Creating your own films

Making your own short films can be an effective way of getting across what you want to say about a career in housing and working for your organisation.

Creating your own video content no longer relies on having access to your own communications team (although that can help!). With the rise of TikTok and other platforms, we’re all now used to materials being a bit less polished, while still putting the message across.

Think about what you want to focus on. Is it a general overview or a deeper dive into one role or aspect of working in housing?

What age are they? What’s likely to appeal to them?

Involve people who’ll be confident in front of the camera.

(Prompt questions are fine, and can be edited out afterwards, as long as the person being interviewed incorporates the question in their response.)
Outdoor filming can work well if you have the right sound equipment. Consider whether or not you want to use drone footage (if it’s allowed in your area).

Avoid ‘talking heads’ as they can appear quite static and less natural.

Ask staff to interview each other to make the format less formal.

Keep it short (one minute or less is ideal).

And don’t forget to add sub-titles!

Decide if you want to upload your films to a particular platform or embed them in your website.

Here are some different styles of films created by housing organisations for Scottish Housing Day 2023.

What’s your style?

Albyn Housing Society

Caledonia Housing Association

Perth & Kinross Council

Langstane Housing Association

Remember – you can also use the resource bank of short films created for Your Career in Housing.

Skills Development Scotland has created video materials to help careers advisors’ awareness of housing opportunities.

About Scottish Housing

Getting Started in Scottish Housing

Opportunities in Scottish Housing