Here are their tips: start with a script, get filming, make every image or soundbite count.

1.   Start with a Script

To create a video pitch, firstly you need to get clear on the criteria. For this competition, Xero wants you to cover three things in the video pitch:

1.           Background on your business

2.           Why you need funding

3.           Your future plans

We believe in always starting with a script – or at least bullet points. Start by breaking down each section, think of the background as your opener, why you need funding as your middle and future plans as your closer. When thinking about these three areas make sure you craft your message to meet the category you’re applying for.

Background

Who are you? How long have you been in business? Why did you go into business? Who is on the team? Detail growth and successes. Tell us the dream.

Why you need Funding

Persuade Xero why you need this injection. Did you hit any walls? Where did the dream get stuck? What part of your business has potential to grow? (Specific is terrific here.) Why is this funding pivotal to your future plans?

Future plans

Now tell us about your future plans. Where do you want to be? (Again, tie this into the specific category). Why is this an opportunity not be missed and funding a must?

Aim for each section to be approximately 30 seconds. Keep it short and sweet. A 30 second script is approximately 75 words.

2.   Get Filming

You know what you want to say. What about the video?

Start filming yourself reading that script! It will take a few goes to get the timing, tone and tempo right. If you fluff up a line, pause and start that sentence again. Don’t delete any footage until you have finished editing. Then, for each section of the script think about what else you want to show. For example, in section 1 this might be office shots, logos, team members, customers, product etc.

It can be as easy as using a mobile phone to record your main person speaking (or voice over). Show what you are talking about as you film, or film separately and edit it over what you are talking about. Imagine you are talking to a friend, so you sound more authentic.

Xero has published some handy hints for filming with your phone camera in the “Application video Filming guide”. It covers camera settings, location, lighting, framing and audio.

3.   Make Your Images and Soundbites Count

Editing? The trickiest bit of all. I have all this footage. Now what?!!

Use a programme like iMovie to edit it together and cut it down. Use your script/voice as the guide and fill it in with the video you shot. You can even use PowerPoint or Canva to do a slide show if that’s more your jam … or hire a professional (like Tony) to help you with some of it or all of it.

Chances are, you have more video and audio footage than your 90-second limit, so make sure every image or sound bite contributes to the story you are telling for your pitch. Don’t worry that some of your favourite bits aren’t in your final pitch. You can repurpose this content for your social media another time.

All the best for your pitch video! We have some amazing clients in sustainability, technology, community and training and we wish you every success.

- Tony and Catriona Montalvo. Additional writing by Serena Irving, JDW Chartered Accountants.

Guest writers, Tony and Catriona Montalvo, are a husband-and wife team of content creators. Tony is a film editor and Catriona is a copy writer. You can reach them at https://www.samepage.nz .