What to Do When Branding Video Production Goes Wrong

Branding videos give people a fast and clear way to understand your business. When done right, they make your message stick, bring out your values, and show what makes you unique. But when something goes off-track, the damage can be hard to undo. Instead of grabbing attention, the video might leave people confused or disinterested. And if you've spent time and money to get it made, that's more than a small problem.

Maybe the tone feels off. Or maybe the video looks amateur, your message gets lost, or your brand colours don’t quite match what’s on your website. If you’ve ever watched your own video and winced a little, you’re not alone. Branding video production can go wrong in many ways, but the good news is it can be fixed. Here are some of the most common problems and what to do next.

Common Pitfalls In Branding Video Production

When a branding video isn’t working, it usually comes down to one or more of these issues:

1. Lack of clear messaging

If your video doesn’t say what you do or why it matters, people won’t get it. A branding video should give the viewer clarity, fast. Jargon, vague language, or trying to do too much in one clip can muddy the waters. Think of it like introducing yourself at a busy networking event – you wouldn’t launch into your entire life story before saying your name. The same rule applies on camera.

2. Poor technical quality

This is one of the first things people notice, even if they don’t know much about video production. Bad lighting, echoey sound, or choppy editing makes your video feel rushed or unprofessional. Even a great message gets lost when the visuals or audio make it hard to take in. An example would be filming in a lively pub thinking it’ll feel fun, only to discover during playback that all the important audio got drowned out.

3. Inconsistent branding

If your video doesn’t match the rest of your brand visually or in tone, it's confusing. Using colours that aren’t on your website, the wrong typeface, or music that doesn’t match your company’s feel can throw people off. Your branding should be clear and recognisable every time someone sees your content, whether it’s online or off.

4. Misaligned audience targeting

If you’re making a video for young creatives but the tone feels stiff and corporate, they’ll likely scroll past without a second thought. Different audiences respond to different visuals, scripts, and even background music choices. Getting this wrong means your video gets ignored rather than watched.

5. Overly complex storytelling

Some businesses try to include everything in one video – every feature, every service, and every achievement. The result? A packed, confusing story that’s hard to follow. Viewers don’t stick around to figure it out. Keep it sharp. One video, one message.

Practical Tips For Improving Video Quality

If you’ve spotted problems in your video, the next step is improvement. Here are some good ways to level up your branding videos without starting over from scratch:

- Focus on lighting and sound

Natural light works well, but if you’re filming indoors in Exeter on a grey August afternoon, bring proper lighting. Avoid echo with soft furnishings or record in smaller rooms. Use external microphones if you can.

- Keep branding consistent

Use the same colours, fonts, logo placement, and tone of voice across all content. A brand style guide comes in handy, especially if multiple people are involved in creating the video.

- Stick to one key message

Before hitting record, ask: what’s the one thing someone should take away from this video? Cut out anything that doesn’t support that message.

- Use clear narratives

Start with a hook, build through a short story or example, then end with a takeaway. Structure matters, even short videos should have a beginning, middle, and end.

Do a full review before you film or upload anything. Playing your draft video aloud or showing it to someone outside your team can help catch issues you’d otherwise miss. It’s easier to fix a script than it is to reshoot everything. Good planning saves time and prevents waste later.

Streamlining The Production Process

Once you have the basics of video quality sorted, look at how you plan and execute the production. Having a smooth and efficient process makes a big difference to the end result. It starts with preparation. Before you shoot, take time for scripting and storyboarding. These steps give you a clear roadmap of what the final video should look like. It helps everyone from the team to any outside partners on the same page. You dodge miscommunications and save a ton of time.

Setting up a sensible shoot schedule can also be a game changer. Aim to arrange your filming days to get the most out of your resources. If you’re relying on natural light, plan to shoot in daylight hours. Group scenes by location so you don’t waste time moving equipment around unnecessarily. This way, you make the most efficient use of your shoot days and keep the whole team operating smoothly.

After capturing your footage, focus on post-production. A few basic editing tricks can hide minor slip-ups and elevate your video. Cutting unnecessary footage, sharpening colours, and aligning your audio goes a long way. Add subtitles where possible. They improve accessibility and ensure your message gets across, even if people are viewing in a noisy setting or with the sound off on their device.

Getting Professional Help When Needed

Even with the best intentions and careful planning, there may come a time when you need a bit of outside help. Recognise the signs when DIY isn’t cutting it. If you've gone through the production process and still face challenges with quality or engagement, it might be time to consider reaching out to professional services. Specialised crews who have the right equipment and expertise can make a big difference to your branding video.

Professionals bring fresh perspective and technical know-how. A production team isn’t just cameras and lights. You get experience in directing, storytelling, and editing. They often have access to the latest equipment and software, tools that might be out of reach on your own. Whether it’s setting the mood with just the right lighting, crafting scripts that pop, or fine-tuning the sound design, their skills ensure your project doesn't just meet expectations, it exceeds them.

When working with a team, you'll notice how they don't just film and edit, but guide you on effective strategies and trends, making sure your video stays relevant and engaging. They’ll also help you deal with things like video compliance and licensing, which can often trip up the uninitiated. By leaning on professional services, you streamline your workload and build towards a polished, effective final product.

Making Video Work Harder for Your Brand

Video content remains a meaningful tool for brands looking to connect with their audience directly and with impact. Reflecting on the key elements like clarity, consistency, and quality helps ensure each video delivers value rather than confusion. Getting your branding video right is about more than avoiding common setbacks. It’s about turning each step, from planning to post-production, into a move that works in your favour.

As you look over any recent or upcoming video projects, think about how they’re performing. Are they clear? Are they aligned with your brand? Are they reaching the right people? Video production has a lot of moving parts, but the results are worth the effort when it’s done well. Don’t be afraid to review and refine. Techniques and audience behaviour shift over time—it’s smart to stay flexible.

With thoughtful planning, concise messaging, and the right team behind you when needed, your branding videos can hold attention and leave a lasting impression.

To amplify your brand's reach and create videos that truly resonate with your audience, consider exploring our expertise in branding video production. At EvoMedia, we help you bring your stories to life with professionalism and creativity, enhancing the way your brand communicates. Let us support you in crafting compelling visual content that stands out and engages your target audience effectively.