The federal government produces tens of thousands of government videos every year. And as the world’s largest buyer of good and services, the United States government is the largest purchaser of video as well. Many prized government contracts for video services are awarded to small businesses. In 2012 almost $100 billion in contracts went to small businesses, including video production companies. CMS produces video products every federal agency needs including—expositional videos, internal communications, PSAs, event videos, marketing videos and training videos. Take a look at our videos created for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
EXPOSITIONAL VIDEOS explain a procedure, product or service. These videos are often scripted and presented by a professional actor or qualified government spokesperson. If a new accounting process is introduced—for example—a video may be an efficient, guaranteed-quality-performance vehicle to reliably and consistently present the message.
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS VIDEOS educate employees and brief management. These videos are scripted and often require high production value. They must be engaging and compelling to keep employees focused on the message.
PSAs need production values equal to broadcast commercials to educate the public on topical issues important to the government. PSAs often use professional actors and narrators for impact and are generally well scripted, filmed and edited.
TELEVISION PROGRAMS—are released for broadcast on television rather than distribution in theatres. And entertain and educate with segments of content shown in one-off shows or as part of a series. If part of a series, each episode focuses on single, multiple or continuing issues as new information becomes available to the government.
EVENT VIDEOS—documentary-style films—cover live programs and conferences. With little or no scripting, two or three cameras cover all aspects of the event. Stationary cameras assure every aspect of the presentation gets covered. Like Ragu spaghetti sauce, it’s all in there and ready to be cut into the video, or edited out and left on the cutting room floor.
SALES AND MARKETING VIDEOS introduce and explain products and services for purchase by government agencies. Marketing videos not only demonstrate products, list prices and methods of purchase and payment, but also display the products in an attractive, useful, must-have presentation.
TRAINING VIDEOS augment or replace a classroom experience altogether. In an instructional video, an actor or trainer works from an approved script and is filmed from different but interesting angles to attract and hold audience attention. Training videos can also offer step-by-step instructions for courses and certifications offered by the government.
The most successful government videos are filmed, as in the corporate world, by a talented cinematographer, written by an experienced scriptwriter, lit by a gifted gaffer, recorded by a skilled sound engineer and creatively orchestrated by a talented director.