Two years ago, the idea of affordable remote video production wasn’t yet mainstream. Companies on every continent were stuck in the old ways of doing things. Big sets. Expensive cameras. Huge crews.

Then Covid struck and all bets were off. Suddenly, video producers and advertisers had to reassess. Webcams and smartphones went from the derided signs of an amateur to essential pieces of kit – literally the only way to get anything done.

The Shift Towards Remote Video Production

For those with mindsets stuck in the past, the results were startling. Audiences everywhere welcomed and embraced UGC content. The authenticity, the relatability, the humor. It all combined to make something special. Even those in front of the camera seemed to enjoy the process more.

Yet still… with Covid restrictions easing, many assumed in-person production would regain dominance. But the world has changed. There’s no putting the genie back in the bottle: remote production is here to stay. Here’s why:

• It’s easy to do. With a few simple tricks and tips, someone with no filming experience can soon grasp the basics and start producing high-quality footage.

• Anyone can do it. Most of the developed world owns a smartphone. We use them all day to take pictures and shoot personal clips. They’re tools that are completely embedded in our lives – so there’s very little learning to do.

• And it’s super affordable. You don’t need a $30k camera set-up, a large-scale crew, or even an expensive camera drop kit. Just grab your smartphone and shoot or direct the members of your global community to do the same (the production specs on the iPhone 13 are insane and remote production platforms are numerous).

Imagine it. Simply by sitting in front of your computer, you’ve now got the ability to direct someone remotely. You can talk them through what’s needed, give them pointers on their technique, and offer reassurance when they’re unsure.

And when the shots are done, automatic cloud uploads mean any footage is immediately available to you or your edit team regardless of geographic position.

The Impact on Marketing Strategies

So yes, in-person production will still have its place. But for companies wanting to maximize their impact and create great content for branding, internal comms, or social campaigns, there’s no longer the requirement to get sign-off on a substantial production budget.

Instead, affordable remote video production is now a central part of all modern marketing strategies. Just ask S&P Global, which created 20+ employee videos using footage from 70 offices in 35 countries (try working out the cost of attempting to do even half of that through traditional in-person shoots!). Or talk to Zynga to hear how it devised a shot list and created a series of employee videos from around the world to celebrate Pride Month.

Embracing the Future

As smartphone camera quality continues to improve and 5G networks deliver faster internet speeds, remote video production is only becoming more viable and efficient. These advancements result in significant cost savings, leaving your finance team pleasantly surprised. It's clear that remote video production is not a passing trend but a permanent fixture in the industry. The question is, are you prepared to seize its potential and leverage it for your success? Embrace the power of affordable remote video production and unlock a world of creative possibilities.