Why professional (and amateur) actors/actresses are the best choice for corporate videos

In the digital era, where image and communication are key for any company, corporate video has become an essential tool. However, a crucial decision within the production is to choose who will star in that content. Throughout my career I have come across many businesses, which in an attempt to reduce costs or simplify the process, choose to avoid human presence or resort to friends and employees. However, after many years of experience producing corporate videos, I can safely say that having professional actors is undoubtedly the best investment to ensure an effective and quality result
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The impact of the absence of people in a corporate video

It is understandable that some companies consider the possibility of dispensing with actors in their corporate videos, relying solely on images, graphics and voice-over. However, this strategy, although it may seem elegant or minimalist, usually generates a cold and distant product, where it is more difficult to create an affective brand bond.

Human beings connect with other human beings. If a video lacks people, the viewer does not
find an emotional reference point. There is no look to empathize with, no
smile to inspire trust. The possibility of transmitting closeness and authenticity is lost.

In addition, without a face to guide the narrative, the content tends to become monotonous, diminishing the impact and retention of the message.

The mistake of using friends or employees as actors

Many companies use friends or employees to star in their corporate videos, thinking that this saves money and adds an “authentic” touch. In theory, the idea sounds good, and at first I accepted these proposals, but I quickly realized that in practice, it rarely works as expected.

Lax commitment – When a person participates in a professional project without being a professional in the field, their level of commitment is usually lower. Believing they are doing a favor, they are likely to take license with wardrobe, punctuality, or willingness to repeat shots. The “well, this will do” attitude can sabotage the
quality of the final result.
Lack of preparation and experience – Acting is a discipline that requires training. Actors study to project emotions in a natural and believable way in front of the camera, something that is not as easy as it seems. A friend or employee may feel stiff, uncomfortable or overact, generating a forced effect that instead of connecting with the audience, alienates them.
Technical difficulties – Friends or employees do not know how to move in front of the camera, how to project or how to react naturally to directions. A professional actor knows how to work with lighting, camera angles and pauses, which optimizes shooting time and improves the quality of the final result.

Advantages of having actors and actresses

Now that we have identified the problems of not using actors, let’s look at why the right decision is to work with professional actors.

Naturalness and credibility – An actor knows how to convey emotions accurately and naturally. Their training allows them to interpret a message without appearing artificial or over-rehearsed. This is key to building trust and credibility with the audience.
Commitment and professionalism – Unlike friends or employees, actors view their participation as a serious job. They will arrive prepared, adhere to schedules, dress as directed, and follow instructions without unnecessary complaints or improvisation.
Optimization of shooting time – A professional actor reduces the number of takes needed because he or she knows how to project, gesticulate appropriately and adapt to the demands of the production. This allows the shoot to flow more efficiently, saving time and resources.
Greater audience impact – Emotional connection is key in any audiovisual communication. A skilled actor can convey the essence of a brand with a simple gesture or look. This makes the message more memorable and effective. For low-budget projects, having amateur actors may be the best option.

An amateur actor or actress is not the same as a professional actor, but with the right predisposition, the results can be surprising. The key difference lies in training, technique and experience, which allow a professional actor to perform naturally in any environment.

However, an amateur with commitment, discipline and a lot of predisposition can achieve similar results.

Passion, effort and continuous practice are key, achieving a convincing and high quality performance in audiovisual productions, especially in contexts where authenticity is paramount. The biggest advantage is that it will cost a fraction of the budget of a professional.

Conclusion

The corporate video is not only a marketing tool; it is a company’s letter of introduction. The way the message is conveyed influences the public’s perception of the brand. Doing without actors or using friends may seem like a cost-effective solution, but in reality, it may end up costing more in terms of time, effort and final quality.

On the other hand, investing in actors and actresses guarantees a video with greater impact, fluidity and credibility.

Their presence brings naturalness, professionalism and efficiency, ensuring that the message is delivered in the best possible way. At the end of the day, cheap can be expensive, and in the world of visual communication, quality will always be the best investment.