Turning Mundane into Mesmerizing: Crafting Compelling Product Videos for 'Quiet' Products

Today, let’s discuss the captivating world of product videos. But hold on, we're not talking about the flashy gadgets or visually stunning products this time. We're tackling the challenge of making products that don't boast much visual pizzazz look utterly fascinating on screen. So, buckle up for some pro tips and tricks to turn the ordinary into extraordinary.

Back In 2021, We were asked to make a landing page video for this product. The first question we had was, what does it do? Well, it’s sort of like a speaker but more geared towards the security world of end users.
”so how do we make this visually pleasing if the products doesn't do anything but make sounds”.

Let’s dive into how we turned a “Quiet” Product" into something loud.

Insights on Product Videos:
Let's kick things off by understanding the essence of a product video. It's not just a mere showcase; it's a narrative that unfolds the story behind the product. For visually understated products, the focus shifts to highlighting their functionality, versatility, and how they seamlessly integrate into users' lives.

Equipment Needed:
Investing in the right gear is crucial for any video production, and the same holds true for product videos. While you don't need an arsenal of high-end cameras, a decent DSLR or mirrorless camera with good video capabilities will do the trick. Consider adding a tripod to ensure smooth shots or a slider to add movement to the camera. If you don’t own, any equipment, that’s fine too. You could rent or better yet, you might already be renting a studio to do the videos and that studio might have all the equipment on hand.

Lighting Style:
Lighting can make or break your product video, especially when the product lacks inherent visual appeal. Opt for soft, diffused lighting to eliminate harsh shadows and create a clean, polished look. Experiment with different angles to emphasize the product's texture and features. Remember, lighting is your secret weapon to transform the mundane into something mesmerizing.

For this project, we decided that lighting would be the most crucial element of the video. Since the Product itself did not do much visually, why not use the lights to make it move. We started off by creating a dark environment for the product. This was going to help with reflections and to make sure the light only lands where needed. the lights we used were 4x 300dii, some DIY tube lights created from items purchased on Amazon, and things to cut and shape the light such as nets, materials, and barn doors.

Pre-Production: Script and Storyboard:
Crafting a compelling script is the cornerstone of a successful product video. Focus on storytelling – delve into the product's origin, its unique features, and how it addresses the needs of your audience. A storyboard will be your roadmap during shooting, ensuring a coherent and visually engaging sequence of shots.

Research:
Understanding your audience is key. What appeals to them? What are their pain points? Tailor your video to resonate with their needs and preferences. Research competitors' product videos to identify gaps or opportunities to differentiate your content.

Post-Production:
Now comes the magic of post-production. Use engaging transitions, incorporate subtle music that complements the product, and, if applicable, add graphics or animations to highlight key features. Don't underestimate the power of sound effects – they can enhance the viewer's experience significantly.

While shooting the product, we decided to experiment with some camera techniques as we knew we could use these later in post-production. We did a series of takes, some where the camera was locked off and the lights around moved in and out to reveal the product and some where the camera would move in and out and the product would stay still. If there was one thing the products did visually, it was the illuminated button on top. We took advantage of this and decided to film the lights on a slow shutter so that we could use the streaks as a transition.

In the realm of product videos, the challenge is not about having a visually stunning product but rather about telling a compelling story. Armed with the right equipment, lighting techniques, a well-crafted script, and thoughtful post-production touches, you can turn even the most visually modest products into stars of the screen. Now, it's your turn to share your insights and experiences in the exciting world of product videography!

We would love to know, what's your go-to strategy for making 'quiet' products shine in your videos? Reach out to us and lets share techniques to build better videos for the future.