We’re brewing something special for our very first episode of our Leeds Creative Folk Podcast.

Our MD, Paul, kicks things off with Dom Dwight, the Strategy & Innovation Director at Taylors of Harrogate, the home of Yorkshire Tea.

We explore his fascinating career, from journalism to helping lead one of the UK’s most beloved brands. We dive deep into the role creativity plays in brand building, innovation, and leadership and hear Dom’s take on how creative thinking has shaped his career path.

Whether you’re into branding, business, or just curious about the minds behind your favourite brew, this one’s worth a listen.

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Working with a video production agency could be a game-changer if you’re ready to create standout video content.

But we get it – it’s a big investment, and you’ve probably got a few questions first.

We believe in making the process transparent, strategic, and stress-free. Here’s everything you need to know before partnering with a video agency,  straight answers, no fluff.

1. Why hire a video production agency instead of producing video content in-house?

Sure, smartphones and easy editing apps make DIY video possible – but there’s a world of difference between content that’s “good enough” and video that actually builds your brand and delivers results.

Sometimes, in-house content does the job. When you need video that lifts your brand, engages your audience, and delivers real results, that’s where we come in.

Manto brings:

• Strategic storytelling expertise
• High-end production values
• Seamless project management
• Content that delivers results

Working with a professional team saves your staff time, protects your budget from costly mistakes, and delivers results, not just footage.

2. How much does professional video production cost?

Costs can vary depending on the project’s complexity, the number of filming days, locations, cast, and post-production needs.

Most branded video projects start between £3,000 and £15,000. Every quote is tailored to your needs and goals.

No hidden extras. No nasty surprises. Just a clear plan from the first conversation to the final cut.

Before the project begins, all costs are agreed upon and contracts are in place, ensuring complete clarity from day one. We’re flexible too, because we understand that plans can change.

3. How long does it take to produce a video?

Typically, 4–8 weeks from start to finish.
Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Pre-production (2–3 weeks):
  This is where the heavy lifting happens: developing creative ideas, writing scripts, scouting locations, and locking in logistics.
• Production (1–5 days):
  This is where we roll the cameras. Whether a one-day shoot or a multi-location project, we keep it smooth, efficient, and on-brand.
• Post-production (2–4 weeks):
  Editing, motion graphics, sound design, colour grading, you name it, we can do it! Crafting your story into a final video, you can’t wait to share.

Need a faster turnaround?
We get it. Sometimes campaigns move fast. Let’s talk. We can often scale the team or fast-track edits if you’re on a tight deadline. One thing we love is a challenge.

4. What’s included in a full-service video production?

Manto can handle the whole journey:

• Creative concept development
• Pre-production planning (scheduling, casting, location scouting)
• Filming with a professional and friendly crew
• Post-production (editing, graphics, grading, sound)
• Delivery of platform-optimised final videos (for social, web, ads)
  

In short, we take care of the details so you can focus on your marketing strategy.

5. How involved do I need to be during the production process?

You can be as involved as you want!

• Love collaborating? Great – join us for brainstorms, shoots, and edits.
• Prefer to be hands-off? We’ve got you. We’ll keep you updated without involving you in every minor decision.

Our goal is to make you feel informed, empowered, and excited, not overwhelmed.

6. What types of video content work best for brands?

Different goals call for different formats. Some of the most powerful ones we create are:

• Brand videos: Tell your story and connect on an emotional level
• Product videos: Show off what makes your offer irresistible
• Social media videos: Short, sharp, and built for engagement
• Customer testimonials: Real people. Real trust
• Explainers & How-To videos: Educate and add value

Not sure what you need? That’s okay. We’ll help you choose the right formats based on your campaign goals and audience. Take a look at some of our featured work.

7. How do you ensure the video aligns with our brand guidelines?

Trust us. Before any filming starts, we do a deep dive into your:

• Brand voice
• Visual identity
• Target audience

We review your brand books, past campaigns, and tone-of-voice guides. Every frame, colour, and word is crafted to feel unmistakably you, keeping everything consistent, credible, and compelling.

8. What if we need changes after the video is finished?

Feedback is built into our process.

You’ll have the opportunity to review drafts, suggest revisions, and approve the final version.

We’re flexible but also honest – if a change could weaken the video or impact timelines, we’ll explain why and work with you to find the best solution.

Bottom line: We’re not happy until you’re proud to publish.

9. Who will I be working with?

You’ll collaborate directly with our talented team of filmmakers, producers, and creatives. Here’s Manto’s talented team. From concept to delivery, you’ll have a dedicated account manager who’s committed to bringing your vision to life. 

Ready to create brilliant video content?

We harness the power of video to create compelling content for bold brands.

We build on the foundations of strong relationships and boundless creativity to produce work which connects with audiences and tells important stories.

Let’s talk about your next video project. Get in touch.

We’re thrilled to share one of our latest projects. Manto had the opportunity to partner with the Royal Academy of Engineering to produce a dynamic, high-impact video for the Newcastle Enterprise Hub launch.

Watch the Video on YouTube

The goal? To create a visually striking film that illustrates how the Enterprise Hub is empowering businesses in the North East and helping them reach new heights. We wanted to showcase not only the facilities but also the incredible entrepreneur engineers who have benefited from the support, guidance, and networking the Hub provides.

The Challenge

The Royal Academy of Engineering has a responsibility to provide leadership for engineering and technology, as well as technical leadership for wider society. For us, the challenge was to craft a video that reflected both their prestigious reputation, with His Majesty King Charles III as their patron, and the real-world impact they have had through their Enterprise Hub. This video needed to connect with the businesses that are thriving as a result of the Hub’s support, while also capturing the energy and innovation of the region.

Our objective was to create a video that’s not just slick but full of authentic energy, with a mix of personal stories and cutting-edge innovation. We aimed to inspire viewers and demonstrate that the North East is emerging as a significant force in the world of engineering and technology.

The Process

We spent two full-on days shooting to bring this vision to life. We set up five interviews with key entrepreneurs and stakeholders, capturing their insights on how the Hub has helped them grow their businesses. We also shot a ton of b-roll to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the Hub’s facilities and the collaborative atmosphere that fosters success.

The video needed to be fast-paced and high-energy, so we paid attention to every detail: the lighting, the framing, the tone of the interviews — everything was aimed at keeping the viewer engaged while still highlighting the key messages. The result? A video that’s as much about the people and entrepreneurial spirit of the North East as it is about the Royal Academy of Engineering’s role in making that success possible.

Behind the Scenes

Collaborating with the Royal Academy of Engineering was an exciting experience, and we were honoured to work alongside Director of Photography Stephen Melling, whose expertise and vision significantly contributed to shaping the final product. We also had the opportunity to meet some fantastic entrepreneurs — real trailblazers in their respective industries — who are accomplishing incredible things with the Academy’s support. Their passion, creativity, and resilience are exactly what the Newcastle Enterprise Hub is all about, and it was brilliant to bring their stories to life on screen.

We’re proud of how the video turned out and can’t wait for you to watch it! It provides a glimpse into the transformative role the Newcastle Enterprise Hub is playing in the North East’s economic growth, as well as the power of the Royal Academy of Engineering to nurture businesses for the future.

We’re Manto. A video production agency in Leeds. Are you thinking about your next video project? Get in touch. We’d love to chat.

Keen to get started creating video content either for yourself or for a brand but not sure where to start? Keep making videos that just don’t quite cut it?

That’s where our Content Creation Masterclass comes in. Whether you’re unsure how to begin or frustrated that your videos don’t look as polished as you’d like, we’ll give you the tools, techniques, and confidence to create professional-quality content, no matter your experience level.

Book Your Place Manto Content Creation Masterclass – Tickets

Date: 17 September 2025
Times: 09:00  – 16:30
Location: The Village Hotel

Join us for a day of training, hosted by Paul Broadie (MD) at Manto. We’re video experts with years of experience producing video content for some of the UK’s best known brands and we’ll teach you the basics of creating social content using your phone. We’ll talk you through how to get started with ideas and the kinds of content that can work for you. We’ll take you through pre-production; getting yourself ready. We’ll talk you through some kit that might help you and give you advice for production, and we’ll give you an intro to editing showing you some simple techniques which can produce fantastic results.

This is a hands-on course, so please come with the following:

– A phone – with plenty of storage on!
– A laptop – along with a way of transferring files from your phone to a laptop
– Capcut – Please download and install the desktop version on your system before the training day
– A power bank – just in case you run out of battery, you can keep filming on the move
Places are limited to ensure that we can engage with every person attending so book soon to make sure you don’t miss out!

Lunch included! Please let us know any dietary requirements ahead of the event.

Finding My Path in Filmmaking

When I finished school after A-levels, I had no concrete plans for my future. University was an option, but I decided to take some time off to travel around Europe and Southeast Asia. I had no idea that a simple decision – to bring along an old GoPro – would completely change my career trajectory. What started as a way to document my travels became a deep passion for filmmaking.

After consuming YouTube’s filmmaking knowledge, I began taking small freelance gigs, initially making wedding films and eventually working with brands. Freelancing was an incredible learning experience, but I soon realised I had hit a ceiling. I craved collaboration and the chance to work with a team on larger-scale productions. That’s when I joined Manto Films in the summer of 2021.

Over the years, I honed my skills as a video producer, eventually stepping into the role of Director of Photography for our more significant projects and leading the cinematography development within the team. Looking back, I feel a mixture of pride and imposter syndrome. But one thing I’m sure of is that I’m grateful I picked up that old GoPro.

Watch the video.

The Importance of Manto’s Test Projects

Manto’s Test Projects allow every team member to develop a passion project and push themselves creatively in a lower-pressure environment. These projects will enable us to experiment, make mistakes, and grow as filmmakers. They’re essential in keeping us sharp, innovative, and inspired.

The Birth of Road to Ultra

I wanted to push myself outside my comfort zone when deciding on my test project. Documentary filmmaking was an area I had little experience in, and I saw this as the perfect chance to explore it. Around the same time, one of my best mates, Charlie Kay, mentioned he was thinking about signing up for his first ultra-marathon. That’s when everything clicked, and Road to Ultra was born.

My goal was to tell the story of what it takes to reach the starting line of an ultra-marathon rather than focusing solely on the race itself. I wanted to explore the mental and physical battles leading up to such a challenge, capturing the highs and lows. The story would unfold organically as we documented Charlie’s journey over the next 10 months.

The Filmmaking Process

Road to Ultra was a long-term project with 12 shoot days over 10 months. I edited as I went along, allowing the story to develop naturally. This approach made the process incredibly rewarding, as it felt like I was experiencing the journey in real-time alongside Charlie.

Since the documentary runs over 20 minutes, I wanted to ensure the storytelling had variation and clear chapters. I used different editing techniques to build energy and anticipation while also slowing things down when needed to emphasise emotional moments. High-frame-rate shots added impact to key scenes, creating a dynamic visual experience.

Overcoming Challenges in Production

One of the biggest technical challenges was keeping up with Charlie during his long training runs. Often, this meant running alongside him with an entire camera rig on a gimbal—sometimes for up to 10km. It was physically demanding, but it also improved my fitness along the way!

A standout shoot day was when we ran part of the race route together over Blencathra. We got lost in the fells and ran 21km over four hours. It was an unforgettable adventure, and the fact that we captured stunning footage was just a bonus.

Collaboration with Charlie Kay

Charlie was an absolute dream subject. He was open, collaborative, and always willing to share his thoughts and ideas. Since I was producing this documentary solo, having Charlie as a sounding board was invaluable. Our collaboration resulted in many of the final shot ideas and scenes.

Behind the Scenes: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Filming Road to Ultra was filled with adventure and excitement. From shooting out of the back of a moving car along the west coast of Scotland to wading through rivers in the Lake District, there was never a dull moment. Every shoot felt like a micro-adventure, and the entire process was fun.

What I Hope Audiences Take Away

At its core, Road to Ultra is about resilience and the mental approach to overcoming challenges. I hope viewers find inspiration in Charlie’s journey and apply that mindset to their own lives—whether it’s in running or any other personal challenge they face.

Manto’s Test Projects allow us to take risks, grow, and refine our craft, and Road to Ultra was the perfect example for me. It was an incredible experience that pushed me in new creative directions, and I can’t wait to take on the next challenge.

If you haven’t seen Road to Ultra yet, I’d love for you to check it out and let me know what you think!

Manto is a full-service video production company in Leeds. If you’re considering your next video project, contact us!

Finding My Path in Filmmaking

When I finished school after A-levels, I had no concrete plans for my future. University was an option, but I decided to take some time off to travel around Europe and Southeast Asia. I had no idea that a simple decision – to bring along an old GoPro – would completely change my career trajectory. What started as a way to document my travels became a deep passion for filmmaking.

After consuming YouTube’s filmmaking knowledge, I began taking small freelance gigs, initially making wedding films and eventually working with brands. Freelancing was an incredible learning experience, but I soon realised I had hit a ceiling. I craved collaboration and the chance to work with a team on larger-scale productions. That’s when I joined Manto Films in the summer of 2021.

Over the years, I honed my skills as a video producer, eventually stepping into the role of Director of Photography for our more significant projects and leading the cinematography development within the team. Looking back, I feel a mixture of pride and imposter syndrome. But one thing I’m sure of is that I’m grateful I picked up that old GoPro.

Watch the video.

The Importance of Manto’s Test Projects

Manto’s Test Projects allow every team member to develop a passion project and push themselves creatively in a lower-pressure environment. These projects will enable us to experiment, make mistakes, and grow as filmmakers. They’re essential in keeping us sharp, innovative, and inspired.

The Birth of Road to Ultra

I wanted to push myself outside my comfort zone when deciding on my test project. Documentary filmmaking was an area I had little experience in, and I saw this as the perfect chance to explore it. Around the same time, one of my best mates, Charlie Kay, mentioned he was thinking about signing up for his first ultra-marathon. That’s when everything clicked, and Road to Ultra was born.

My goal was to tell the story of what it takes to reach the starting line of an ultra-marathon rather than focusing solely on the race itself. I wanted to explore the mental and physical battles leading up to such a challenge, capturing the highs and lows. The story would unfold organically as we documented Charlie’s journey over the next 10 months.

The Filmmaking Process

Road to Ultra was a long-term project with 12 shoot days over 10 months. I edited as I went along, allowing the story to develop naturally. This approach made the process incredibly rewarding, as it felt like I was experiencing the journey in real-time alongside Charlie.

Since the documentary runs over 20 minutes, I wanted to ensure the storytelling had variation and clear chapters. I used different editing techniques to build energy and anticipation while also slowing things down when needed to emphasise emotional moments. High-frame-rate shots added impact to key scenes, creating a dynamic visual experience.

Overcoming Challenges in Production

One of the biggest technical challenges was keeping up with Charlie during his long training runs. Often, this meant running alongside him with an entire camera rig on a gimbal—sometimes for up to 10km. It was physically demanding, but it also improved my fitness along the way!

A standout shoot day was when we ran part of the race route together over Blencathra. We got lost in the fells and ran 21km over four hours. It was an unforgettable adventure, and the fact that we captured stunning footage was just a bonus.

Collaboration with Charlie Kay

Charlie was an absolute dream subject. He was open, collaborative, and always willing to share his thoughts and ideas. Since I was producing this documentary solo, having Charlie as a sounding board was invaluable. Our collaboration resulted in many of the final shot ideas and scenes.

Behind the Scenes: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Filming Road to Ultra was filled with adventure and excitement. From shooting out of the back of a moving car along the west coast of Scotland to wading through rivers in the Lake District, there was never a dull moment. Every shoot felt like a micro-adventure, and the entire process was fun.

What I Hope Audiences Take Away

At its core, Road to Ultra is about resilience and the mental approach to overcoming challenges. I hope viewers find inspiration in Charlie’s journey and apply that mindset to their own lives—whether it’s in running or any other personal challenge they face.

Manto’s Test Projects allow us to take risks, grow, and refine our craft, and Road to Ultra was the perfect example for me. It was an incredible experience that pushed me in new creative directions, and I can’t wait to take on the next challenge.

If you haven’t seen Road to Ultra yet, I’d love for you to check it out and let me know what you think!

Manto is a full-service video production company in Leeds. If you’re considering your next video project, contact us!

Ahead of International Women’s Day, we’re taking a moment to shine a light on the awesome women in our industry, and those who are part of our team. This year’s theme is ‘Accelerate Action’.

Storytelling is what we’re all about, and these incredible women play a huge role in shaping the stories we bring to life on screen. From breaking barriers and inspiring change, these ladies are making their mark in the creative world.

Women Power in Film & Production

While we’ve come a long way, we all know that there’s still work to do in achieving true gender equality in the film industry. Manto is committed to creating a space where women thrive and where their voices, creativity, and leadership shine in every corner of our production process.

Meet the Women of Manto Films

We’re super proud of the talented women in our team who are the driving force behind many of our projects. They bring their expertise, vision, and passion to everything they do, from leading operations to filmmaking, project management to motion design and editing. Hats off to:

• Charlotte – Operations Director
• Sophie – Studio Manager
• Laura – Video Producer/Creative Lead
• Charlotte – Editor/Motion Designer

Celebrating Women’s Stories

Through our work, we are privileged to bring women’s stories to life, whether in brand campaigns, documentaries, interviews, or beyond. Video is one of the most powerful ways to challenge norms, highlight diverse perspectives, and showcase the creativity of women worldwide.

How can you help to Accelerate Action?

We’re celebrating not just the amazing women at Manto Films but all the trailblazers in the industry who are making a difference. We stand for equality, representation, and empowerment in film, and we’re dedicated to creating content that uplifts and inspires. 

Let’s open up the dialogue by challenging discrimination in the industry and celebrating women’s successes. Women’s ability to tell their stories isn’t just liberating; it allows everyone’s voice to be heard.

Here’s to the women in film – past, present, and future. 

We’re Manto, a full-service video production agency in Leeds. If you have a video project we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch.

Vintage Cash Cow had a clear creative brief in mind when this project came to us. Their new web series on YouTube was aimed at a specific demographic of potential customers to foster engagement with the brand through an entertaining format. At the heart of the videos were the children’s reactions to an exciting collection of vintage items, paired with the informative guidance of the ‘Grandma’ character, which brought an intergenerational theme to the client’s vision.

Watch the video

Pre-Production

We wanted authentic reactions from the children, so casting was crucial. We auditioned children to assemble a diverse group with strong personalities that worked well together on screen.

To bring the creative vision to life, we designed and built the entire set in-house to mimic a curated yet cluttered antique shop filled with vintage treasures. The aim was to create an inviting, nostalgic atmosphere combining a sense of wonder and familiarity. This was a true team effort, from the woodworkers who built the flats to the stylist who carefully curated the props and dressed the set. Every detail was chosen to enhance the storytelling and authenticity.

Production

Filming took place in our studio, giving us complete control over lighting, sound, and set blocking. Working with children presented its challenges and rewards. Their natural energy and spontaneity brought undeniable magic to the production but also required flexibility and patience. We worked in short, engaging bursts to keep the children focused and comfortable, ensuring their reactions remained authentic and unscripted.

The structure of the episode closely followed the creative brief. We began with an opening hook, capturing the children’s curiosity before seeing the vintage object. From there, we filmed their initial reactions, introduced the ‘Grandma’ character to contextualise the item, and concluded with a moment of reflection as the children explored the history and significance of what they had seen.

Post-Production

In editing, the focus was on pacing and storytelling. The client’s brief emphasised the importance of creating an emotional arc, so we carefully selected moments that showcased the children’s wonder, humour, and thoughtful observations. Music played a key role in setting the tone, alternating between playful and nostalgic to reflect the transitions in the narrative—a tone that felt quintessentially British. Our graphic designer, Charlotte, created unique graphics that complemented the theme of the videos.

We also crafted shorter cut-downs for social media, optimising them to capture attention within the first few seconds. These edits retained the heart of the episode while catering to a fast-paced online audience.

Final Thoughts

Filming in-house allowed us to keep the process collaborative and efficient while ensuring that every detail aligned with the client’s vision. The children’s authentic reactions and the timeless charm of the vintage items combined to create a series that resonates across generations. Watch out for Episode 2—coming soon!

Manto is a video production agency based in Leeds. We make boundless videos for bold brands. If you have a video project, get in touch. We’d love to help.

You’ve rung in the New Year, it’s back to work, and you don’t want your business lost in the digital noise. With content everywhere – on social media, in ads, and across blogs – it’s easy to feel like you’re just one more voice in the crowd. But here’s the good news: video marketing is your ticket to cutting through the clutter and genuinely connecting with your audience. If you’re in Leeds, partnering with a local video agency can give your business the edge to stand out.

At Manto, we build on the foundations of strong relationships and boundless creativity to produce work which connects with audiences and tells important stories.

The Power of Video Marketing

Let’s talk about why video works so well. First off, it grabs attention. People can’t resist a good video. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at your business, a product demo, or a heartfelt customer testimonial, video is a super engaging way to make your brand more memorable. It’s personal and fun and helps your audience connect with your business on a deeper level.

But that’s not all; search engines love video too. If you’re looking to boost your website’s visibility, adding video to your site is one of the best ways. Not only will it increase engagement, but it can also improve your search rankings, drive more traffic, and lead to more conversions. It’s a win-win for your business.

Why Choose a Video Agency in Leeds?

Okay, now that we’ve covered how powerful video can be, let’s talk about why working with Manto – a local video agency in Leeds, is such a smart move. Trust us, there are some brilliant benefits to keeping things local.

Local Expertise: When you work with Manto, you’re teaming up with a crew that knows Leeds (and Yorkshire) like the back of our hand. We get the people, the culture, and the unique challenges businesses face in the region. This deep local knowledge lets us create videos that truly resonate with your audience. We’ve had the privilege of working with top regional brands like Yorkshire Tea, Bettys and Leeds City Council, so we know exactly what it takes to make a meaningful connection with Yorkshire audiences.

Tailored Strategies: The best part about working with a local video agency like us? Everything is tailored to your business. We take the time to get to know your goals, your brand, and who you’re trying to reach. Whether you’re a fresh startup or an established business, we’ll make sure your video marketing plan is spot-on and perfectly aligned with your objectives.

Personalised Service: At a local agency, you’re not just another client. You’re our partner. We get to know you and your business, and you’ll have a dedicated video expert team working alongside you every step of the way. Regular check-ins, brainstorming sessions, and ongoing collaboration are all part of the package. Plus, being local means communication is quick and easy. We’d love to see you for a cuppa at our HQ in Leeds.

Cost-Effective: Think working with a local agency like Manto is going to break the bank? Think again. We offer more cost-effective solutions than larger national firms, especially when you factor in travel and logistics. With us, you get high-quality, professional videos at a price that’s easier on your budget – and without any extra costs you’d get from bigger agencies.

What Services Does a Video Agency Offer?

A great video agency doesn’t just make videos – we offer a full suite of services to ensure your video marketing is successful. Here’s what you can expect:

Pre-Production

Before the camera starts rolling, a lot of preparation needs to take place. This is so we can establish precisely what it is you wish to achieve from the video and make sure we can deliver accordingly.

Production

When it comes to the day(s) of filming, we understand that it can be daunting, but we believe in making the shoot day as fun as possible for all. Ultimately everyone enjoying the shoot will result in a better video.

Post-Production

The post-production process is where the video comes to life. There are many different elements to this stage, including voice-over, music, editing style and grading that really give the project energy.

We’ve got you covered so you don’t have to juggle it all yourself.

Working with a video agency in Leeds is a smart move if you want to truly engage with your audience. With local expertise, tailored strategies, and a personal touch, Manto can help you make the most of your video marketing and try something new.

Ready to get started with video?

We harness the power of video to create compelling content for bold brands. Let’s chat! 

Online video content has always ridden the wave of ever-shifting trends, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different. Adapt or die is a cheery little mantra that rings as true in video town as anywhere in marketing land. But here’s the thing: this year isn’t just about chasing trends, it’s about making smarter, more intentional choices with your video content strategy.

The Long and Short of It

For me, this is the big headline: longer-form video content is making a comeback. Yep, despite all the noise around shrinking attention spans and dopamine-fueled scrolling marathons, longer videos are carving out a meaningful place in the content mix. Why? It’s simple: people crave depth. Platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and even TikTok (yes, actual TikTok!) are seeing growing engagement on longer content because it delivers something short clips often don’t: substance.

This isn’t to say that short-form video is dead. Quite the opposite, it remains the undefeated champ for grabbing eyeballs. But here’s the kicker: when it comes to fostering true connection, longer videos hold the crown. They offer space to tell richer stories, dive into nuance, and build trust in a way that snackable content just can’t.

For brands, this means rethinking metrics. Chasing high view counts and viral moments is great for reach, but are those quick views translating into meaningful engagement? We need to recognise that sometimes there’s a lot more power in quality of engagement than in sheer quantity. Imagine this: instead of 100,000 passive views, you create a 10-minute video that drives a few thousand deep connections with people who actually care about your message.

Using All the Tools in your Shed

The key to using video well in 2025 isn’t about picking a lane; it’s about playing to each format’s strengths. Short-form videos remain your secret weapon for stopping the scroll and hooking your audience. But once you have their attention, what’s next? That’s where longer-form content comes into its own; allowing you to take them on a journey and deepen the connection.

The best campaigns we’re seeing—and love being a part of—use a mix of punchy, high-energy clips to draw audiences in and thoughtful, longer narratives to hold them there. It’s not about one or the other; it’s about creating a blend of content that works together.

Authenticity is the Buzzword (Still!)

Every marketing trend list mentions authenticity; and for good reason. If you can convey a genuine impression of who you are and what you’re about, that will stand out in a world of filtered or manufactured reality. It’s about aligning your brand’s values with your storytelling. Viewers are smarter than ever, and they can spot a disingenuous sales pitch from a mile away.

Longer videos offer the perfect canvas for authenticity. Brand stories, behind-the-scenes content, customer success stories, or thought leadership pieces that show off your expertise without the hard sell. It seems like this approach might not just be a “nice to have” anymore, it could be the best way of making you stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

Why This Matters for You

For brands and creators, 2025 is a golden opportunity to rethink how video fits into your strategy. Balancing the mix of shorter and longer-form video isn’t just a fleeting trend, it’s an opportunity to harness a powerful tool to achieve tangible results. It’s a crowded space out there and it’s easy to get drowned out so let’s use the right tool for the job and make good stuff which people will care about.

P.s. If you have an upcoming video project, get in touch. We’d love to chat.

When the Richard Shephard Music Foundation (RSMF) invited us to collaborate, we saw an opportunity to create more than just another charity video—we wanted to craft a story. RSMF is on a mission to bring the experience and enjoyment of music to children and young people in Yorkshire and beyond. We know how important music is in transforming people’s lives.

We created ‘Music is a Key’ to launch their Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign (running 3-10 December), which aims to raise £15,000.

Watch the video.

The Vision

At the heart of the video is an original spoken word poem, Music is a Key. This piece explores music’s profound role in children’s lives—enhancing emotional, academic, and social development while unlocking creativity and self-expression. The poem serves as the video’s voiceover, setting the tone for a narrative designed to connect with viewers emotionally and link them directly to RSMF’s vital work.

Pre-Production

Our approach balanced vibrant energy with a focus on RSMF’s authority and mission. We carefully planned every shot:

• Children fully immersed in music
• Hands strumming, drumming, and creating melodies
• Playful smiles and intimate portraits

The footage is a big celebration, showcasing kids having fun in musical activities to highlight the charity’s tangible impact.

Production

We partnered with a Yorkshire primary school to film children playing their favourite instruments in a relaxed, mini-studio setup. The goal? To capture genuine joy and creativity. Minimal direction ensured the children’s natural enthusiasm shone through.

Post-Production

Editing transformed hours of footage into a cohesive, heartfelt story. Key highlights included:

• Individual and group moments showcasing the children’s connection to music
• Joyful expressions of creativity and fun
• A playful tone enhanced by colourful, doodle-style graphics, in line with RSMF’s branding

Through music, RSMF is transforming lives—and we’re honoured to help share that story.

We’d love to chat if you want to kick-start your video project. Get in touch.

We are happy to interview and share a recent ‘test project’ by one of video producers at Manto, Laura Clark. She has been working on this short doc since Spring 2023 and is over the moon to finally share it. Its had over 68k views on YouTube alone and we couldn’t be any more proud.

This film is a story of fifth-generation forester, Marcus Tribe, one of the UK’s last woodsmen. He lives in his wooden yurt on a six-acre woodland and has spent over 20 years preserving the land and living self-sufficiently. Now 65 years of age and in a time where the Earth is in a global climate crisis, he wishes to share his lifetime of knowledge in hope of inspiring younger generations to reconnect with the land.

Watch Wildfolk on YouTube

Can you tell us about your background in videography and when you started working for Manto?

I’ve always loved capturing video since I was a child, from filming summer holidays, photographing flowers to creating videos of my friends and I pretending to be newsreaders! I really began to be passionate about filmmaking at A-levels when I first watched Goodfellas and Gravity and then went on to study film and photography at university. I started working for Manto at the beginning of 2022 when I first joined on a 6 month contract with the Kickstarter Scheme. From there I’ve developed into a video producer, being involved in a huge variety of video projects… 11-year-old me would be pretty jealous!

What inspired you to create the film “Wild Folk,” and what message were you hoping to convey through it?

I was keen to create a nature-led short doc for a while, being inspired by filmmakers such as Joya Berrow, Alex Lockwood and Alice Aedy. Then my boyfriend was working on a rewilding site in Devon where he met Marcus Tribe, the star of Wild Folk. When I first met Marcus, I was mesmerised by his innate knowledge of his local environment. He was a man full of wisdom about plants, mushrooms, animals and believed that humans have lost their connection to land. I had recently read Lucy Jones’ book ‘Losing Eden’ which delved into similar topics of nature disconnection and felt I wanted to inspire folks to reconnect with their local flora and fauna through Marcus’ inspiring and humble passion.

Can you walk us through the process of creating “Wild Folk,” from concept development to final production?

When I had first met Marcus about 6 months before production, I had captured a few shots of him giving us a tour of his woodland. His passion for inspiring younger folks to learn ‘woodland wisdom’ helped focus the content when I was planning the interview questions for the shoot. I created a detailed storyboard with a wish list of shots I wanted to capture. I knew I’d only have 1 day of shooting, so time was of the essence! It was also over 200 miles away in rural Devon so a precise kit list was pretty important too.

The film features stunning visuals and a powerful narrative. How did you approach the storytelling and visual design to evoke emotion and connect with the audience?

To evoke that emotion, you need to frame the interview questions around personal emotions. E.g. ‘how does it feel to wake up in the woodland’ and ‘how did the controversy around you initially owning the land make you feel’ and so on. There are a wealth of films out there about climate breakdown, so I really wanted to focus on Marcus’ contagious optimism. Coined by Joanna Macy, ‘active hope’ was a term I came across after shooting, and I think it really encapsulates Marcus’ non-preachy views, which engages a wider audience. The visuals were secondary to the story and filming solo was limiting, but it meant I had total creative control and consistency of what this looked like. The unintentional (!) wobbly camera shakes, nostalgic and ‘wild’ feel to the film came authentically and I just continued to lean into this when editing and colour-grading as I found it suited the tone of who Marcus is.

What were some of the technical challenges you faced during the production of “Wild Folk,” and how did you overcome them?

We only had a day of filming on a cloudy day in early April and I remember losing the light pretty quickly. I was really keen to get the drone up to show the contrast between Marcus’ woodland and the surrounding industrial agricultural land. This was my second time using the drone so I was a tad nervous considering the cloud was very low… the shots came out pretty grainy but I think they lean quite well into the rustic tone of the film.

Collaboration is often key in filmmaking. Can you tell us about your collaboration with Marcus Tribe, and how you worked together to bring the vision of “Wild Folk” to life?

I was sitting with Marcus, my boyfriend and a local rewilder in his yurt over warm vegetable soup and fresh lemon balm tea when I learnt that Marcus had always been keen to capture his knowledge in some form. He was initially planning a book but when I approached him with the visual idea of a film, that enticed him. I think having a good relationship with who you are interviewing before you put a camera in their face is really important to achieving authentic results. You don’t want to seem like you’re ‘extracting’ from them but rather the film is a collaboration between filmmaker and subject. Even after filming, I caught a few extra shots in woodlands in Yorkshire, checking in with Marcus that the wildlife I was capturing would be native to his woodland to further achieve that authenticity.

Wild Folk has received widespread acclaim and recognition (over 67k views to date). What has been the most rewarding aspect of creating this film for you personally?

Honestly, I was super nervous for Marcus to first see the film. But when his daughter told me they surprised him and the rest of their family with a screening of the film on Christmas Day, (and it was well received!) I knew I had peaked. Of course the recognition from the lovely rewilding community on YouTube has been amazing, but knowing his family have this film as a time capsule to look back on in the future, is the most precious thing.

What was it like behind the scenes?

Emotional! The interview lasted nearly 2 hours, we danced around an array of conversation topics and we all became quite emotional at points. Just listening to Marcus’ humour, knowledge and deep compassion so intensely was awe-inspiring. We all learnt a lot about woodland management when walking round the land, from mice species, to foraging tips, to what trees grow best on a wet woodland.

Can you share any upcoming projects or future aspirations in your videography career?

I have actually just submitted Wild Folk to the streaming website WaterBear in hope of reaching a younger audience, so look out for its release on August 15th! I’m hoping to continue researching and planning a longer form documentary in the rewilding space focused more localling in Yorkshire in reconnecting children with nature… keep your eyes peeled!

Do you have any advice for aspiring videographers or animators who are looking to pursue a career in the industry?

It sounds cliche but make films about what you love. If you have a passion for a subject, person, time-period or how much you love peanut butter on toast, research the hell out of it and make a film about it. Seriously, that passion will come through the lens and achieve more authentic results. There is SO much noisy content out there but if you create something that comes from your genuine voice, just know that it’s never been done before.

Visit the Manto Collective channel on YouTube to see more test projects from the team.