Laab Notes Vol 9

High-Quality video is making a comeback...

Remember the days when brands were shelling out six figures for a single video campaign? Then social media in 2017 made it so brands could print money. Promote your latest post and you’ll be guaranteed sales. Then came the rise of user-generated content (UGC) and social-style videos, and suddenly, we were all about quick, scrappy, and relatable content.

But here’s the thing: while both UGC and large-scale/big-budget productions have their place, there’s a new shift on the horizon – high-quality & branded video content is making a serious comeback, but it’s by utilizing nimble and highly effective teams to pull it off.

At FilmLaab, we like to think that we are all about blending style with substance, and that’s why we are excited about video content’s future.

Why High-Quality Video is Back in Style 🎥

1. Cutting Through the Clutter:

Let’s be real – the internet is a noisy place. UGC was great for a while, but everyone’s doing it now, and the bar for standing out keeps getting higher. Gen-Z brands grew from highly engaging iPhone content, but in order to truly compete and set yourself apart, you need to do something different.

Intentional and beautiful video? That’s your ace in the hole. It’s the kind of content that stops people in their tracks, gets them to lean in, and keeps your brand at the top of their minds.

2. Building Trust (and Looking Good While Doing It):

Consumers today can sniff out inauthentic content from a mile away. I like to say that their B.S. radar is finely tuned. I mean, they’ve been advertised and manipulated their entire lives.

High-quality videos tell your audience, “We mean business, and we care about what we’re delivering to you.” It’s like showing up to a first date kitted out in a fit from Aime Leon Dore vs. rocking sweatpants – you’re just going to make a better impression. Sorry to all my athleisure-loving friends.

3. The Best of Both Worlds:

We’re not saying to ditch UGC and social content entirely. The real sauce happens when you have variety. Imagine combining the authenticity of UGC with the polish of high-quality production – that’s where you get content that’s not just engaging but also memorable.

Quality Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune 🤑

A few years ago, a high-quality video might have cost you an arm and a leg (and maybe a small island in the Bahamas). But times have changed. Thanks to better tech and more innovative production processes, you can now get that same cinematic quality without breaking the bank.

At FilmLaab, we’ve mastered the art of delivering top-tier content without the jaw-dropping price tag. Take our work with ZAF – we created a visually stunning campaign that looked like a million bucks but didn’t cost nearly that much. Creativity loves constraint — and no, Phil, this doesn’t mean we will do your rebranding campaign for $3k… sorry.

Why FilmLaab?

What makes us different? We’re not just about making things look good; we’re about telling stories that connect. Whether it’s a quick 30-second spot or a full-blown brand film, a social media post, or a podcast that we produce, we dive deep into the details – why? Because we love what we do, and we want to see you win.

Plus, we handle everything in-house, from the first brainstorming session to the final cut. That means more control, better quality, and the flexibility to work within your budget and timeline.

I’ll just stop talking and leave this video down at the bottom… You’re welcome.

A Word to Creatives

If you’re in the creative world, this shift back to high-quality content is your chance to up your game. It’s not just about making something pretty; it’s about making something that works. The sweet spot? Right at the intersection of art and business. That’s where the real fun begins – and where FilmLaab loves to play.

In Summary…

So, what do you say? Ready to bring high-quality video content back into the mix? We’re here to help you make something that doesn’t just get seen – it gets remembered. And the best part? You won’t have to sell a kidney to do it.

Looking forward to creating something amazing together.

P.S. There’s Something You Should See… 👀

Signing Off: 🫡

Well, if you have made it this far, you’re a real one. We have some new projects in the works and are extremely excited to share it with you all and get the community involved.

Talk soon,