Written by Chris Jolley
A look back at my project making promotional videos for TAO Activities! The video below is a short marketing explainer film designed to capture the interest of potential clients (young people and their guardians). Please scroll down to the bottom of this page to watch the full promo movie!
If your interested in a promotional video for your business check out the link, or find out more about all of my creative agency services below. I’m a promotional film maker passionate about marketing businesses. No production too big or too small.
TAO are an alternative provision… I’m sure, like me, you may be wondering what an alternative provision is. In summary this is ‘Education arranged by local authorities for pupils who, because of exclusion from a School, illness or other reasons, would not otherwise receive suitable education; education arranged by schools for pupils on a fixed period exclusion; and pupils being directed by schools to off-site provision to improve their behaviour.’
The company was founded by Danny who started his career as a teaching assistant and built himself up to an unqualified teacher. He then got seconded to various placements and quickly began to learn about and take interest in special educational needs. Combining these experiences with his love of outdoor pursuits TAO Activities was born.
TAO agency boast an incredible ninety one percent success rate getting young people back in to some form of education, training or employment. They achieve this through a variety of means in a four-phase program with outdoor adventures around Derbyshire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester at the core of what they do… finally a little less Xbox and a little more real-world experience!
The first day of filming and production of their promotional video was down at Bugsworth Basin near Whaley Bridge in the High Peak, which happened to be just a stone’s throw from where I live. I videoed bush craft skills, kayaking and promotional interviews from Danny & Colin. This was an intense day’s working trying to film enough good material in a short amount of time whilst protecting my cameras and video gear from the cold, wet and snowy conditions!
In this explainer, Danny & Colin demonstrate how to set up camp and build a fire quickly.
Danny jokes about his Hollywood status on camera.
So much more important than hearing from the business founder, the promotional video could only have true credence if it included testimony from a former client. Step in Emily, a parental guardian to one of the TAO agency’s clients. Her heartfelt interview responses were crucial to the success and emotional impact of the video.
It was a trip north of Derbyshire to Yorkshire and Emily’s house for this one. I decided the most scenic setting from a filmmaker’s perspective was her kitchen. Once the kitchen table was cleared to another room, we had just enough space to set up cameras, audio gear and lighting, then the stage was set! Spot Colin, too, who switched from interviewee to the interviewer for this one. Thanks Colin!
Having the talent onboard is critical to a successful and powerful interview, so I work hard to maintain friendly relationships with everyone I work with. Being a videographer and filmmaker means much more than simply turning up with some cameras and lenses.
That’s me hard at work trying to get some killer film, and honestly, I just love it, especially on a project like this one with human subject matter.
The hazy sunlight at Dovestone reservoir in Oldham really benefited the cinematic look of these shots. Who said corporate video couldn’t be moody and dramatic?
There’s me again, filming stage left at another location in the High Peak. The caving suit and helmet were essential down Giant’s Hole cave, Castleton, Derbyshire. The water running from the granite ceilings was another challenge whilst the camera light I actually fashioned from my waterproof bicycle light to keep on budget, it was just the job.
If you can spare 15 minutes I’m sure you’ll enjoy the full length movie below! Indeed I’m proud to say the production has had critical acclaim from a director working for a BBC agency. Most importantly though it’s the people on camera who really made it work so a special thanks to Danny, Colin and Emily.
If you know of anyone who may benefit from TAO’s services please do share this page, they are honestly a great team of people to work with.
Corporate promotional video is now an essential tool for selling your business to millions of prospective clients. Choose a creative agency who you think can pull out all the stops. Make sure the first media content your clients see markets you and your business exactly as you intended. Give me a call today for a friendly no-obligation quote or chat.
Learn more about my promotional video services and prices at the link, or learn about all of my photographer, videographer and drone services. I’m based in Derbyshire and offer my services to small businesses across Cheshire, Manchester and the North West.
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Thanks for reading!
