Charity Video Production
We help Charities, CSR teams and NGOs to produce videos that shine a bright light on the work and people who are creating positive change in the world.
Watch our video to find out how…
Most charities don’t have the time or resource to create video content themselves.
Dear Fellow Charity Heroes,
If you’re reading this, then there’s a good chance you need to create a video for your charity.
You probably also know just how powerful video can be…
Video has the ability to build new audiences, rally existing supporters and create an unstoppable movement – Simply by pressing play.
Video wins hearts, changes minds and shapes new behaviours.
It’s this uniquely personal and deeply human connection that has empowered us to help charities raise more than £30m+ in finance, donations and support worldwide.
For 15 years it has been my job as a video producer to help organisations to amplify their message and to deliver it to the people who need to hear it.
Perhaps you’ve tried video in the past. Perhaps you’re a total newbie in need of a helping hand. Perhaps you’re tired of trying to figure it out yourself, or frustrated that you’re not getting the results you want.
Whatever it is for you… You’re in the right place.
On this page, I’m proud to share my learnings with you.
- You’ll discover some of the techniques and thought processes I use and how you can implement them.
- You’ll be able to watch best-practice examples that may provide you with some inspiration.
- And, of course, if you’d like our support with a video for your own charity, then I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Tom Bendix
Founder, Social Films
Email: hello@socialfilms.co.uk
Charity Video Examples
A fundraising video for Alexandra Palace helps raise £28m for restoration work
1935, Alexandra Palace Theatre closed its doors to the public. Costly restoration work had prevented its reopening. We supported by producing an emotive fundraising film to generate awareness and encourage charitable giving.
A pitch film helps secure £2.8m for contactless donation startup ‘Goodbox’
What happens to donations now we’re all carrying less cash? That was the premise behind GoodBox, the UK’s first contactless donation device. We produced a pitch film to help raise investment.
A mini documentary tells the story of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Founded in 1977, The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust operates an orphan elephant rescue and wildlife rehabilitation program in Kenya. We produced a film to showcase their work.
A regeneration film helps raise support for one of London’s poorest boroughs
In the aftermath of the 2019 pandemic, high-streets were severely affected. We produced a regeneration film to pave a vision for post-covid recovery in Newham, London’s poorest borough.
A launch film announces The Clarksons Foundation and it’s 2021 mission
The people at Clarksons have always been charitable – Taking part in challenges and giving up their time. in 2019, The Clarksons Foundation was awarded charitable status. We produced a launch film to announce the 2021 mission.
Viral Content for Comic Relief uses humour to reach over 1,000,000 people worldwide
As part of Comic Relief, David Walliams, Emma Bunton and Tom Daley went undercover as British Airways check-in staff at London’s Heathrow Airport. We produced viral content that raised awareness in an entertaining format.
Our approach to charity video production
You’ll get it done easier
You won’t need to figure things out by yourself – That’s what we’re here for.
You’ll save bags of time
You’ll be able to free up your time and know that your video is in safe hands.
You’ll get value for money
Our pricing covers our operating costs and not a single penny more.
What makes a good charity video?
Spoiler alert: Avoid the well-trodden trap of “sob stories”.
Think of most charity videos you’ve seen either online or on TV.
The typical format goes like this:
Sad music > Sad images > Sad voiceover > Please donate.
Sound familiar?
Whilst this has been the “go to” format for as long as we can all collectively remember, it’s totally counter-intuitive to the way we actually respond to content.
It’s also painfully uninspiring for everyone.
Worse still…
In following this tired, dusty old structure, you fall in to the trap of sounding just like everyone else.
You see…
Most charity videos fail to take the audience on any kind of journey.
And the journey is crucial in order for audiences to invest in the story.
Your story.
Audiences respond better to stories of success than they do to stories of endless suffering.
And when your audience can imagine themselves as the hero of that story, you will paint a more compelling picture of how they can make a tangible difference.
They themselves will transform in to a better person as a result.
If you can successfully create that that warm and fuzzy feeling…
You know the one…
The one that creates that sudden gulp in the back of your throat that comes from an overwhelming sense of pride from being involved in something that’s bigger than you.
The one that makes your heart beat faster.
Then there is no limit to your success.
Because these raw, inspirational emotions are the feelings that compel people to act.
And it is at that point – and that point precisely – When people are in a highly elevated state – that they are the most likely to do so.
Try it.
You’ll be amazed where the power of this shift will take you.
In summary…
- The goal and purpose of all good charity videos is to pull the right emotional levers at the right time
- Your audience needs to picture themselves as the hero of the story
- Tone down negative emotions and ramp up positive emotions that inspire
How do you create a charity video?
Your charity video is your moment to shine.
It’s the content that you will get the most use out of.
It will be used on your website & your social channels.
It will be shared with donors and trustees.
It will be presented at events.
Put simply, it’s going to get a lot of air time.
And that’s why it’s so important to get right.
Get it right and the results can be game-changing.
How long should a fundraising video be?
Spoiler alert. It’s longer than you think.
The best fundraising videos are between 5 – 20 minutes long.
Yes. It’s a big range.
It’s largely dependent on how much the audience knows about you already.
In a world where we’re constantly told that everyone has a short attention span, it can be tempting to assume that your fundraising video needs to be short.
This would be a mistake.
What People Say About Us
“As a Charity, it’s important for us to get the most value for money. Working closely with Tom and the team, we’ve been able to drive continued value from it year on year.”
– Martin Keane, Head of Marketing, Alexandra Palace
“We needed a video that would put us on the map.
With Social Films, you get more than just a video”
– Francesca Hodgson, Co-Founder, The Goodbox Company
“Working with Tom has been nothing short of brilliant. With a limited budget, they were able to produce high-quality content and turn it around in super quick time. It remains one of our company highlights of the year.”
– Sophia Procter, Communications Manager, British Airways
