If we pulled together the compliance training budgets of all the biopharma and med device companies in the world, we might have enough money to pay for producing the first 90 seconds of Oppenheimer, winner of this year’s Best Picture Oscar.

But it may not be as expensive as you think  to create a live-action video with an effective and compelling narrative that brings real-world compliance risks to life. With the right planning, you may be able to afford a professional-quality video that makes a significant impact on your learners.

To be clear, we are not talking about a low-budget, DIY solution, like shooting a video on a smartphone. That type of approach can be perfect for a short how-to video, an employee interview, or a simple communication. But to capture a story that has emotional impact and conveys the depth and complexity of a situation often requires a bit more skill and technology.

So how can you create a powerful, story-driven video without breaking the bank? Here are some tips.

Keep it short. Time is money so longer videos cost more than shorter ones. Consider that most scenes in a Hollywood movie only last between 2-3 minutes. That means a 15-minute video can easily contain 5 scenes – more than enough to develop one or two rich story lines or several simpler ones.

Don’t use too many locations. It takes time for a production crew to set up and break down at each location. Cameras, lights, microphones, teleprompters, and other equipment all need to be set up properly for a shoot to go smoothly and produce quality footage. Plus, there’s travel time between locations. Once again, time equals money. The script writer should consider how you can get multiple uses out of just one or two locations.

Consider using a blend of actors and employees. Professional actors will give a convincing performance that will make your story more authentic, but they cost money (though less than you might think). You can save some of that money by reserving the larger roles for professional actors but using your colleagues for supporting parts (think one or two lines). It’s fun to see coworkers in a video, but just be realistic about what you are asking from employee talent.

Have a strong project manager. There are a lot of moving parts and people to keep track of – script reviews, production staff, actors, locations, props, food planning, weather… you get the idea. A good project manager will not only stay on top of things, they’ll be able to find efficiencies that reduce costs.

Be flexible. Things happen. An actor gets sick. A VP stops by and has a brainstorm. An outdoor scene is washed out by rain. Learn to adapt and work with what you have, within reason of course. Here a strong PM can keep the train on the track.

Get the most bang for your buck. Even with the above strategies, a professional video costs money. So, make sure you get the most out of your investment. Reserve professional videos for use with large audiences and high risk topics. Also consider how you can reuse your video. For example, you might show the full video at a large meeting, then reuse small portions of it within a microlearning module or embedded within a communication. You can also use stills from the video. Done well, your video can become a unique component of your training curriculum that helps set the tone for your company’s culture of compliance.

Have fun. While not a low-cost item, it’s worth remembering that creating a high-quality training video can be a fun, creative, and energizing experience for all the team members involved.

These are some basic suggestions, but obviously every project is unique. With over 30 years of experience creating training videos, NXLevel can help you realize your vision without breaking your budget. And instead of helping you raise an Oscar, we can help you lower your compliance risk.

To learn more, contact us at compliance@nxlevelsolutions.com