Inhalt
Benefits for companies
The industrial film is a highly effective marketing tool, especially for industrial and manufacturing companies. If you want to create an industrial film, you can expect several benefits, particularly for sales.
It is usually aimed specifically at a specialist B2B audience (B2B = business relationships between two companies) and can therefore make meetings and customer conversations with other companies easier. It provides a basis for discussion and presents your company and your products better than words or pictures alone could.
Because a film can convey values – values such as professionalism, quality and expertise – while still coming across as down-to-earth.
Like every kind of company film, the industrial film is so successful because it is a visual experience that combines strong images with good sound, which helps viewers retain information better.
Industrial films can be used in sales as well as in internal communication, in reporting between departments and as a final presentation, e.g. before/after budget is spent on investments.
Creating an industrial film with the right content
As a business film for companies, the industrial film often focuses on production processes, manufacturing chains, products, unique selling points and customer benefits. Unlike the corporate film, which clearly focuses on emotions and building an image, the industrial film speaks a more rational language and can go into technical detail. Because the film is usually aimed at a specialist audience, a higher level of expertise can be assumed, allowing it to go deep into the subject.
In an industrial film, processes, content and information can be visualised professionally, competently and clearly through image and sound. This makes an industrial film come across as much more down-to-earth, authentic and competent, and it is rarely dismissed as advertising or marketing.
The industrial film handbook (in German) – download it free now!
What costs should I expect?
Creating an industrial film usually costs between €5,000 and €30,000.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to give a general figure before a quote has been prepared. It all depends on how much effort the production and editing involve – which in turn depends on what you envisage for your individual film.
In general, smaller companies with manageable production facilities and processes need less budget than larger companies with complex processes.
That is why “fixed prices”, as offered by some small video production companies and freelancers, are not recommended. Without knowing your company and the exact details, it is impossible to prepare a quote for an industrial film.
You can find out more about industrial film costs in our dedicated article: Industrial film costs – how much does a professional industrial film cost?.
Discover our eBooks:
“The comprehensive industrial film handbook” (in German) – download it free here
The professional process for creating an industrial film
An industrial film should always be produced by a professional film production company with enough experience in your industry. Such a company has the equipment and expertise needed to create your industrial film.
Because an industrial film is only as good as its fit with your company and your goals, it should never be made by inexperienced people – otherwise the benefits mentioned above turn into drawbacks that damage your company’s image.
A professional industrial film production always consists of three phases: pre-production, shoot and post-production.
Find out more about the individual production steps of your film and their costs here!
What is pre-production?
In pre-production, the industrial film is planned in detail. For the film production company to tailor the film precisely to your goals, it needs to learn as much as possible about your company, your customers, goals and challenges. Only then can a concept emerge that will really help your company. During this stage you can play a major part in creating the industrial film and contribute your own wishes and ideas. A tour of your company, during which the film production company looks at your halls, machines and premises, is also very helpful, so that it knows exactly which locations offer which filming options.
How does the shoot work?
For the shoot, the film production company comes to your company with crew and equipment. All planned shots are filmed there. Depending on the effort involved, the crew needs time to set up lighting and sound, for example, so that the footage is of good quality. Ideally, the film production company always has a contact person from your company nearby, because your employees can often provide useful tips and information that will only benefit the industrial film.
What happens in post-production?
Once all the footage is in the can, editing begins. This is where your finished film takes shape. Colour grading and sound editing are also part of it, so that in the end the industrial film is the visual experience it promises to be. Over several rounds of feedback you have the opportunity to share further wishes and ideas, which are then incorporated into the film.
How long does it take to have an industrial film made?
The production time of an industrial film depends – just like the price – on your goal and specific needs, but also on the size of your production facility (or facilities) and the complexity of the process chains.
On average, an industrial film project takes around 6–12 weeks until completion, while the shoot often takes 1–5 days. However, we have also produced express industrial films within 14 days for clients with a tight deadline.
Examples and more: Download our free industrial film handbook (in German)
Which companies should have an industrial film made?
Industrial films are suitable for all B2B companies, regardless of size, headcount and industry. Industrial films are used most often by industrial companies such as manufacturers, suppliers and production companies. But any company in the B2B sector that wants to present rational facts and customer benefits and/or internal production processes can use an industrial film successfully.
An industrial film is not suitable, however, for a B2C audience (B2C = business relationships between companies and consumers), or for building an image or evoking specific emotions. Nor is an industrial film primarily aimed at sales and promotion (“hard selling”). For this, a corporate film, commercial or product video may be the better choice.
What can industrial films look like?
Industrial films show industrial machines. But this industrial film for Deutsche Mechatronics doesn’t just present modern machines and production departments – above all, it focuses on the know-how of the employees. The company’s various heads of department cover all areas of expertise while coming across as human and likeable. This gives the industrial company a face rather than just a company name: a company where the employees make the difference.
Industrial films can also present industrial products – like this film for Oculavis GmbH, which presents and explains a software solution in its actual field of application. The company is presented as a competent partner and problem-solver, and the innovative product is explained simply and clearly. Animations were also used, laid dynamically and interactively over the existing footage.
The industrial film for Schoeller Werk presents the company’s product range. It is therefore strongly product-focused and covers the various solutions for industrial purposes. The film shows the industrial company’s state-of-the-art production areas as well as the finished products. Schoeller Werk is presented as a professional and competent partner for industrial solutions in stainless steel processing.
So remember:
An industrial film is very versatile, because it is designed and made individually for your company. You are the measure of all things – you don’t buy an industrial film off the peg. Every industrial film is a unique designer piece, and you are the designer.
What’s more, there are no limits to what is possible: the film production company you trust can get the most out of your film, so that in the end you get your perfect industrial film – as individual as your company.
Discover more examples and useful information about industrial films:
“The comprehensive industrial film handbook” (in German) – download it free here
More about industrial films:
Industrial film costs – how much does a professional industrial film cost?
The industrial film handbook free eBook (in German)
The comprehensive introduction to video marketing free eBook (in German)
