to offer, and how to go about using it in a simple to understand step-by-step format. The production of explainer videos typically involves the use of animation, motion graphics and text, although live-action explainers also exist. These type of videos are especially useful in the digital era with thousands of app-based products cropping up. A lot of the older generation not born into this era, for example, needs greater assistance to understand how to work app-based products and services, and digital explainer videos allow corporates to accomplish this task.

    Here are a couple of great examples of explainer videos from big, globally recognised outfits such as Amazon and Pinterest.

    Why are they better than text-based instructions?

    Explainer videos are being preferred to text-based instructions because of quite a few reasons.

    1. The first one is the dual coding theory originating in the 60s. The theory explores the effect of imagery on memory and the ability of the human mind to retain and recall information presented in this form.

    2. Apart from this, there is also psychological evidence that video is more effective as a tool for communication than text. As this article illustrates, “if you want visitors to your site to share and interact with your content, delivering it via video is the best way to go. Consumers are 39 percent more likely to share content if it’s delivered via video, and 36 percent more likely to comment and 56 percent more likely to give that video a coveted ‘like’.”

    3. Internet users do love video. The average consumer with an Internet connection watches roughly 206 videos per month, and Nielsen claims 64 percent of marketers expect video to dominate their strategies in the near future.

    Taking a look at the numbers, it seems like a no-brainer to say that video content is more engaging than text. But tapping into a little basic psychology, we can further break down these findings, and also describe the conditions that will drive visitors to prefer text.”

    “Videos are processed by the brain 60,000 times faster than text. Think about the heavy lifting your cognitive system has to do when reading an article vs. watching a video clip! Humans are hardwired to avoid demanding cognitive strain, so this tendency toward “laziness” will, more often than not, invite us to choose information that is easy to process over the form that makes us put out a lot of effort.”

    Advantages of explainer videos

    • Time saving
      A two-minute video can convey the same information that a 10-minute phone conversation or 30 minute reading session possibly could. Your staff doesn’t have to deal with explaining how to use the product to each person that calls in, and the customer doesn’t need to wait in line for staff members or customer support to answer their queries.
    • Easily understandable information
      Since explainers are all about providing value-added information to the consumer, they are easy to understand and straightforward enough that they don’t require follow ups and FAQs.
    • Easily accessible
      If you upload your explainer video online, customers from across the globe can use their smart devices and computers to access it wherever they and whenever they need. This makes it easy for them to clear doubts, and for your product to be used without issues.
    • Increasing audience
      A well-made explainer video holds the potential of being shared across social media, especially by proponents of your product or service. This leads to greater traffic, wider reach and bigger audiences.
    • Improved credibility
      An explainer video can go a long way towards improving a company’s credibility in the eyes of the customer. This happens because established brands typically use video content to communicate with consumers, so having such content on board adds a sheen of professionalism and quality to proceedings.

    It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that digital videos are an almost magical tool that packs a whole bunch of benefits for any company looking to utilize them. If you want to develop a professional business explainer video, Toolbox Studio can help you out. Browse through our portfolio to see the range of videos we’ve developed for our illustrious clients from India and abroad.

    Get in touch and begin your production today.

  • Looking Back at the Impact of Brexit on the VFX Market in the UK

    Looking Back at the Impact of Brexit on the VFX Market in the UK

    For those of you who haven’t been following big global news that shook the world, #Brexit happened.

    ‘Brexit’, as it has become known on news, social media and everywhere else, is the decision of the UK to leave the European Union. This landmark decision was taken off the back of a nationwide referendum that ended with 52% of the UK’s populace who voted to leave the European Union and all the benefits and pitfalls that go with. The UK chose to stop being a part of that economically motivated political coming together of 28 member states in Europe way back in June 2016.

    There has been a lot of speculation regarding the potential fall-out of this momentous choice, and a lot of it is conflicting. For example, The Week reports on one hand that “One million EU nationals ‘risk deportation’ after Brexit,” and on the other hand the same publication carries another story, no later than two days after the earlier one with the headline “Brexit ‘may never happen’, claims Polish foreign minister.”

    Furthermore, there is even ambiguity about how much time it will take for Brexit to come in effect, currently Britain are still a part of the European union. The actual split is expected to come to fruition in the next 3-5 years based on various reports. What is undeniable is that whenever it does finally happen Brexit will definitely have an impact on all aspect of economy and politics in the UK. The UK’s extensive VFX industry will also be affected by the nation’s choice to leave the EU, as will the entertainment industry as a whole.

     Restrictions on movement of labour

    One of the biggest advantages that the UK will forego after bowing out from the EU is the free, unrestricted movement of labour among the EU states. Despite noises coming out from political circles in the UK that claim that a deal will be worked out with the EU regarding this, and that the ramifications won’t be as harsh as people are making them out to be, there is no denying that there will be an increase in the restriction of movement for the citizens of the UK to the rest of the EU, after all, you can’t have your cake and eat it, too.

    This will definitely affect the visual effects industry. The fluidity with which studios from the UK and Europe current collaborate will take a severe hit. These collaborations help diversify the workforce on large projects and boost the ability for studios to meet deadlines, and will definitely be affected by this move. Furthermore, even the movement of UK-based VFX talent will take a hit. Today, talented VFX artists are engaged by big European firms to fly over and contribute to projects, but in the future, the increased levels of bureaucracy and potential increase in expenditure incurred to make a move like this might just dissuade them from doing so.

    Devaluation of currency

    The devaluation of the Pound has already begun, and financial experts expect it to stay at this lower value level for a long time to come. The actual split will cause even more financial instability, however, the actual loss of value of the pound could work in the favour of UK based studios.

    The lower value of the pound could make these studios an attractive proposition for overseas producers from the US, for example, in terms of investment and the value they would receive on the favourable exchange rate. This could present new opportunities for the VFX market, making the industry more competitive on a global scale.

    Funding and European Regional Development Fund

    The ERDF and other such funding tools have been set up by the EU to help develop certain regions of the union that are falling back economically, and allow small and medium companies access to greater amounts of financing for future ventures.

    Post Brexit, video production company UK and film productions will no longer be allowed to access these funds and swell their coffers. This will lead to lower investment and less expansive contracts for VFX artists and companies in the UK.

    Removal of restrictions for other subsidies

    There are restrictions on subsidies companies from member nations of the EU can offer to clients from outsider countries as of today. Studios from Hollywood for example will always look out for these subsides so that they have a positive effect on their film budgets, but with the restrictions on these subsidies, VFX companies UK do lose out on contracts. Furthermore, the EU currently reviews subsidies offered on film projects every few years, something that will not be an issue post Brexit.

    At Toolbox Studio, an Animation and VFX studio in India, we believe that Brexit will have a palpable impact on the VFX market in the UK. Only time will tell whether that impact will be positive or negative overall. The video production industry in the UK stands to experience both gains and losses as a result of this shift, influencing how video production companies in the UK operate in the evolving landscape.

  • A Preview of the 9 Hottest Video Marketing Trends (2017)

    A Preview of the 9 Hottest Video Marketing Trends (2017)

    Video is becoming one of the most sought after commodities in the digital space. A truly engaging medium, video marries motion picture and sound into one irresistible package that viewers worldwide are consuming in great big doses.

    Times are changing though, and while I would have been unimaginable a few years ago, video consumption is moving away from the more traditional television and onto online channels in modern times. In the Asia-Pacific region for example, Mumbrella reports that “viewers consume an average of two hours of traditional TV daily.” However, the digital space is fast catching up with “1.6 hours spent consuming online video in any form, which includes free platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, and paid subscription sites such as Hooq, Netflix and Iflix.”

    Marketers the world over have been taking cognizance of the growing popularity of digital video and setting aside a portion of their marketing budgets on this very medium based on its ever growing popularity.

    What does the future hold for video though, is 2017 going to see a greater shift in video marketing? Is digital the way to go? We take a look at this and more with our nine hottest trends of video marketing in 2017.

    1. Smartphone video consumption is booming

    In this mobile-driven, smartphone-dependent generation, video is the single biggest consumed media online today. A report by Cisco says that “Mobile video traffic accounted for 55 percent of total mobile data traffic in 2015. Mobile video traffic now accounts for more than half of all mobile data traffic.” The same report goes on to state that “three-fourths of the world’s mobile data traffic will be video by 2020. Mobile video will increase 11-fold between 2015 and 2020, accounting for 75 percent of total mobile data traffic by the end of the forecast period.”

    2. Infotaiment is the new wave

    Infotainment marries information and entertainment and is expected to be a big deal in 2017. Consumers no longer want to watch videos that only inform. The video should be presented in an entertaining, easy to digest package to retain their interest and attention, and how to achieve this mix will be a big challenge for marketers in 2017.

    3. Ad budgets are increasingly leaning towards the digital space

    CMO an Adobe venture reports on the changing trends in ad spend for the digital space. Here is an interesting excerpt on mobile video ad spend – “Mobile and video are converging. In fact, according to the study, mobile video is proving to be a key area for increased investment, with budgets up 18% year over year.” An 18% year on year increase clocked back in 2015, this trend has continued to grow, and even more investment is expected in 2017 for mobile video ads.

    4. Programmatic video is on the up

    Programmatic video or taking the aid of software to invest in digital video ad space is huge these days. The same article says that “programmatic video has reached critical mass among 91% of buyers and 88% of publishers. The report estimated that by the end of 2015, 32% of all digital video ad spend will be bought programmatically, making up nearly $2.91 billion in ad spend. That number is projected to grow to 38% in 2016, totalling $5.37 billion—nearly 86% growth in dollars directed toward programmatic digital video advertising—all in the span of one year.” With the advantage of having real-time data guide the process to ensure that the video reaches target consumers with greater accuracy, it should come as no surprise that programmatic video spend is expected to increase in 2017 as well.

    5. Reach of over a billion on YouTube alone

    YouTube is the big daddy of digital video consumption. The numbers are staggering, and as per YouTube’s own admission – “YouTube has over a billion users–almost a third of all people on the Internet–and every day, people watch hundreds of millions of hours of YouTube videos and generate billions of views.” The enormous reach of YouTube will play a big factor in advertising spend decisions in 2017.

    6. Facebook video consumption is on the rise

    Another avenue for marketers to explore in 2017 is Facebook video. This article shows just how big Facebook is in terms of video. The article says that “users watch 100 million hours of video per day on Facebook,” a number they quote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg. It goes on to add that he also said, “500 million people watch Facebook video every day.” The article also points out that “the first number is new and apparently replaced the “total video views” metric Facebook has shared in the past.”

    7. The consumer is depending on video for information

    This Wyzowl study says that only 4% of consumer chose to gain information regarding new products and services through the manual, 5% speak to customer care via the phone for further information, and a staggering 44% chose to watch a video regarding the product or service to learn more about it.

    8. Video apps are the next big thing

    Techcrunch reports that Snapchat is becoming the new big thing in video consumption. According to the article “Daily video views on Snapchat have spiked to 10 billion. That’s up from 8 billion video views on Snapchat in February this year, 6 billion daily video views in November 2015, and 4 billion in May 2015. The new numbers represent a 150 percent increase in video consumption on Snapchat in just under a year.” Apps with video components such as Snapchat and Instagram are expected to continue to blossom in 2017 as well.

    9. Multichannel is the new approach

    In 2017, marketers won’t be able to restrict their activities to just Twitter and Facebook or YouTube. Getting the word out will require an attack on many fronts including a whole gamut of social media portals that are constantly cropping up. Being aware of trends and the new big thing in social media and constantly updating the marketing mix to match these channels will prove to be the big challenge.

    If you are looking to expand your video portfolio and develop promotional videos for digital consumption, then look no further than Toolbox Studio. A digital video production company with a state-of-the-art 5,000 sq. ft. facility and experience gained from years of video production for clients across three continents and numerous verticals, we can deliver exactly what you need and when you need it.

  • How Educational Institutes Can Use Corporate Videos to Boost Admissions

    How Educational Institutes Can Use Corporate Videos to Boost Admissions

    As a tool of communication, videos are becoming the go-to medium for a variety of corporate and business institutions. The high engagement levels, ability to capture and retain attention, share information easily and more make videos a great medium for corporate communications.When creating the best corporate videos, the focus is crafting content that resonates with the target audience while effectively conveying the intended message.

    Corporate video is a highly sought-after commodity for these reasons, but what many people don’t realize is that the advantages of corporate video production don’t just work for large conglomerates. Small and medium businesses across a variety of industries can benefit making corporate videos, including explainer videos. These videos can increase brand recognition and improve conversion figures , and they are an excellent resource for businesses looking to expand their horizons.

    The numbers game

    Let us take a look at the numbers. Forbes compiled a compelling set of statistics highlighting why making corporate videos is a powerful strategy for online promotion activities. Here are these amazing statistics that emphasise why creating the best corporate videos can significantly enhance your brand’s reach and engagement:

    • 70% of marketing professionals report that video converts better than any other medium.
    • The average internet user spends 88% more time on a website with video than without.
    • 64% of consumers are more likely to buy a product after watching a video about it.
    • Using the word ‘video’ in an email subject line boosts open rates by 19%, click-through rates by 65%, and reduces unsubscribe rates by 26%.
    • 69% of smartphone users say videos are a perfect solution for smartphone viewing as it offers a quick way for consumers to grasp an overview of a product.

    Furthermore, this eMarketer report has another interesting number that makes the case for using videos online. The study reports that in 2013, 93% of marketers had already employed video content for marketing purposes. A more recent Cisco study predicts a bold future for videos online as well. According to the study, “Globally, IP video traffic will be 82 percent of all consumer Internet traffic by 2020, up from 70 percent in 2015. Global IP video traffic will grow threefold from 2015 to 2020, a CAGR of 26 percent. Internet video traffic will grow fourfold from 2015 to 2020, a CAGR of 31 percent.”

    How video content can help educational institutions

    The numbers prove that video is the big thing now, and will continue to grow, but why is it the perfect route for educational institutions to go down? By making corporate videos, educational institutions can effectively showcase their strengths, achievements, and unique offerings.

    1. Know your audience – Aspiring college students are the generation born in social media, the lightning speed internet, smartphone and the digital video age. This is the lead demographic for online consumption of videos. The generation that doesn’t go anywhere without their smart devices, and looks to Google first for an answer. When your target audience is so tech-savvy and internet-dependent, it is a no-brainer that digital video will attract their attention. As a student, wouldn’t you rather watch a video about what the college has to offer rather than read reams and reams of text?

    2. Amplify your social media – Most if not all educational institutions have social media verticals including YouTube and Facebook channels. Both YouTube and Facebook also happen to be the most popular social media portals for sharing of video content online. And because we have already proven that video is the most engaging form of media online, it goes without saying that an institution with video content going up on its social media is far more likely to gain eyeballs than one that that doesn’t share video content.

    3. Enhance your credibility – It is easy to make blank statements like “the best college” or “the premier institution,” but these overused platitudes are creating an environment of disenchantment and distrust among the younger populace. Proving your school is great means putting your teaching staff out there. Get the principal or dean to talk about the school’s history, achievements of past students, placement figures etc. in front of camera to help convince students that there are not just tall claims. Putting a face to the school makes it more relatable, genuine and credible. Having the teaching staff talk about their experience and credentials can also help convince a student of the calibre of the school.

    4. Flaunt your facilities – A corporate or explainer video giving the students a virtual tour of your school premises, including sports and leisure activities, hostels, classrooms and more can provide students with visual confirmation of the facilities that the school has on offer. This further underlines how your institution is concerned about the all-round development of your students and has the right infrastructure for them to make progress. For instance, this corporate video for Seamedu School of Pro-Expressionism that showcases the institute’s facility and studio offerings, is the perfect 2-minute sneak peek into what they have on offer for media students.

    5. Making enrolling easier – Sometimes, enrolling into a college or institution can be a complicated process. There are central entrance examinations with fixed dates, group interviews, essay submissions, personal interviews and more. Keeping track of everything is difficult especially if the student is attempting to gain access to multiple institutes. A corporate video walking the students through the admission process can help provide information and clarity, allowing more students to attempt admission because they didn’t miss the deadline or weren’t prepared well enough. Or it could even be as crisp and catchy as these 21-second videos we created for Seamedu’s Sound Engineering, Animation, Filmmaking, and Journalism courses.

    If you wish to create a slick corporate video or any other type of digital video content for your educational institution, Toolbox Studio can help. We specialise in making corporate videos that resonate with your audience and effectively showcase your institution’s strengths. Contact us to create the best corporate videos and elevate your institute to reach new heights online.

  • The Perfect Balance between Data-driven and Creative Marketing

    The Perfect Balance between Data-driven and Creative Marketing

    With the advent of the internet and multiple search engines offering a vast amount of information, today’s audiences have grown increasingly sceptical and savvy when it comes to accepting statements and claims made in advertisements. As creative and fun as an advertisement might be, it is essential that it reaches out to the required audience. This is where a data-driven marketing strategy comes into play. By using data-driven marketing, businesses can design a digital marketing strategy that ensures their message reaches the right people, increasing engagement and conversions.

    Data-driven marketing is based on science while creative marketing involves, well, art. The difficulty lies in making the twain meet. However, creativity and data can go hand in hand in any marketing strategy. By blending data insights with creative marketing techniques, you can create a more impactful digital marketing strategy. There is a fine line between the two, and a good campaign involves both. In this blog post, we discuss how to achieve that fine balance between the two strategies to maximise the potential of an advertising campaign.

    With the recent credit crunch, companies have also become increasingly wary about ideas that are creatively ‘out there’ and require data-driven marketing insights to help shape their campaign. A strong digital marketing strategy is now crucial, backed by solid data that resonates with audiences. Audiences are cagey too and would not necessarily accept the word of a big cuddly brown bear as easily as they might have in the past. Therefore, aligning creative marketing with factual evidence and a well-crafted marketing strategy is essential for making an impact in today’s environment.

     Get both parties involved from the get go

    Marketing strategies are often developed based purely on data collected and analysed from previous campaigns, surveys, and other such data-gathering resources. This data-driven marketing strategy is then handed over to the creative team. Once the marketing strategy is developed, it is handed over to the creative team to implement the plan. While this process can work in some cases, it may not always lead to the most effective results. A balance of creative marketing and digital marketing strategy is crucial for engaging your target audience and achieving lasting impact. Sounds like a good way to go about it? Wrong!

    Involving the creative team right from the start enables the analytical team to gather additional data that they might require to actually create the campaign. A solid data-driven marketing approach helps ensure that the gathered insights are effectively utilized. Knowing the target audience from age and income demographics to their preferences right down to color can greatly influence the creative marketing process of the advertising campaign. Simply put, the creative teams put the numbers crunched by the analysts into pictures and words that are appealing to a target audience.

    Source: dailyinfographic.com
    Source: dailyinfographic.com


    Why does this work?

    The data-driven marketing approach provides valuable information about the target audience’s likes and dislikes. It also helps with insights that will retain existing customers by explaining what has worked as part of the creative marketing strategies in the past and what has not. This allows for future marketing strategies to be designed scientifically, ensuring that every move aligns with an effective digital marketing strategy.

    Throwing numbers and facts at a target audiences will not work, as advertisements need to appeal to their emotional sides as well as their rational. This is where creative advertisement steps in, to translate the numbers in to an appealing campaign. The numbers help bring transparency to a campaign audience if incorporated in the advertisement well and the creatives (fluffy pink unicorns or dragons as the case might be) bring an emotional appeal. A campaign is most likely to work when the audience is given the facts in a way that appeals to their sense of humour, surprises them while yet conveying the facts succinctly.

    Source: thetimes.co.uk
    Source: thetimes.co.uk

    A great example where data driven and creative marketing have been effectively used together is the Compare the Meerkat campaign run by Compare the Market. Compare the Market is a large insurance comparison company based in the United Kingdom. Their campaign stars Aleksandr Orlov, a Russian meerkat, who explains the difference between comparethemarket.com and comparethemeerkat.com. It makes an essentially dull topic (insurance) instantly appealing while still managing to get the brand’s message across. Orlov’s eccentric family and their escapades keep existing users continually engaged.

    Production

    Once you have both the analytical and the creative teams working harmoniously together (we did not say this was going to be easy, just possible) and the strategy is planned, it is important that the advertisement is executed well. A good production team can make all the difference. The script, storyboard and the visuals must be used to enhance the campaign.

    The marketing strategy can influence the visuals which might vary from live action camera shots to animated videos as the requirements maybe. The final format for the video would be influenced by the avenues of its distribution.

    At Toolbox Studio, we offer a wide range of video production services ranging from commercial videos, digital videos to animated ones. Our teams include some of the best professionals in the field today. Since we commit to deliver cutting-edge solutions that culminate into products with exceptional visual appeal, we’ve earned ourselves a reputation of being a leading integrated media services company. By leveraging data-driven marketing and creative marketing approaches, we ensure that our video content aligns with your marketing strategy. Our expertise in crafting a tailored digital marketing strategy for each project guarantees that your message reaches the right audience effectively.

    To find out more on how we can help you turn your marketing strategy in to a successful campaign, contact us at +91 20 46607590 or write to us at enquiry@toolbox-studio.com.