Thomas Stroud Thomas Stroud

Location Scouting: What Brands Should Consider

Location Scouting: What Brands Should Consider

Location choices impact both visuals and logistics.

Visual Alignment

Does the location support the brand’s tone and aesthetic?

Sound & Control

Noise, foot traffic, and acoustics matter more than most people realize.

Lighting Conditions

Natural light, window direction, and power access affect production quality.

Logistics & Permits

Parking, access, and permits can impact schedule and cost.

Why Location Scouting Matters

The right location simplifies production and enhances storytelling.

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Thomas Stroud Thomas Stroud

Scriptwriting Tips for Brand Videos That Convert

Scriptwriting Tips for Brand Videos That Convert

Effective brand videos start with strong scripts.

Focus on One Clear Idea

Trying to say too much leads to confusion. Choose one primary message and support it.

Write for the Ear

Scripts should sound natural when spoken. Read them out loud and simplify where needed.

Prioritize the Audience

Good scripts focus on the viewer’s needs, not the brand’s ego.

Structure Matters

Strong scripts include:

  • A hook

  • Clear middle

  • Memorable takeaway

Conversion Comes from Clarity

When viewers understand the message, they’re more likely to act.

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Thomas Stroud Thomas Stroud

Why Pre-Production Makes or Breaks a Commercial

Why Pre-Production Makes or Breaks a Commercial

Pre-production is the most important phase of any commercial video project — yet it’s often underestimated.

What Is Pre-Production?

Pre-production is the planning phase that happens before filming begins. It ensures that creative, logistics, and expectations are aligned.

What Happens During Pre-Production?

Key elements include:

  • Creative development

  • Shot lists and storyboards

  • Scheduling

  • Location scouting

  • Crew planning

  • Budget confirmation

The Cost of Skipping Pre-Production

When pre-production is rushed:

  • Shoot days become inefficient

  • Costs increase

  • Creative clarity suffers

  • Revisions multiply

Why It Matters

Strong pre-production allows production and post-production to run efficiently. It protects the budget and elevates the final result.

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Thomas Stroud Thomas Stroud

How to Build a Strong Creative Brief for Your Video Project

How to Build a Strong Creative Brief for Your Video Project

A successful commercial video doesn’t start on set — it starts with a strong creative brief.

The creative brief acts as the blueprint for the entire project, aligning strategy, messaging, visuals, and expectations before production begins.

What Is a Creative Brief?

A creative brief is a strategic document that outlines the purpose, direction, and requirements of a video project. It ensures that everyone involved is working toward the same goal.

The Five Core Elements of a Strong Creative Brief

1. Define the Goal

What is the purpose of the video?
Is it brand awareness, product launch, recruitment, or conversion?

Clear goals shape every creative decision.

2. Identify the Target Audience

Avoid vague definitions. A strong brief defines:

  • Who the audience is

  • What they care about

  • What problem the video solves

3. Clarify the Core Message

If the viewer remembers one thing, what should it be?
This message should remain consistent across visuals, tone, and storytelling.

4. Determine Distribution

Where the video will live impacts:

  • Length

  • Aspect ratio

  • Pacing

  • Visual style

Distribution should be defined early.

5. Define Success

Set expectations upfront. Success could mean:

  • Engagement

  • Conversions

  • Website traffic

  • Brand lift

Clear metrics create alignment.

Why Creative Briefs Matter

A strong creative brief saves time, reduces revisions, and improves results. It allows production teams to focus on execution instead of guesswork.

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