23 Feb 2023
So you know you want a film? And you’ve heard you need a film brief. But how do you write it?
A film brief for a corporate film should be a clear and concise document that outlines the who, what, why and how, articulating what you are trying to achieve. It’s a way to get everything in your head on paper and to the film production company.
Here are our top tips on how to write a film brief.
Purpose
There’s no point producing a film if there’s no reason to do so. Clearly state the purpose of the film, such as to promote a product or service, or to communicate a specific message to a target audience. This could include information about the desired outcome of the film, such as increased sales or brand awareness.
Target audience
A film needs to connect with people – so you need to know who they are. As part of your planning you need to have an a target audience in mind. Usually a brief includes demographics and psychographics, such as age, gender, income, and interests of the target audience, as well as any specific pain points or challenges that the film should address.
Key Messages
What are you trying to say? Outline the key messages that the film should communicate to the target audience. This could include information about the benefits of a product or service, or the values and mission of a company. Make sure those messages are aligned to your overall brand and company messages.
Style and tone
Describe the desired style and tone of the film. This could include information about the type of music, voice-over, whether it’s animation, as well as the overall look and feel of the film. But sometimes it might be more around a feel, which can be difficult to articulate, so feel free to create a mood board or similar.
Specific requirements and constraints
There will be some practical things too. Include any specific requirements or constraints that the film should meet, such as a specific length, format, or delivery date. Where will your film be shown? Communicating this will allow your production company to give their advice as to what works well.
Budget and timelines
Provide a rough estimate of the budget for the film, as well as the timelines for the project. Be realistic – professionals are worth paying and shouldn’t be rushed. But if you have a deadline in mind, you need to let them know.
Getting sign off
Once the film brief is complete, it should be reviewed and approved by all relevant stakeholders, including the client, the production team, and any other members of the business who will be involved in the project. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the final film meets the needs and expectations of all parties involved. Nothing is worse than last minute opinions and chops and changes.
Be flexible
It’s important to note that a film brief should be flexible and open to change as the production process unfolds. The brief can be a guide but not a strict rule to follow, so the production team can come up with creative solutions and ideas that align with your overall goals and bring something new and fresh to the table. Trust your production company, but don’t expect them to be mind readers. It’s about team work.
