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Most of us are aware that video has taken over the Internet. From the recent ALS Ice Bucket Challenge explosion to viral videos like Double Rainbow, and Charlie Bit my finger that have had millions of views on YouTube.

Businesses and brands are scrambling to keep up, and although most recognize that they need video content, many aren't taking the time to think about what that content should be, and how it reflects the look and feel of their overall brand strategy.

Here are some tips and tricks to consider to keep your content interesting before you reach out to a team to begin the creative process:

1. Know your key message. First and foremost, you should be able to define the message of your story into one sentence. What are you trying to say with your video? There's nothing worse than watching a video, and wondering why you just watched that. Remember that just because you know your brand well doesn't mean everyone else does.

2. Keep it simple. Often, people get wrapped up into stuffing as much content as possible into a piece. Most of the time, this dilutes the process, and bores the viewer. Consider telling an engaging story. Create content with emotion. Viewers are more likely to relate, or attach themselves to one thematic then they are bouncing back and forth from story to story.

3. Don't fake it. Be who you are as a company or brand, or find characters that represent your message and style. One of the most powerful ways of storytelling is to let people tell their own stories and experiences. It creates authenticity in both the video itself as well as your brand.

4. Be flexible in your budget, to a point. Understand that in the long run, those extra few hours of production, or that one last revision may be what makes your video shine. Build this into your budget from the start, and expect that good creative may take more time than initially expected.

5. Plan for pre-production. The more time you spend planning your project, the better it will be. It will also save you money on production days in the long run. Take the time to research, scout, and map out your project before you get to the production days.

6. Think visually. Work with a creative team to move beyond a talking head on a green screen and concentrate on the visuals. After all, these are a big part of what will keep viewers engaged in your film. With tools like motion stabilizers, sliders, and cranes, filmmakers are able to create incredible content that was unheard of outside of Hollywood productions just a decade ago.

7. Take people to new places and perspectives. Take viewers to places they don't normally go. From behind the scenes to above the clouds. With the advent of UAVs (or drones) many companies can now offer aerial cinema as part of their productions. This will literally take viewers to heights they've never experienced, and it won't break the bank like a full scale helicopter would have in the past.

8. Size matters. Is there an ideal length to a video? That's up for argument. Many studies show that you have 10 seconds to engage a viewer online. Some would argue you have less time then that. Make sure there's a hook to your video, whether that's emotion, strong visuals, a great character, comedy, or all of the above.A shorter video doesn't mean you're saying less. In fact, you can often say more, and retain your viewers rather than losing them halfway through a video. Every shot and sound byte should be there for a reason.

Brent Foster of Foster Visuals is a Canadian filmmaker and photographer focusing on helping companies and brands tell their visual stories with authenticity. You can view his work at: www.fostervisuals.com and follow him on twitter at: www.twitter.com/fostervisuals

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