How Our Video Production Company Is Coping With COVID-19
To say 2020 brought a completely unanticipated turn of events would be the epitome of understatement, and life here at our video production business is no exception. COVID-19 has shaken the country and the world to its very core. Healthcare, politics, culture, and of course business will never be the same.
However, the world is no stranger to pandemics. Periods of great change coincide with periods of great opportunity. We all must strive forward optimistically and find the lights within the tunnel, not just at the end. This is especially true for digital marketing firms, and other businesses that don’t quite qualify as “life-sustaining”.
Our video production studio wanted to give you all an update from the perspective of a non-life sustaining business, to show solidarity with others in our community and local economy, as well as give our advice for keeping morale high and momentum forward during the crisis. Here is what Edge of Cinema has been doing to survive — and thrive — amidst corona virus.
1. Making Videos From Home
Edge of Cinema has maintained the majority of its functionality and all of our employees are offering digital marketing consultations, editing videos, and creating new video content and animation from home. Many businesses in this position are facing new and difficult challenges that require a lot of discipline and self-compassion. There are dozens of helpful articles giving advice on how to maintain a work/life balance despite the recent spatial merge of the two, but here are our insights:
- Maintain Your Sleep Schedule
I’m looking at you video editors…This means limiting screen use before bed, not taking naps at irregular times, and using incentives to get up when your alarm clock goes off.
- Set Up a Designated Video Production Work Space
The work-centric social space of an office often helps create a proper mindset for productivity. We try to design a distraction-free desk environment and wear your work clothes when starting your daily assignments. This helps maintain a feeling of normality, plus you will look great in all your video conferences!
- Accountability Calls with Your Marketing Team
In the video production business, collaboration is essential. Working together with someone to give and receive updates helps us feel our responsibilities in a more tangible way than text on a screen. Social presence and expectations are great ways to generate motivation.
- Flexibility and Understanding
We are universally dealing with anxiety, trauma, and grief over our loss of security, routine, and control. This is a difficult time for children, parents, couples, and singles everywhere. So use compassion when communicating with your team. Take time to reflect and understand your own stressors as well.
2. Finishing In-house Marketing Campaigns and Video Projects
One benefit of a reduced work flow comes in the form of catching up on all of those “pinned” marketing campaigns and video projects. Edge of Cinema managed to complete several documentaries that had been waiting, as well as finishing a major web overhaul and update. Our advice? Take a look through the jobs your business has been waiting on.
Some ideas:
- Adjusting, enhancing, updating your organizational systems (filing, accounting history, updating client database, mailing lists, data, etc.)
- Update your branding (website updates, about pages, social media profiles, etc.)
- Touch base with past clients about their satisfaction
3. Working Ahead
Right now video production work has slowed, but in time the market will return to normal, and we need to be ready when that happens. Edge of Cinema looked at how we could use this time to set ourselves up for success in the future. We began work on new blog and email campaigns as well as creating materials for our launch of digital marketing and web design services. There are also still lots of opportunities with digital networking groups, so we are working on establishing more connections and relationships. Look into your local chamber of commerce, social media, and professional referral and networking exchanges that you previously lacked time to explore.
Some ideas:
- Start planning your video content for the next year
- Create and automate your social media calendar
- Conduct research on new marketing opportunities
- Invest in new employee skill acquisition and training
4. Supporting Our Community with Video Marketing
Most recently, we launched our own “stimulus package”: ten free 30-second commercials for businesses in need. We wanted to do our part to uplift the community and the local economy—this initiative is what made the most sense to us. If your business is in the position to give back at minimal loss, we recommend finding a way to lift others up, for your benefit and theirs.
Some ideas:
- Host a digital fundraiser for community funds and non-profits
- Support struggling businesses
- Donate a beneficial service or product (while maintaining social distancing)
- Use this opportunity to develop a positive brand reputation by giving back in this time of need.
Yes, 2020 has certainly been an unprecedented year so far. But by coming together with diligence and compassion, we can all emerge stronger.
Thank you,
Edge of Cinema
COVID-19 Relief Resources:
The Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
County Resources for Operating Businesses
Volunteer Opportunities:
Donate Bulk Supplies to Our Hospitals
Money Donations:
Chester County Food Bank
Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter
