Humor and Levity: “Gold” for Video

Maybe you are getting bored with the same old video style, feel, and expected approach to your video content. Is it time to change it up and get some of the ‘life’ and fun back?

I often ask myself and others on my teams: are we still having fun? Not that I believe everything is going to be fun at all times. That would be naive of course. But nor should it all be dreary and draining. Working hard doesn’t mean that you lose passion and life. And with our marketing work, it’s the same. Let’s breath some life into what we are creating. Here are some ideas to keep your videos upbeat, fun, and something people want to watch.

Videos that often go viral are most likely full of emotion

You’ve probably noticed. It’s rare to see an organically ‘viral’ video that doesn’t either make you tear up with emotion or laugh out loud. That’s because video and film is most powerful when it connects. When it speaks to us, whether in an uplifting or meaningful way.

Aiming to communicate passion or playfulness just makes you want to hit play! Ask yourself and your team: are we connecting with people emotionally through our marketing? How could we bring emotion more across in our videos?

Costumes and make-up.

Ok. Don’t shut me out on this. Colors, role play, wardrobe, pretend. It could be very simple in fact.

Just the other day, I saw a video of a client of ours (they made in house). There was the CEO (a real nice approachable guy) simply wearing a skipper’s hat as the video was announcing a dinner cruise for the entire company. People ate it up who worked there because it was fun and light!

Incorporate Play

People love being playful – show off how your brand stays playful, light-hearted and is a place anyone would want to work.

Studies show that having fun and creative play allows for better creativity in both children and adults. Deep down we are all still kids at heart. And we find ourselves refreshed when we get to ‘play’. That could be a game of golf, a simple workplace competition, a cooking class, playing music, sitting and listening to music while reading a book. Does your workplace offer that? If so show that off! If not, think about it as it could add such creative productivity if done right.

And finally let your place of operations look the way and feel the way you want. Pixar is known for allowing their employees to decorate their work stations and offices how they see fit. This could be anything from Star Wars paraphernalia all over the walls to making their office feel like you just landed in the tropics. It may not work for you but at least let it get the wheels spinning as to how you can let people express themselves.

Funny can help build personality.

How on earth are ‘stuffy’ insurance companies getting a persona of friendliness except through showing personality, humor, kindness/compassion? Look at the seemingly endless commercials Geico or other brands produce. It just makes you think they are a cool company.

Don’t miss out on this – get around people who are funny more… heh, maybe you and I will become just a tad more alive as a result.