INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST VIDEO CLIENTS ~
Every month we bring a new Estate Agency client in front of the camera and this month we thought we would write a blog about the process.
Despite the fact that Estate Agents are well known for being loud, confident and very happy to talk for England, you would not believe how many of them hate the thought of getting in front of a video camera. So Antonio has his work cut out, not only in dragging the team before the lens, but managing expectations. Ultimately, the first few times you see yourself on camera, you will HATE the way you sound, the way you look and will pick faults in everything you say and do. However, I can tell you on good authority, as an ex Estate Agent, who put myself through this painful process many years ago (and still zooms in on the crows feet and double chin, every time I see a video of myself…) that it is all irrelevant to the viewer. And the viewer is hopefully your customer, and, to be quite honest, they see you exactly like that all of the time, so GET USED TO IT…!
So at Oasis Estate Agents in Staines, we started with some general office shots, people at work, talking to clients in the office, on the phone and out in the local town. Then a few brave souls allowed themselves to be filmed discussing the market, sales, lettings and generally what the UK property market is doing. That is every day speak for an Estate Agent, so it wasn’t too tricky and nobody had more than 6 takes. Antonio, however, is very used to filming me, and my old memory struggles to retain the information I am supposed to say on film, so I am usually in the 10-15 take bracket. It’s okay, however, long it takes, we will always get some great ‘bloopers’ for the end of month showreel, and that makes all the mistakes worthwhile.
Here are some of the videos produced from that first day of filming with the team at Oasis Estate Agents, and I am sure you will agree with us, that the staff did pretty well. Remember, that practice makes perfect, so next time around things will be a lot easier.
LIZ GAMLEN, LETTINGS MANAGER
TRACEY WILLIS, OFFICE MANAGER
STEVEN HARVEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR
Some top tips for video technique:
- Stop looking at your own face and picking holes, nobody will view you in the same way you do.
- Be yourself, if you make it look too slick, it will put people off. Just be natural and if you make the odd correction, nobody will hold it against you.
- Practice in the mirror saying a few lines about yourself or your job and try to remove the ‘ums’ as much as you can. A pause / silence is better and it can be edited out.
- Keep re-shooting until you are comfortable, it doesn’t matter how long it takes, you need to be confident that you have done your best.
- Smile on camera, it is very infectious.
If you think that your Estate Agency should be put online and want to discuss this, please do not hesitate to get in touch using the contact form:
Video Production Enquiry
All the best, from an ‘old pro’
Jane Gardner
I work all over the UK with various business owners, dedicating my creative and expert property knowledge from 35 years in the industry. I am a Level 4 ARLA Propertymark examiner, I sit on the board of Agents Giving Charity and I love everything property related! I can be contacted on 01923 627777 or by email to jane@social-angels.co.uk
