KICKSTARTER EXPLAINER VIDEOS
Kickstarter has become a hugely successful platform for funding live-action and animated explainer video projects through the power of the people. To date, they have funded over 130,000 Kickstarter UK explainer video projects with more being successfully completed all the time.
However, what is it that makes a successful Kickstarter campaign? Well, contrary to popular belief (and what you expect to read here), it isn't the video! It's marketing. You could have the best Kickstarter video in the world, but if it's poorly marketed then no one will invest. After all, this is what marketing companies are for!
What if you have your marketing sorted? You need the best video in the world to sell your idea!
Here at The Cuillin Collective, we have been a part of many successful Kickstarter campaigns. The videos above are great examples. Between these two they were funded over 300%.
What makes a successful Kickstarter explainer video? Explanation. Explanation is key to most videos on the web. Reviews, interviews, pitches and indeed, Kickstarter explainer videos. If your concept or idea isn't explained properly, do you expect investors to part with their well-earned cash? Exactly. Explain properly and gain investors.
How do you get started?
You have to decide on what budget you have to play with. Do you want to, or do you have the ability, to shoot the video yourselves? If so then you are best to budget around £800/$1050 for an editor.
If you want to pass over the entire live-action or animated explainer video production to a studio then you'll need to budget close to £3000/$3900+. The first thing your potential investor will see on your landing page is the video so whilst it may not be your top priority it certainly should be up there.
How long does it take to create a Kickstarter explainer videos? The answer to this is similar to the 'How long is a piece of string?' Whilst we have shot and edited full Kickstarter videos within 2 weeks, you ideally want to leave 6 weeks from start to finish. This amount of time will leave enough space to write the perfect script.
For full production, the basic process is the script, storyboards, casting, locations, shoot, edit, voice and delivery.
But what if you want to shoot the video yourself? That's great. Cameras these days make this whole stage possible. We're here as consultants to help you along the way. We can advise on scripting, locations, casting and shooting techniques ready to be edited by a professional.
Additionally, we would advise against editing the live-action or animated explainer video yourself as this is the one thing that requires experience. You can read more about it on our Kickstarter Video Editing page.