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Imagine capturing not just the eye but the heart and mind of your audience. In the digital realm where short snippets often fade quickly from memory, long-form video stands as a beacon, drawing viewers into a deeper, more meaningful narrative.
Why settle for fleeting attention when you can secure lasting engagement?
1. Beyond the Buzz: The Strategic Depth of Long-Form Videos
Long-form videos—extending beyond three minutes—offer the canvas to paint detailed narratives that captivate and educate. They provide the space to:
- Educate and Inform: Dive deep into subjects, from intricate how-tos to comprehensive explorations of new technologies or historical narratives.
- Build Stronger Connections: Develop emotional connections through storytelling, showcasing real people and real impacts.
Case Study Highlight - Short Documentary for a Barbershop
Goodsides’ nearly 8-minute documentary about the Nisei Barber Shop is a prime example. It explores the historical and cultural significance of the last surviving business of Japantown in Sacramento, enriching the community's understanding and appreciation of its heritage.
This depth and engagement have led to its submission to 13 film festivals, illustrating how long-form content can transcend typical advertising realms to make a significant cultural impact.
From Reviewers at the San Diego Short Film Festival:
“Nisei Barber Shop is the last remaining business in what was once a thriving section of Sacramento called Japantown…Goodsides deftly switches between present and past, punctuating Umezu’s narration about the town’s history, the Japanese internment camps in the 1940s and the demolition of Japantown in the 1950s. Through historical images and new footage of what remains of one of the camps, they show us in words and images how the present and past are linked.”
Reflecting on the above, a single commercial or social sizzle cannot replicate these kinds of results, especially at smaller scales (i.e., not global corporations).
Interestingly, we have seen global brands compete in awards and try for festivals, but even with billions (or even trillions) in revenue, they compete with other cinematographers and directors, not in their respective market categories. Goodsides, for example, was awarded Gold by DotComm Awards for a recent production–same as Rakuten Group, a large Japanese conglomerate. Video production quality is where you can compete on larger stages.
2. Reaching Across the Spectrum: Series Content for Diverse Audiences
Creating a series of interconnected videos can magnify your reach and impact:
- Consistent Engagement: A 2019 study by HubSpot showed that series-based content helps retain viewers’ attention rates by up to 85% across episodes, much higher than standalone posts.
- Enhanced Brand Recognition: Regular content keeps your brand relevant, with viewers up to 70% more likely to recall a brand after watching their series content, according to Nielsen.
3. Community and Value: The Comparative Advantage of Meaningful Content
Long-form content that aligns with larger societal values—such as sustainability, community support, or social justice—resonates more strongly with today’s audiences. For instance:
- Google's "Year in Search" videos: These not only highlight popular trends but also tap into emotional narratives that underscore human resilience and collective action, resulting in millions of shares and discussions.
- Patagonia's Environmental Documentaries: Patagonia produces documentary-style videos that go beyond showcasing their products to emphasize their commitment to environmental sustainability. One notable example is the video titled "Takayna," which highlights the threats to one of the world’s last undisturbed rainforests. These videos serve as a compelling reminder of the brand's ethos—saving our planet. They inspire viewers to appreciate and engage in environmental conservation, enhancing the brand’s image as a leader in ecological activism.
- Mailchimp's "Taking Stock" Series: Mailchimp has utilized long-form video to delve into the lives of creative professionals, like in their series "Taking Stock," which follows a young female photographer. This series helps viewers understand the personal and professional lives of creatives, associating Mailchimp with the innovative and driven community of entrepreneurs. This type of content not only entertains but also enriches the viewer's understanding of the challenges and successes within creative industries.
Call to “Action!”
In a world brimming with content, long-form and series videos offer a profound way to engage, inform, and influence. They provide a platform for businesses and organizations to not just sell, but to tell stories that matter, fostering a deeper connection with audiences that goes beyond the transactional.
With Goodsides’ expertise and dedicated support, chamber of commerce members nationwide can harness the power of long-form video to carve out their niche in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Contact us today to see what deals are available in your region to make these video dreams a reality.
