Special Effects Tips at The Manchester College
The past 3rd March, we were lucky to present a keynote on TV advert production and special effects tips at The Manchester College.
Our CEO, Gurmit Samra, and Lead Editor, Harry Dyer, took students through a real-world case study – our BetGoodwin TV advert – breaking down the entire production process from concept to completion.
We explored the growing role of VFX, budget-conscious creativity, and the increasing importance of digital marketing skills across creative industries. Here we present six major takeaways from our keynote, which will help businesses and aspiring creatives navigate the ever-changing landscape of video marketing.
Trends and Insights from Impress Video’s Keynote
1. About digital marketing expertise in creative fields
In today’s world, being talented isn’t enough – you’ve got to be your own champion.
“No matter what you do in today’s digital marketing space – whether you’re a photographer, TV, film, gamer, animator – you need to become your own champion,” says Gurmit, Impress Video’s CEO. Promoting one’s products and services in the digital age is more important than ever.
Building your career isn’t just about honing your craft; it’s about getting seen. That means reaching out to companies, showcasing your work, and proving how you can increase their brand value.
Creative fields are merging more than ever, and the ability to market yourself online is no longer optional – it’s what sets successful professionals apart. Whether it’s through social media, personal branding, or content marketing, having a strong digital presence is the key to unlocking new opportunities.
2. Producing innovative and high-quality videos cost-effectively
Picture this:
- Shooting your video in a location that costs £300, and then use green screen technology
- Or choosing a location that charges you £8,000 for shooting your advert in there.
Which one would you choose?
At Impress Video, we believe creativity thrives within constraints. Gurmit always asks, “How can you work with zero money down?” – because in video production, being resourceful isn’t just a skill, it’s a superpower.
Clients don’t just appreciate cost-effective solutions – they love them. When they see you maximising their budget without cutting corners on quality, they’ll trust you more and keep coming back. Gurmit stated that clients, companies, people, etc. will “snap you up” if you can think in a resourceful, low-cost way.
With today’s tech, from AI-powered editing tools to VFX advancements, you can produce cinematic content without burning through your budget. The key? Smart planning, creative problem-solving, and knowing when to leverage digital tools.
3. The importance of teamwork and collaboration in digital marketing and video production
“Teamwork really does make the dream work,” states Gurmit, recounting how the success of their projects hinges on the collaboration between team members with different specializations.
In Impress video we are characterised by our strong teamwork culture. Every person that forms the team is as valuable and important as any other. This way, we are able to pull through difficult projects, adapting to the changing conditions that they imply.
In essence, you will need collaboration and effective teamwork to succeed in an industry like this, where projects can be complex and multifaceted.
4. Effective social media marketing and promotion
Gurmit advises, “If you don’t want to put your face on there, do the funky dance and all the rest of it, I get it. I hate that stuff. But if you’ve created something, why not share the behind the scenes?”.
We live in a world where everything is filtered through social media. If you go online, you can find pretty much everything in whichever app you are using. So, why not take advantage of it to promote your business?
Essentially, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become powerful tools for businesses to reach their target audience, build brand awareness, and drive engagement.
5. The increasing importance of visual effects (VFX) in video production
Showcasing the use of visual effects to transform a function room into a casino and an empty stadium into a full-capacity arena, Harry Dyer, Impress Video’s Lead Editor, highlights the power of VFX in enhancing video content.
Through his speech, Harry showed how the magic of VFX works. Nowadays, it has become one of the most useful tools for any digital marketing company. Basically, it allows the user to create and add value in an advert or video from the ground up.
In addition, visual effects have become more accessible and sophisticated, allowing for greater creativity and innovation in video production.
6. Flexibility & Problem Solving: The backbone of video production
“Things change throughout the whole process”, Gurmit points out – and that’s the reality of video production and digital marketing. Characters, shots, locations – nothing is ever set in stone, and being able to pivot on the fly is what separates a good production from a great one.
Take our BetGoodwin case study: we didn’t have enough actors to complete the penalty shot scene. Instead of scrapping the idea, Harry came up with a clever fix—filming two actors in different positions and seamlessly stitching it all together in post-production. The result? A flawless final shot that looked exactly as planned.
In a fast-paced and constantly evolving industry, you will find that the ability to adapt to changes and solve problems quickly is crucial for success.
Application of these Insights to Your Business
Digital marketing and video production move fast, with lots of implications, as staying ahead means adapting and innovating. As seen in the BetGoodwin case study, video editing and VFX are game-changers in video marketing, allowing brands to create high-impact content that stands out.
Considering these trends and insights, we hope you have learned in which direction the wind is blowing. That way, you can be able to incorporate these special effects tips to your marketing strategy. Now, it is time to adapt to the ever so changeable market and, hopefully, make your business grow!
Contact Impress Video now
Are you interested in getting started in the world of digital marketing? Do you want to know more about TV advert production? Look no further! Our team at Impress Video specializes in digital marketing and video production. From promotional social media videos to TV adverts, you’ll find what you need here, and we’ll help make it possible. Contact us here!
