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It seems like the internet is awash with short videos, from YouTube to Facebook, TikTok to Instagram, and hundreds of newer platforms you've never even heard of... and they say that people these days have the attention span of a gnat - but is it true?I don't think so. While some audiences may get bored after about 30 to 90 seconds, you just need to look a little further to realise that long-form videos still have their place, especially when you're giving out a lot of information that your viewers will be interested in. It's all about the content!This is the first of a series of posts discussing questions you need to consider before you launch into video - and remember, we are here to help!

The BIG questions:

• What is your message? • What is your target market? • What platform will you be using? • What sort of image do you want to project?

Questions of Style:

• Format: Candid… Interview… Speaking to camera… Documentary? • Location: studio… indoors… outdoors?

• Clothing: professional… casual… approachable… formal?

• Are you trying to match a previous style?

• How long should your video be?

Content options:

• Voiceover • Music backing track… If so, what music would be appropriate? • Credits page • Logo… If so, just at the start, the end, or all the way through? • Transitions between scenes... If so, what sort?

Here's an example:

Client: Topline Contracting

Platform: Facebook

Target market: Joe and Jo Public, Topline staff, and Fulton Hogan, the lead contractor

Format: Speaking to camera

Location: Topline yard, Omahu Rd, Hastings, and work sites around Hawke's Bay

Clothing: Work-related

Duration: 3.03 minutes

Content: Quickfire introduction scenes with background yard noise. Voiceover with lots of B-Roll, including drone, to keep it interesting for the audience. No music or transitions. Logo at the end.