When a Video Says More Than a Thousand Words .

Since 2022, C-Matrix has been assisting the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) with communications for the St. Gallen highway construction program. Much of the work occurs at night, leading to evening closures. To inform and engage the community about these closures, we produced a video to highlight the project’s progress and impact. Interested in seeing the video? Check out the finished product! For tips on creating an excellent video, read this article.

The A1 is one of Switzerland’s busiest roads, including the St. Gallen freeway, which accommodates tens of thousands of motorists daily. Over 30 years since its opening, this crucial traffic artery for the city and canton now requires refurbishment.

Conveying the Message via Video

How do you communicate complex topics like dynamic traffic, intricate repair work, or challenging road closures in a clear and understandable way? As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. However, in this case, a picture alone doesn’t suffice. The idea to convey the message through a video quickly emerged.

A video offers the best behind-the-scenes look at night closures and the associated repair work. However, it’s not as simple as it sounds. We embarked on an intensive planning phase involving research, meetings, and on-site visits before heading out for a night shoot on a pleasant summer evening in June.

Tips and Tricks

Here are five tips to help you when filming a video:

1. Contact key people early 

A video doesn’t comes together on its own. It’s important to consider early on whose support you’ll need for a successful shoot. This includes the production company, project leadership, and interview subjects. By involving them early, you ensure everyone is present for the shoot and receive valuable input during the preparation phase.

2. Stay in regular communication

Once all the relevant people are on board, it’s essential to include them in the key planning steps. Hold regular meetings to gather the necessary information, assign responsibilities, and address uncertainties.

3. Create a storyboard

As with most projects, planning is key, and that applies to video shoots as well. Work together as a team to create a storyboard that outlines each scene, the spoken text, and the people involved. Visiting the filming locations beforehand can be helpful. You’ll also be thankful for a schedule during the shoot, as videos don’t always need to be shot in chronological order.

4. Be prepared for last-minute changes

You can plan a video shoot down to the last detail, but something can always disrupt your plans. For example, a key person might fall ill, or a storm could make filming impossible. Prepare backup plans by designating substitutes and setting alternative shoot dates.

5. Leave room for spontaneity

You arrive at the shoot with a clear plan, everyone is healthy, and the weather is cooperating. But even then, you don’t need to rigidly stick to your storyboard. You might come across unexpected events or impressive scenes on location. Capture these moments on camera and interview the people involved.

“Walk the talk”

We followed our own advice and produced the following video in collaboration with ASTRA. Roll the film and enjoy!