Smart Questions to Ask Before Starting a Corporate Video Project If you’re planning to hire someone for a corporate video — or if you’re the one producing it — the best projects always start with the right questions. These aren’t filler. They’re how you avoid wasting time, money, and everyone’s patience. I’ve been doing this a long time, and I can tell you: projects go sideways when nobody knows what the video is actually supposed to do. 1. What’s the Purpose of This Video? Before we talk gear, style, or script — what is this video supposed to accomplish? Raise awareness? Boost sales? Train staff? Get someone to click a link? That answer changes everything about how it’s made. 2. Who’s the Target Audience? You can’t speak to everyone. Are you talking to customers? Investors? Internal staff? The tone, length, and visual approach all shift depending on who it’s for. 3. What’s the Core Message? Every corporate video should have a main takeaway. What do you want someone to feel, think, or do after watching it? If we can’t answer that clearly, we’re not ready to shoot. 4. What’s the Call to Action? “Visit our website.” “Call us today.” “Sign up for the program.” Whatever it is, say it clearly and place it intentionally. Don’t bury it in fluff. 5. Do You Have a Vision for the Tone or Style? Should this feel professional? Approachable? Gritty? Warm? Funny? Give me words or references. A few good examples go a long way to avoid a bad fit later. 6. What’s the Budget — and What Resources Are Available? Be real about this. Even small budgets can go far if we plan smart. Do you have a location? People who can speak on camera? Can we shoot during business hours? The more we can leverage your resources, the more we can stretch the value. Looking to do something smaller but still sharp? Here’s how to make social media video content that actually looks good without a film degree or a big crew. 7. Is There a Script or Talking Points? If not — no problem. But someone has to define what needs to be said. Whether it’s you, your marketing person, or me helping draft it, we can’t show up hoping the message “just happens.” 8. Any Examples of Videos You Like (or Hate)? This is huge. Show me something that feels right — or totally wrong — and I’ll get a clearer picture of what direction to take. Even bad examples help avoid missteps. 9. Who Needs to Approve the Final Video? If we don’t know who has final say, revisions can turn into a nightmare. Figure out up front who needs to sign off — and bring them in early if possible. Conclusion Good corporate video isn’t about flashy gear or fancy effects. It’s about clarity. These questions help get you there. Whether you’re hiring me or someone else, ask them early — and be honest with the answers. It’ll save everyone time and get you a better result. Want to see how wild projects take shape too? Check out this behind-the-scenes look at an AI video I built from scratch using imagination, real prompts, and a whole lot of Alberta charm. July 13, 2025 I’m a Believer in Clean Hands – AHS Parody Video Case Study July 7, 2025 Behind the Scenes with an Edmonton Videographer | Pro Video Shoot Process July 4, 2025 How Much Does a Corporate Video Cost in Alberta? [2025 Pricing Guide] June 28, 2025 TireGrabber Transformer: AI-Powered Farm Video with Flying Tires and Alberta Attitude June 28, 2025 Tiregrabber TG4000 Spotlight – Alberta-Made Tire Handler Video June 24, 2025 Unpopular Opinion: Slow Motion Is the Diet Soda of Video June 11, 2025 Small Alberta Town Street – Community Roots and Local Business Feel May 15, 2025 Former Pro Wedding Videographer Reveals What to Look For June 27, 2024 Drayton Christian School | School’s Out Bash Video June 24, 2024 Drayton Valley Family Carnival Time-lapse June 7, 2024 Combining Mini DJI 3 Pro Drone Video With Photoshop AI May 31, 2024 The Northern Lights – Free High Resolution Photo Ready For Print September 10, 2023 Generative Fill Photoshop : From Basement to Rooftops April 13, 2023 How to Build an Affordable Content Creator Set Up: A Guide for Small Businesses
Category: Videography Trends, Tips, and Equipment Reviews
The latest trends in videography, tips for shooting a great video, and reviews of videography equipment.
How to Make Video Content for Social Media (That Actually Looks Good)
How to Make Professional Video Content for Social Media (Without Losing Your Mind) If you’ve got a phone, some basic gear, and a clear message — you can make solid video content for social media. It doesn’t have to be perfect. But it does need to connect. I’ve been making video content for 25 years — for brands, towns, nonprofits, and blue-collar businesses that just want to tell their story. This isn’t about trends or fluff. This is about real content that looks good, sounds clean, and doesn’t waste people’s time. If you’re new to it, here’s how to start — without overcomplicating it. 1. Know What You’re Trying to Say Before you even pick up a camera, ask yourself: Who are you talking to? What do you want them to know? What do you want them to do next? Don’t chase trends. Make a simple plan. Jot down 2–3 bullet points that you want to cover. Keep it tight. Rambling loses people. Bonus tip: Watch a few videos in your space. See what works. Then do it your way. 2. Use the Gear You’ve Got — Just Use It Right You don’t need Hollywood lighting or a $5K camera rig. A decent phone, a tripod, and a $50 mic will go a long way. If you’re serious: Use a tripod (no one wants to watch shaky video unless it’s intentional) Grab a lav mic or directional mic (audio matters more than most think) Use natural light if you don’t own softboxes Want to get slicker? Add a gimbal or a cheap LED panel. But don’t overbuy before you outgrow the basics. 3. Shoot Smart Frame your shot. Light the subject. Check your audio. Then hit record. Whether it’s a talking head, a product demo, or a short promo: Shoot more takes than you need Avoid cluttered backgrounds Keep the subject facing the light (not backlit) Record a clap or a “3–2–1” if you plan to sync things later. Don’t be afraid to reshoot — editing can only fix so much. 4. Edit with Intent You don’t need to be an Adobe ninja. Just cut the fluff, keep the pace tight, and make sure the message is clear. Use tools like: CapCut (easy and mobile-friendly) Premiere Pro (more control) DaVinci Resolve (free and powerful) Trim the awkward silences, add captions if possible, and make sure your audio isn’t peaking or muddy. Add a simple branded intro or a call-to-action at the end. 5. Make the Thumbnail & Title Count It doesn’t matter how good your video is if no one clicks it. Make a thumbnail that stands out — bold text, clean contrast, and a face if possible. Keep titles short and clear. Tell people what they’ll get or why they should care. Forget “How to Crush It on Social” — try “3 Mistakes Killing Your Social Videos” or “The $20 Mic That Changed My Content.” 6. Share It Where It Matters Post where your people are. If your customers are on Facebook, don’t overthink TikTok. If they’re on LinkedIn, optimize for that. Use relevant hashtags, write a short caption, and don’t just dump the link — give people a reason to watch. And if you’re doing this regularly, create a hub. A landing page, a blog, or even a YouTube channel where people can find all your stuff. Final Thought You don’t need a media degree or a production crew to make good social content. You just need a message, a bit of effort, and a willingness to learn from each post. The gear will evolve. The platforms will shift. But good storytelling? That always works. July 13, 2025 I’m a Believer in Clean Hands – AHS Parody Video Case Study July 7, 2025 Behind the Scenes with an Edmonton Videographer | Pro Video Shoot Process July 4, 2025 How Much Does a Corporate Video Cost in Alberta? [2025 Pricing Guide] June 28, 2025 TireGrabber Transformer: AI-Powered Farm Video with Flying Tires and Alberta Attitude June 28, 2025 Tiregrabber TG4000 Spotlight – Alberta-Made Tire Handler Video June 24, 2025 Unpopular Opinion: Slow Motion Is the Diet Soda of Video June 11, 2025 Small Alberta Town Street – Community Roots and Local Business Feel May 15, 2025 Former Pro Wedding Videographer Reveals What to Look For June 27, 2024 Drayton Christian School | School’s Out Bash Video
I’m a Believer in Clean Hands – AHS Parody Video Case Study
I’m a Believer… In Clean Hands: The Parody Video AHS Ran With (Literally) How a wild parody video for AHS became an unexpected hit Thirteen years ago, Alberta Health Services took a risk — and asked me to help bring it to life. The ask? A parody music video to promote hand hygiene, performed by real doctors, nurses, and staff. The song? A rewrite of The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.” The goal? Make something fun, memorable, and educational that could actually catch on. No pressure, right? From Script to Germ-Chasing Adventure The Cardiac Sciences Edmonton Zone and their Stop Infections Now Collaborative (SINC) team had written new lyrics and laid out some guidelines: certain key people had to be featured, certain hospital locations had to be included, and it needed to align with funding partners like the University Hospital Foundation and the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. They gave me the song. I gave them the story. Instead of just filming staff lip-syncing in hospital hallways, I pitched a full-on Scooby-Doo-style comedy adventure. In it, a sleepy doctor nods off during a hygiene presentation — and finds himself trapped in a dream where he’s being chased by germ characters through both the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the CK Hui Heart Centre. We filmed it over two chaotic half-days using real staff, real locations, and whoever we could pull in as extras. The whole thing was wild, fast-paced, and wildly fun — run-and-gun filmmaking at its most spirited. Back in the studio, I had the full video edited within 24 hours. Massive Reach, Real Impact The result? Over 50,000 views on YouTube within the first few months Used by other hospitals across Canada and internationally Became a memorable moment for many of the medical staff who performed in it It was a great reminder that creativity and clear communication can go hand in hand — even when the goal is literally clean hands. Watch the Full Video Watch on YouTube My Takeaway I’ve done plenty of serious corporate and brand videos since then, but this one stands out for a different reason: When people have fun doing meaningful work, the audience feels it. And when you trust a creative to run with the idea, you get something people actually remember. If you’re in healthcare, education, or corporate culture, and you’re ready to do something a little different, I’m all ears. Client: Alberta Health Services Location: Edmonton, Alberta Filming Sites: Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute & CK Hui Heart Centre Credits: David Mathew Bonner Video Productions, hardWired (band), Samantha Koebel (choreographer), AHS staff & families, SINC team, UHF, RAHF Tags: AHS video production, Edmonton videographer, healthcare parody video, corporate video storytelling, Alberta video production, hand hygiene campaign July 7, 2025 Behind the Scenes with an Edmonton Videographer | Pro Video Shoot Process July 4, 2025 How Much Does a Corporate Video Cost in Alberta? [2025 Pricing Guide] June 28, 2025 TireGrabber Transformer: AI-Powered Farm Video with Flying Tires and Alberta Attitude
Behind the Scenes with an Edmonton Videographer | Pro Video Shoot Process
Behind the Scenes with an Edmonton Videographer: What Really Goes Into a Pro Video Shoot If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to work with a professional Edmonton videographer, here’s your all-access pass behind the curtain. While the final video might be under two minutes, the work that goes into capturing it with clarity, creativity, and purpose is far more involved. As someone who lives and works in Alberta, I’ve handled everything from documentary-style video production to short-form content for businesses in Edmonton and beyond. Whether you’re looking to promote your brand, document your process, or capture a key moment, here’s a breakdown of what really happens during a typical shoot — and why it matters to your business. 1. Pre-Production: The Invisible Foundation Before the camera rolls, the planning begins. This phase is where vision turns into logistics. I’ll work with you to define your goals, audience, and the story you want to tell. We’ll also discuss key messaging, shot lists, locations, and scheduling. These are the essentials of any successful video production project in Edmonton. Discovery calls or in-person meetings Scriptwriting or interview prep Location scouting (especially if you’re based in Edmonton or surrounding areas) Talent coordination or voiceover planning Great video isn’t about fancy gear — it’s about knowing what story to tell and how to tell it well. By the time we show up to film, we’re not guessing — we’re executing a clear plan. This is what sets apart amateur content from strategic, professional videography services in Edmonton. 2. On Set: Capturing More Than Just Footage There’s a lot more that goes into a shoot than people realize. Lighting, audio, camera setup, and composition — all of it is done with intentionality. Typical gear for video production in Edmonton includes: 4K cinema cameras Wireless lavaliers and shotgun mics LED or softbox lighting setups Gimbals or tripods for stable, cinematic shots If it’s a corporate video or brand promo, I often coach on-camera talent and run multiple takes to ensure delivery feels natural. If it’s a documentary-style interview, I lean into authentic, unfiltered moments — the glances, pauses, or emotions that give a story its power. Anyone can film a moment. I’m here to find the one that matters. Every lighting decision, every lens choice is designed to support your message. That’s the difference when you hire a professional videographer in Edmonton who understands both art and intention. 3. But Sometimes, There’s No Time to Plan — And That’s Okay While a detailed plan is ideal, real-world video shoots in Edmonton don’t always follow a script. That’s where experience, instinct, and creative control come in. Over the years, I’ve walked into shoots with no brief, no prep, and sometimes no lighting — and still delivered strong, impactful footage. Working across Alberta with different businesses, teams, and environments has sharpened my ability to read a room, adapt fast, and find the story on the fly. Intuition, innovation, and imagination — that’s what allows me to deliver when others can’t. Whether I have days to plan or just minutes to pivot, I bring calm to chaos and control to uncertainty. That’s the kind of reliability businesses need when hiring a videographer in Edmonton who gets results. 4. Post-Production: Where the Magic Really Happens Once we wrap the shoot, the footage heads to the editing bay. This is where music, colour, graphics, and storytelling finesse come together — the part most people never see. In this stage, I often: Assemble and trim selects Sync music, motion graphics, or subtitles Clean audio and balance colour Deliver multiple optimized versions for web, YouTube, Instagram, or internal use Editing isn’t just trimming footage — it’s sculpting emotion, meaning, and momentum from raw material. The time spent in post is what turns decent content into great content. It’s also where your Edmonton video project becomes a real asset — something polished, professional, and ready to perform. 5. Delivery and Optimization You’ll receive high-resolution, share-ready video files optimized for whatever platforms matter most to you. Whether it’s a YouTube promo, a LinkedIn reel, a testimonial video, or an event highlight, I ensure the content not only looks great — but works great. Need help embedding videos on your website or boosting reach? I offer guidance there, too. Why It Matters Who You Hire Not all videographers are the same. Some just show up and hit record. Others — like myself — focus on videotelling: using your story to move people to action. That means I’m not just filming what’s in front of me. I’m digging deeper to reveal what really matters — with creativity, intention, and clarity. I don’t just record. I reveal. This is what sets me apart. If you want to know more about what I bring to the table — including my philosophy, experience, and why faith shapes how I work — check out Why DMB Video. I work closely with businesses across Alberta, especially in Edmonton, who need more than cookie-cutter video content. If that’s you, let’s talk. ✅ Ready to tell your story the right way? See My Work Why DMB Videotelling? Contact Me July 7, 2025 Behind the Scenes with an Edmonton Videographer | Pro Video Shoot Process July 4, 2025 How Much Does a Corporate Video Cost in Alberta? [2025 Pricing Guide] June 28, 2025 TireGrabber Transformer: AI-Powered Farm Video with Flying Tires and Alberta Attitude
How Much Does a Corporate Video Cost in Alberta? [2025 Pricing Guide]
How Much Does a Corporate Video Cost in Alberta? A Transparent Breakdown for 2025 Updated for 2025 — If you’re an Alberta business thinking about corporate video, you’re not alone. Video content is no longer a luxury—it’s a cornerstone of effective communication, marketing, and branding. But the question remains: “How much does a corporate video cost in Alberta?” Let’s break it down with honesty, transparency, and a bit of industry insight so you can budget smarter and avoid surprises. 🎬 What Is a Corporate Video? Corporate videos are used by businesses and organizations to communicate a message. They can be outward-facing (like a promotional video) or internal (like training material). ✅ Promo or Brand Videos ✅ Training & Onboarding Videos ✅ Testimonial or Case Study Videos ✅ Event Recaps & Highlight Reels ✅ Recruitment or Culture Videos Done right, they build trust, communicate clearly, and drive results. 💰 Average Corporate Video Costs in Alberta (2025) There’s no flat-rate answer, but here’s a general range to expect: Tier Who It’s For Typical Budget Basic Startups, solo entrepreneurs $1,500 – $3,000 Mid-Tier Small to mid-size Alberta businesses $3,000 – $10,000 Agency-Level National brands, agencies, large teams $10,000+ I typically work with mid-tier clients who want boutique attention and a strong storytelling-first approach. 📊 What Affects the Price of a Corporate Video? Here are the major cost factors that go into a typical corporate video: 📝 Pre-Production: Scripting, planning, location scouting 🎥 Production: Filming, lighting, drone work, audio capture 🎞️ Post-Production: Editing, colour grading, motion graphics, music 📦 Deliverables: Final versions, subtitles, social cutdowns 📉 Realistic Budget Breakdown Example Here’s a ballpark breakdown for a 2–3 minute corporate video: Line Item Estimated Cost Creative Planning & Script $400 – $800 Half-Day Shoot (1-person crew) $1,200 – $1,800 Editing & Motion Graphics $1,200 – $2,000 Music Licensing & Voiceover $300 – $600 Drone Footage (Add-On) $300 – $500 Total $3,400 – $5,700 This example reflects a clean, professional product—ideal for use on your website, at trade shows, or on social media. 📈 How to Get the Most Value If you’re working with a limited budget, here are some ways to maximize ROI: Be clear on your message and audience before filming Offer internal assets (logos, images, talking points) Trust the videographer’s process—creative freedom leads to better work Request social versions or cutdowns to stretch the content Repurpose your video across YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and email campaigns 🏔️ Why Alberta Businesses Prefer Local Videographers Working with someone who knows the landscape—literally and culturally—makes a difference. ✅ Familiar with Alberta’s seasons, industries, and communities ✅ More flexibility and creative input than big agencies ✅ Faster turnaround and direct communication ✅ Supporting Alberta First values and businesses As a Christian business owner in Alberta, I value honesty, storytelling, and delivering work that glorifies God—while serving your mission with excellence. 📞 Ready to Talk Budget? If you’ve got a video project in mind and want a realistic estimate tailored to your needs, I’d love to hear from you. I’ll give you straight talk, no pressure, and a transparent quote that fits your goals. 📬 Contact David Mathew Bonner 🎥 Why Consider Me July 7, 2025 Behind the Scenes with an Edmonton Videographer | Pro Video Shoot Process July 4, 2025 How Much Does a Corporate Video Cost in Alberta? [2025 Pricing Guide] June 28, 2025 TireGrabber Transformer: AI-Powered Farm Video with Flying Tires and Alberta Attitude
How to Build an Affordable Content Creator Set Up: A Guide for Small Businesses
Videography Tips Building a Budget-Friendly Content Creator Setup in Canada (That Actually Works) You don’t need a Hollywood budget to make compelling videos. What you do need is gear that won’t let you down — especially when you’re trying to tell stories that matter. Whether it’s for your business, your ministry, or your brand, this guide covers what actually works, what doesn’t, and how to get started without wasting your money. 🎯 Why Your Setup Matters Your audience will scroll past content that looks or sounds off. But that doesn’t mean you need thousands in gear. With smart lighting, clean audio, and steady footage — even your phone can produce professional-level video. 📷 Camera: Yes, Your Phone Might Be Better Than That Old DSLR Most newer smartphones (iPhone 13+, Pixel 6+, Samsung S22+) shoot in 4K, handle difficult lighting better than older cameras, and lock onto faces like pros. Many older DSLRs — even ones that once cost over $1,000 — struggle to keep up with the video quality your phone now produces straight out of the box. Here’s the formula that works: Modern Phone + Good Lighting + Clean Audio + Stable Footage = Solid Content Use natural light. Clip on an external mic. Stabilize your shot with a tripod or handheld grip. That’s it. Unless you’re doing high-end commercial work or need ultra-shallow depth of field, your phone is more than enough to get started. 🎙️ Audio: The Most Important Piece Bad audio is the fastest way to lose viewers. People will tolerate average visuals, but they won’t stick around if it sounds like you’re talking inside a tin can. Wireless mic options: DJI Mic – ~$400 CAD – Fantastic sound, built-in backup recording, reliable range. Hollyland Lark M1 Duo – ~$180 CAD – Compact, clear, easy to use, perfect for mobile creators. BOYA BY-WM3T2-U/D – ~$100 CAD – Plug-and-play for iPhone or Android, great value for solo work. Rode Wireless GO (v1) – ~$200 CAD used – Trusted by pros, works great with lavalier mics. Wired lav mics: BOYA BY-M1 – ~$30 CAD – Long cord, crisp sound, compatible with phones, cameras, and recorders. Purple Panda – ~$50 CAD – Includes accessories, adapters, and a carry pouch. Budget hack: Plug a lav mic into a spare phone, record audio with a free app like Dolby On or Voice Recorder Pro, and sync in post. It’s not fancy — but it works. 💡 Lighting: More Important Than Your Lens If your face isn’t lit, your message won’t land. Use a window, a ring light, or an LED panel — whatever gives soft, even light on your subject. Harsh overheads or shadows? Avoid them. Light makes or breaks the quality of your image. Ring Lights – Great for vlogging, interviews, or headshots LED Panels (GVM, Neewer) – Adjustable brightness and colour temp Softboxes / Umbrellas – Best for indoor talking-head setups 📱 Stabilization: Keep It Steady Shaky footage makes content hard to watch. A basic tripod or smartphone clamp goes a long way. If you’re walking and talking, look into a gimbal like the DJI Osmo Mobile SE or Zhiyun Smooth 5. 🧰 Editing Software: Free and Paid Options Free: DaVinci Resolve (desktop), CapCut (mobile), VN Video Editor (mobile), Audacity (audio) Paid: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Canva Pro (for quick reels and socials) 🛒 Where to Buy Gear in Canada Vistek – Pro-grade gear and knowledgeable staff McBain Camera – Especially helpful for Alberta-based creators London Drugs – Surprisingly decent selection Best Buy – Mainstream gear and easy returns Amazon Canada – Good for accessories and low-cost gear B&H Photo (US) – Trusted source for creators worldwide ✍️ Final Thoughts You don’t need the best gear — just the right strategy. Focus on lighting your subject, recording clean audio, and keeping the camera steady. Most people overthink production. You don’t need to. Start simple. Learn as you go. Upgrade when it makes sense — not because a YouTuber told you to. 🎬 Ready to Create Something Real? If you’re a small business, non-profit, or ministry in Alberta who wants to tell your story through honest, impactful video — that’s where I come in. I don’t sell gear setups. I shoot, edit, and help you deliver powerful content that reflects your purpose. Whether you need a short promo, documentary-style content, or social-ready reels — I can help you bring it to life. Contact me here to get started. Let’s make something worth watching — and remembering. David Mathew Bonner DMB Videotelling Purpose-driven video production in Alberta July 7, 2025 Behind the Scenes with an Edmonton Videographer | Pro Video Shoot Process July 4, 2025 How Much Does a Corporate Video Cost in Alberta? [2025 Pricing Guide] June 28, 2025 TireGrabber Transformer: AI-Powered Farm Video with Flying Tires and Alberta Attitude