Ask HN: Favourite startup demo video and production techniques.

#1

Post by chrisacky » Sun, Apr 15, 2012, 11:39 AM UTC

Hi guys, The last question on this that I can find was from two years ago.

http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1564651

- What are some of your favorite recently launched startup videos.

- If you are offering advice to startups who are looking to create their own inhouse video on a shoe string budget what tips can you offer, (software, storyboarding, pure screencasts etc)?

- If you are advising startups with a $1-$4k budget, how would you recommend that they source an animator/studio for to produce their video.

Re: Ask HN: Favourite startup demo video and production techniques.

#2

Post by losethos » Sun, Apr 15, 2012, 2:56 PM UTC

I always botch the narration. Sucks. I meant to say "parent" directory, at one point. I said "Screen" instead of "window". Also, there were a host of confusions I didn't see potentially--fucken God did it.

God says... C:\LoseThos\www.losethos.com\text\BIBLE.TXT

altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.

23:1 And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age.

23:2 And Joshua called for all Israel, and for their elders, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, I am old and stricken in age: 23:3 And ye have seen all that the LORD your God hath done unto all these nations becaus

Re: Ask HN: Favourite startup demo video and production techniques.

#3

Post by sachingulaya » Sun, Apr 15, 2012, 3:06 PM UTC

Having recently explored the startup demo video space the best "baller on a budget" videos I came across were from Sophie Creatives on oDesk. Google them. They were right around 1800 to 2500. Its hard to give advice without knowing what your product and market is. Is there a lot of customer education involved?

Re: Ask HN: Favourite startup demo video and production techniques.

#4

Post by anti-nihilist » Sun, Apr 15, 2012, 7:29 PM UTC

Don't have any advice to offer, but I love the video on http://www.dollarshaveclub.com/

Re: Ask HN: Favourite startup demo video and production techniques.

#5

Post by mapster » Sun, Apr 15, 2012, 9:25 PM UTC

anti-nihilist wrote: post #4

Don't have any advice to offer, but I love the video on http://www.dollarshaveclub.com/

Love the low tech but engaging concept. I also have a video to share - though I imagine this video does not fall into the shoestring budget category: http://www.mashape.com/howitworks

Re: Ask HN: Favourite startup demo video and production techniques.

#6

Post by iamjonlee » Tue, Apr 17, 2012, 4:23 PM UTC

We did our kickstarter video for #1125. We rented a photography studio for 3 hours for a total of $225, and hired two cinematographers for $900 (Side by Side Cinema).

We wrote and direct the script ourselves- this saved the MOST money. Most of the video firms we've contacted were lazy and didn't provide any assistance into sharing suggestions or helpful tips on how to make a good demo video. They also were very pushy with the fact that we should hire professional actors so as not to waste their time. While I can understand that professional actors will make your product look better, it really depends on your product. For us, because we were on Kickstarter- it only made sense that we didn't hire anyone so our video seemed more personal.

Kickstarter video (we also did a bonus skit on the bottom of the page, which was included in the prices mentioned above) : http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/imjonathanlee/persona-yo...