What I Learned On Set with Klymit

When you get laid off, you’re either sitting on a mountain of savings or immediately in scarcity mindset. I, unfortunately, was positioned on the latter, so I had to immediately look for gigs. For one of my first gigs, I had the pleasure of working with a video production company called Brute Squad here in Salt Lake City. They needed help organizing information and writing product videos for an outdoor product company called Klymit. It was a fun time to collaborate with them and thought it was a one-shot deal.

Fast forward a month and a half later, they need a PA (Production Assistant for those not in the know) for their actual shoot. I had nothing to do that week so I went for it. Now, I’m not sure if I’m made for a life of being on set, but I did learn a couple of things about Klymit that I found really encouraging.

#1. They were willing to let others lead

Most outdoor brands want to be rugged and aspirational and there’s nothing wrong with that. But Brute Squad had a different idea and wanted to separate Klymit from the competition by making truly entertaining and funny. The Brute Squad had free reign to be as creative as possible while still capturing the essence and use cases for the products. These are going to be videos even the layperson not even remotely interested in outdoor products watch these videos.

#2. They actually had great products

While making the videos, we actually used the products in comparison to competitors. While we didn’t necessarily call out which other brands we were using, but it was clear working with the product that it was actually a better product. I’m not a guy who loves the outdoors (I consider 80 degree weather “hot” and would rather write songs in a cold, dark basement in the summer) but the little I have been camping, I would hate setting up tents and folding up sleeping bags because why do something that feels like a chore for fun, right? But these products made these “chores” feel effortless. I’ll be recommending Klymit’s to my friends, definitely.

#3. Use high production value to your advantage

When you or allow others to make great content that will grab attention and make great product, it’s a winning combination. Even though I’m the first to tell a brand to pick up an iPhone and make “authentic” content, there is value to upping production value to create content that’s attention-grabbing. Brute Squad made elaborate set pieces (THEY MADE A TALKING TREE, GUYS) to add comic flair to the content. If budget allows, look for ways to add value to your content that will have your audiences talking and sharing your video/podcast.

Well, that’s about it for this time! When these videos are finished, I will share them because I think they're going to be great. If you have any questions or comments, or need an opinion of an experienced brand storyteller and content-creator for your brand, leave a comment or fill out the form and we can talk about your brand storytelling needs.

Regards, Matthew Nanes