How a Top Chicago Videographer Executed a Flawless Instructional Video for Target
In the competitive world of e-commerce, clarity is king. For a retail giant like Target, ensuring customers have a seamless experience with their products, from purchase to assembly, is paramount. This is where high-quality instructional videos become an invaluable asset. When Target needed a clear, concise, and on-brand how-to video for their curtain product line, they turned to the creative agency SGK, who in turn partnered with Beverly Boy Productions to bring the vision to life. This case study highlights how our Chicago videographer services team navigated a collaborative production model to deliver a flawless instructional video that met the high standards of a leading national brand.
The Power of Collaboration: A Seamless Agency-Production House Partnership
The success of this project hinged on a powerful and efficient partnership between the creative agency, SGK, and our specialized production team at Beverly Boy Productions. SGK managed the overarching creative strategy, client communication with Target, and all logistical aspects, including providing a professional studio space in Chicago. This allowed our crew to focus entirely on what we do best: technical video production.
Beverly Boy Productions was brought in to provide the core on-set expertise, specifically a Director of Photography (DP) and a Gaffer. This collaborative model is increasingly common for major brands, as it allows them to leverage the strategic oversight of a large agency while benefiting from the focused, technical skill of a seasoned production house. For any brand looking to produce content in the Midwest, finding a Chicago videographer who can seamlessly integrate into this type of workflow is essential for achieving a high-end result without friction. Our ability to act as a flexible, expert partner ensured that SGK could confidently promise and deliver exceptional quality to their client, Target.
From Concept to Reality: The Strategic Storyboarding Process
For an instructional video to be effective, every single frame must serve a purpose. There is no room for ambiguity. The pre-production phase, therefore, was critical. The process began with an initial concept from Target, which was then handed to SGK for creative development. Our role was to refine this concept into a precise, shot-by-shot blueprint. Our storyboard artist, Fernando Servin, worked closely with the SGK creative team to translate their ideas into a visual narrative.
This involved two rigorous rounds of revisions to ensure the final storyboard was not only visually appealing but also perfectly clear from a functional standpoint. We mapped out every camera angle, every movement, and every graphic overlay needed to guide the end-user through the curtain installation process. This meticulous planning is a hallmark of a professional Chicago videographer team. By investing heavily in the storyboarding phase, we eliminated guesswork on set, which maximized our efficiency during the single-day shoot and ensured the final product would be an effective instructional tool.
Executing the Vision: A Professional Studio Shoot in Chicago
With a detailed storyboard approved, the project moved into the production phase at SGK’s studio in Chicago. Our two-person crew, a DP and a Gaffer, handled the complete lighting and camera setup. The schedule was tight: one day for pre-lighting and one day for the shoot itself. In a controlled studio environment, lighting is everything. It dictates the mood, professionalism, and clarity of the final image.
SGK provided a top-tier equipment package, including a Black Magic Pocket 6K camera, which delivers a rich, cinematic image. To achieve the clean, bright, and commercial look that aligns with the Target brand, our Gaffer utilized a sophisticated lighting setup. This included the powerful Aputure LS 1200d and 600d Pro LEDs, shaped by an F10 Fresnel and a Light Dome 150 Softbox. This combination allowed us to create a soft, even light that beautifully illuminated the product without harsh shadows, ensuring every detail was visible. This technical expertise in lighting is a key differentiator that sets a professional Chicago videographer apart. It is the subtle art that elevates a simple how-to video into a piece of polished, branded content.
Polishing the Product: Editing and Post-Production Excellence
The work of a Chicago videographer doesn’t end when the cameras stop rolling. The post-production phase is where the story truly comes together. Our editor, Alex, was tasked with assembling the footage into a cohesive and engaging video, all while keeping the final runtime under one minute. The edit had to be crisp, with each step flowing logically to the next.
Adherence to Target’s strict brand guidelines was non-negotiable. This meant using their specified fonts for all supers (text overlays), selecting colors from their approved palette for light graphics, and choosing a music track that fit their brand’s upbeat and helpful tone. The scope included two rounds of revisions, allowing SGK and Target to provide feedback and ensure the final cut was perfect. This iterative process is crucial for guaranteeing client satisfaction. The final video is a polished, professional, and effective piece of instructional content that seamlessly integrates into the Target customer experience.
Delivering for the Digital Shelf: Multi-Format Video for Modern Retail
In today’s fragmented digital landscape, content must be optimized for every platform it appears on. A one-size-fits-all approach is no longer effective. Recognizing this, a key requirement for this project was the delivery of the final video in two distinct aspect ratios: 12×5 and 1×1.
The 12×5 widescreen version was designed for use on Target’s product pages, where it would sit alongside product images and descriptions. The wider format provides a more cinematic feel and works well on desktop browsers. The 1×1 square version was created specifically for social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where square video is the dominant format. This foresight in delivering multiple formats demonstrates a deep understanding of modern digital marketing needs. A strategic Chicago videographer must think beyond the shoot and consider how the final asset will be deployed, ensuring the client receives maximum value and utility from their investment.
Why Chicago is a Hub for Branded Video Content
This Target project is a prime example of why Chicago has become a major hub for corporate and branded video production. The city boasts a robust ecosystem of creative agencies, world-class studios, and a deep pool of experienced technical talent. Brands are increasingly discovering that they can achieve the same level of quality they might expect from a coastal production hub, but often with greater efficiency and value.
The availability of skilled professionals, from DPs and Gaffers to editors and storyboard artists, makes the city an ideal location for projects of any scale. Whether it’s a complex studio shoot for a retail giant or a run-and-gun documentary-style piece, the infrastructure and talent are here. For any company looking to create high-impact video content, partnering with a local Chicago videographer provides invaluable access to this thriving creative community.
Beverly Boy's Approach: Your Expert Retail Videographer in Chicago
At Beverly Boy Productions, we pride ourselves on our ability to produce high-quality, effective video content for retail and e-commerce brands. We understand that product videos, especially instructional ones, must be more than just beautiful. They must be functional. They are a direct touchpoint with your customer, and their quality reflects on your brand.
Our approach is rooted in technical excellence, collaborative partnership, and a deep understanding of our clients’ business goals. We know how to work within established brand guidelines and can seamlessly integrate with your in-house team or creative agency. If you are looking for a Chicago videographer with proven experience in creating compelling product videos, instructional content, and branded stories, we are ready to help you achieve your goals. Our work with Target and SGK showcases our commitment to quality and our ability to deliver results that meet the standards of the world’s top brands.
